I’m a sucker for an underdog story. Movies like ROCKY always
get to me. I find myself cheering along the hero of the film in the hopes that
they will achieve their dream, that they will win, that they will become larger
than life. EDDIE THE EAGLE is that type of film. Based on a true story it’s not
about what ski jumper Eddie Edwards achieved but more about the journey he had
to get there.
As a young boy Eddie Edwards dreamed of being in the
Olympics. Saddled with physical issues he fails to succeed at track and field
events. This leads him to attempt something else, downhill skiing. He develops
into a good skier but snobbish representatives of for Great Britain look down
on his social status and don’t allow him a spot on the team. Determined to
enter the Olympics one way or another he sets his sights on a different goal,
that of ski jumper.
This should make things easier as Great Britain doesn’t have
a team in this event. Except for the fact that Eddie has never ski jumped
before. Ever. But through his determination he finds his way to a training
facility in Germany and starts off on the smaller jumps. Ridiculed by the other
Olympic jumpers he gets help from a woman who owns the restaurant near the
hill. She allows him to stay there, to work for her and then guides him to
someone who could help him achieve his goals. Except that the man wants nothing
to do with the idea.
Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) was once one of the top jumpers
on the American team when he was in his 20s. A disagreement with his
mentor/coach Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken) led to his leaving the team as
well as his Olympic dreams behind. Resentful, disheartened and unlikeable Peary
now runs the jumps and grooms the snow on the slopes. Determined to get his
help Eddie continues to pressure him threatening to jump without his guidance
which he does. Seeing his determination, his spirit and how the other jumpers
try and humiliate him, Peary finally agrees.
Eddie gets better and
is about to be added to Great Britain’s list of attendees until the same snooty
team official who ousted him early on has them change the rules for him to
qualify. Unwilling to bend or play by their rules Edwards and Peary enter
another competition for him to qualify. While on the verge of not making it he
eventually finds himself qualified and off to the Olympics.
If you know the results of what happened it won’t make a
difference. If you don’t I won’t tell you here. For Eddie Edwards his goal was
to simply be a part of something larger than himself, a childhood dream of
being in the Olympics and representing not only his country but himself as
well. His enthusiasm, his determination and his passion are what make his
character so loveable and inspiring. His story is one that all should hear and
see.
The movie is exceptionally well made with breathtaking
cinematography that puts you right in the shoes of Eddie as he jumps. The
acting is amazing with a nearly unrecognizable Taron Egerton as Eddie. He looks
nothing like he did in KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE from 2 years ago. He
breathes life into Eddie here rather than make him a cardboard cutout of a man.
Jackman takes on the role of sideman here instead of grabbing the spotlight and
in so doing displays what a terrific actor he is in the process. At a point in
his career where he can take the lead role easily he shows what a true
supporting actor can accomplish.
The story of Eddie Edwards is an inspiration. I defy anyone to put this movie into their DVD player and not find themselves cheering him on by the films end. Win, lose or draw when the final competition arrives (I told you I wouldn’t reveal the ending) doesn’t matter. His story of finding a place for himself in the history books about the Olympics is more than enough. The movie entertains, enlightens and leaves you with a smile on your face. Overlooked when it arrived in theaters now is the chance for this film to be discovered. It deserves that.
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