Once Upon a Twilight!: Movie Review: Twentieth Century Fox's #EddieTheEagle

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.

Eddie the Eagle tells the true story of Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards and his wonderful underdog tale. Eddie ever since being a young boy, all he ever wanted to do was become an Olympic athlete, but the thing about Eddie was, that he was no athlete. Athlete or not, it was Eddie's never say die attitude and spirit that took Eddie to the 1988 Winter Olympics, being a part of the British Olympic ski team making him and his story known worldwide.

Who doesn't love a good underdog story? And to the T, this is nothing more than that. Eddie the Eagle is surely one of the most enjoyable feel good, and heartfelt biopic's I've seen in quite a while, and what makes it that, is the heart the movie has. The film reflects and plays off a quote (which you see on screen during the movie) by Pierre de Coubertin (one of the Olympic committee founders) which says, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.". And when looking at the film, that perfectly describes Eddie's, will, demeanor, and mind set throughout the story.

Have to give credit where credits due to Taron Egerton for his portrayal of Eddie Edwards. I didn't see Taron Egerton, or "the kid from Kingsman" here, I saw Egerton doing a superb job transforming himself into Eddie. Hugh Jackman was a good sync with his role as Eddie's coach, Bronson Peary. Another role, or should I say roles I enjoyed came from Iris Berben and Keith Allen who play Eddie’s, Mom and Dad. It was fun watching their characters progress throughout the story as Eddie progressed on his journey to the Olympics.

The ski-jumping scenes were also quite enjoyable, and that's thanks to director, Dexter Fletcher. The way he captured the moments in detail, whether it was an intense wipeout or a breathtaking soar, is what keeps your eyes glued to the screen, and yourself on the edge of your seat whenever a ski-jumping scene is about to come on.

At the end of the day, Eddie the Eagle is a charming and overall pleasing film. This underdog tale has everything you'd want from an underdog tale, a likable character you can get behind and cheer for, the struggles, and a nice mix of comedy. If you enjoy underdog films, Olympic films, and if you enjoyed the movie "Cooling Runnings"( which has a fun little Easter egg in the film) you'll definitely enjoy this movie. Eddie the Eagle will leave you with a smile at the end of it and is a film I'd absolutely recommend checking out in a theater near you.