Eddie the Eagle: Movie Review

Eddie the Eagle soars. The 20th Century Fox film, starring Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton, brings us an "inspired by a dream come true" story about an unlikely athlete who defies the odds stacked high against him to become an Olympian for England at the 1988 Winter Games in Canada.

Its uplifting message and immersive look at Michael Edwards' journey to the Olympics makes Eddie the Eagle one of the better, mainstream sports movies, for PG-13 audiences, in recent years.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

Bifocaled and clumsy Michael Edwards (Egerton) daydreams about representing his country at the Olympics. He's got his mind set on it. But, when the time comes to make the ski team, he falls short. Instead of giving up, Michael refocuses and thinks up another way to make it to Canada for the '88 Games. His bright idea? Be the first ski jumper to represent England at the Games in decades. All he needs to do is...learn how to ski jump and not mortally wound himself in the process. To do that he has to convince a reluctant Bronson Peary (Jackman), an all-accounts no-good drunk, to help him.

GOOD AND BAD IN EDDIE THE EAGLE

Eddie the Eagle is surprising, in a good way. It's a height above the sports movies that usually make it to the big screen. Egerton is remarkable. The young up-and-coming British actor disappears into the lovable young man who became a national hero. Jackman complements Egerton's Eddie well in the role of "coach". The two have a great chemistry together. You'll find yourself cheering on this endearing, underdog team. It has to be said that not personally knowing the facts of Edwards' life it's not easy to comment on where the true events end and the creative license taken by director Dexter Fletcher and screenwriters Simon Kelton and Sean Macaulay begin. All that's clear is that Eddie the Eagle is a solid movie.

One of the ways Eddie the Eagle hits the mark is in its positive, takeaway messages. This cinematic portrayal of Michael's journey to sports fame teaches us to never give up on our dreams. If obstacles block your way, refocus. Just never give up. The relationship between Michael and his parents also teach us an important, biblical lesson. Words are powerful. They can build up and they can harm. Thankfully, Michael persevered and overcame all of the dissenters who never thought he had a chance. Moviegoers also witness how the past can be redeemed and how God-given talent is always helped by hard work and a passionate heart.

Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, partial nudity and smoking, Eddie the Eagle is not suitable for younger audiences. Bronson's character is seen drinking alcohol on various occasions, a norm for him. There's one sexually suggestive scene in particular. In it, Bronson likens ski jumping to having sex. He mimics the act as he teaches Michael how to complete a successful jump.

IN THE END

Eddie the Eagle is an almost clean, funny, and feel-good movie about overcoming extraordinary obstacles and how winning at life doesn't always mean you come in at No. 1. Caution is advised though when it comes to the movie's suitability for children.