Director: Dexter Fletcher
By Alex Watson
Celebrating a truly heroic failure, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that will make your heart soar. Although it is basically a by the number numbers heart warmer, the formula works perfectly for director Dexter Fletcher. It seems impossible to comprehend that a man such as Eddie Edwards dared to dream back at the 1988 Olympics, but although it takes some missteps this picture will still melt even the coldest person.
Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) is a young man with Olympic dreams, the problem is he lacks any talent at all. After some success at on the British Ski Team, he booted off by snobby chairman Dustin Target (Tim McInnery). However, after learning that Britain has no ski jump team, Eddie's hopes shift considerably and he travels to Germany to attempt to train. While there he meets alcoholic ex-ski jumper Bronson Peavy (Hugh Jackman) who attempts to dissuade him. Eddie's never say die attitude will not only win over Bronson but millions of fans worldwide.
Yes Eddie The Eagle is a very thinly veiled attempt at schmaltz, but if you approach this picture with an open mind it is a far smoother ride. His early pratfalls (one of many) raise a laugh as he goes from woefully misguided misfit to stealing the heart of the nation. Continually put down by his plasterer Dad (Keith Allen) Eddie is someone who just wants to succeed at anything. What he lacks in ability he makes up for in sheer determination and when he meets the drunken Peavy it is anything but encouraging. His mentor was once a highly rated talent by legendary coach Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken) who lost his chance due to his own arrogance.
When the action shifts to his life changing training in Ausberg, Germany it is by far the picture most entertaining section. Eddie nearly kills himself on many occasions while attempting jumps often to the mocking contempt/concern of more established competitors like champion Matti Nykanen (Edvin Endre). As Bronson grudgingly takes a shine to him, his fortunes begin to change (cue a training montage to Hall and Oates). This relationship between the two is what gives the movie its drive and despite Eddie's numerous accidents we year for him to make that jump. His real stroke of luck comes from the fact he is running unapposed for a place on the British team so all he has to do is achieve something modest and a place is his.
The finale of Eddie The Eagle takes place during the 1988 Calgary Olympics and here the movie takes on a more mushy feel. Featuring Jim Broadbent as an old school BBC commentator it does capture the euphoria that surrounded his presence. After making a disappointing jump, Eddie still breaks the British records and his wild celebrations make him an instant celebrity. There is a foreboding sense that Bronson worry about him simply being a novelty act is coming true. Journalists are more interested in his antics that how far he has come, Making a possibly suicidal choice to do the 90m jump has out hearts in our mouths. What follows is a finale of Cool Running type joy that will have you leaping for the underdog.
Although Taron Egerton is a young choice to play the real Edwards, he nonetheless convinces well. Showing his likeability that his role in The Kingsman brought, Egerton is very much the movies soul. Capturing Eddie's refusal to back down and his will to triumph, the young Welsh actor brings a true champion to life. Hugh Jackman fits well as the forever drunk Peavy but this is a role that tests him in any way. Give the movie a big name and Hollywood credibility goes a long way though and Jackman makes for a wonderful other half. Perhaps the only misfire was the bizarre inclusion of Christopher Walken who although adds a veterans touch, doesn't feel completely necessary.
In short, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that is good silly fun and for those wanting a reason to believe again this will be a good choice. Though be careful hitting the slopes afterward.
