Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Dir: Dexter Fletcher
Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman
Plot Summary
The true story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, an ambitious young man who defies the odds to become Britain’s first ski jumper in 50 years, earning him an unlikely place in the 1988 Winter Olympics and transforming him into a national hero.
Plot Synopsis
As a child, Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) dreams of becoming an Olympian. Encouraged by his supportive mother and discouraged by his father, Eddie’s passion for sports persists through his youth. By his late teens, Eddie shifts his focus to the Winter Olympics and finds success as a skier. However, despite his achievements, he’s cut from the national team, allegedly due to his working-class roots. Undeterred, Eddie sets his sights on ski jumping, an event Britain hasn’t participated in for over 50 years. He heads to Germany to train, where he faces ridicule but refuses to give up.
Despite limited resources and training, Eddie successfully competes in the 15m hill competition, but his first attempt at the 40m hill results in an injury. It is here that he meets Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), a washed-up former American ski jumper who works as a snow groomer. Initially reluctant to help, Peary eventually agrees to coach Eddie, hoping to prevent him from further injury. As Eddie strives to qualify for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, he faces new challenges, including changes in the qualification rules meant to keep him out. Despite these hurdles, Eddie’s determination and Peary’s coaching ensure his place in the games. Though Eddie is not expected to win, he wins the hearts of people around the world, proving that sometimes, the greatest victory is simply participating.
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed Eddie the Eagle, a heartwarming and engaging film from director Dexter Fletcher. Although it is a dramatized retelling of a true story, the film feels grounded in reality and largely stays true to the events. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Bronson Peary is a composite character, but he is portrayed with just the right touch, avoiding any over-the-top clichés. Taron Egerton, best known for his role in Kingsman, delivers a sincere and impressive performance as Eddie, capturing the essence of a character who’s completely different from his previous work.
The film moves at a brisk pace, clocking in at 105 minutes, with enough depth to maintain interest while progressing the narrative of the classic underdog story. As mentioned in Jonathan Romney’s Guardian review, all the familiar elements are here: the doting mother, the disapproving father (Keith Allen’s understated performance), the washed-up mentor, and even the pantomime villain, embodied by Tim McInnery.
A touch of nostalgia might play a part in my enjoyment of the film, as I remember the real Eddie Edwards and his antics during the 1988 Games. For those unfamiliar with the backstory, it’s hard to say whether the film will have the same emotional impact. My only criticisms are that Egerton’s performance occasionally edges into impression rather than a fully fleshed-out portrayal, and the formulaic nature of the plot might feel predictable to some.
Overall, Eddie the Eagle is an entertaining and inspiring film that celebrates perseverance and the spirit of competition, making it a feel-good experience for audiences of all ages.
