Once Upon a Twilight!: Movie Review: 20th Century Fox's Eddie The Eagle

Eddie The Eagle
Drama
Release: February 26, 2016
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Screenplay: Sean Macaulay
Producers: Matthew Vaughn, Adam Bohling, David Reid, Rupert Maconick, Valerie Van Galder
Cast: Taron Egerton, Christopher Walken, and Hugh Jackman
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Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself – even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. From producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude.

If you are old enough to remember the 1988 Winter Olympics, you remember the two big stories that came out of them. There was the story of the Jamaican bobsled team and there was the story of the British ski jumper, Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards. This week's movie is about the second of these memorable stories of the 1988 Games, the story of Eddie The Eagle.

Eddie The Eagle is a completely charming, totally entertaining biopic. It's the kind of story that needs to be told. It's the kind of story that people like to hear. I love an underdog story. If you read up on Eddie Edwards, you will realize that he had every obstacle that an Olympic dreamer could have, and he didn't let any of the obstacles dissuade him from the pursuit of his dream.

I love what Hugh Jackman (as Bronson Peary) and Taron Egerton (as Eddie Edwards) do with their roles. The duo has great rapport. The chemistry and timing was enjoyable. There is very little that Jackman can't do and Egerton was very believable. I appreciate the physicality that both actors bring to the film.

Anyone who has faced adversity will identify with this story. This is a great movie for sports families. Loved being reminded that "the most important thing is not to win, but to take part." Because of the themes about hard work, it's also good for the younger generation. It's not going to win any awards, but it is a good use of two hours and I found myself with fists in the air, cheering at Eddie's accomplishments.

I will say, there are a couple of moments when the dialogue gets risqué (for the youngest generation), but the moments go by fast. It's not anything that should keep anyone out of the theater. Even if you see Eddie The Eagle just to get feel for what winter is (because you live in a part of the world that never sees snow) it isn't a waste of time! See Eddie The Eagle in theaters now.