Eddie the Eagle
An easygoing and inspiring watch
It may be a typical underdog tale but this one does flap and ultimately soar like an eagle thanks to a persistent and likable figure to root for, motivational music and neat directing to round everything off with a great landing.
Based on the real life Eddie Edwards, this movie follows Eddie (Taron Egerton) as he refuses to give up on his dream of becoming an Olympian. Travelling to Germany to practice ski-jumping he meets Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) a former jumper who helps Edwards hone his technique; even if the upcoming 1988 Winter Olympics may see him out of his depth, they won’t stop trying.
I think everywhere, but especially so in Great Britain, we love a tryer. Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is that tryer, and though he finished last, he set British records and showed that following your dream is the way forward. I’m glad this film came about because in a way, despite all the cliches, it’s an inspiring story.
Dexter Fletcher directs this movie in the way you’d expect for a sporting and underdog narrative but there’s an undeniable energy and frightening feel to the build up to the increasing heights of each jump. Fletcher manages to make the film feel sweet; we care for Eddie, but he also makes sure there’s the classic English love of laughing at the fall guy, so we’re always on both sides of the man, which triumphs.
Sean Macaulay’s screenplay may gloss over more of the unorthodox looks of Eddie’s jumps, and why invent Bronson Peary too; why create a coach when he had two anyway? Though, saying this, it is a compact story that sticks true to that British, almost Billy Elliot like tone in having us follow someone out of the crowd wanting to do their thing.
Taron Egerton may as well be Eddie, because once he’s donned the thick glasses and sported a nasty moustache, he looks spot on. Then there’s his brilliant facial movements, squinting and gurning. Egerton’s delivery works so well in making Eddie appear like a fool, yet one we can’t help but idolise. Hugh Jackman steps into the boots of a past athlete, mostly being Jackman but also the supportive talent to Egerton’s spotlight.
Not being afraid to be very British, this film works wonders, skiing past the clichéd storytelling and lifting off to endearing heights, making this an easygoing and inspiring watch.
7.5/10
