Eddie the Eagle

There is a need in the world for a story that has a happy ending.  Why else would the phrase, "and they lived happily, ever after" exist?

Unfortunately many stories that tell the tale of an underdog overcoming adversity are passed by and described as "fluff" for the movie-going public.  Many gems remain hidden due to a lack of appreciation for good, wholesome entertainment.

Let me uncover one of those gems for you:

Eddie The Eagle is a fun, wholesome film that takes an interesting character, Eddie Edwards, and shows how he persevered to make it to the Olympic games.  I found out ahead of time that the film is 10-15% true according to Edwards himself, but I feel that the artistic license that was used to make a better film.  Eddie himself is a part of Olympic Games lore that includes the 1980 USA hockey team and the original Jamaican bobsled team and this film helps you root for the underdog and feel his pain when failure starts to hinder his journey.

Is this Oscar material?  No.  No it is not.  It is a film that was released at a time when the Oscar buzz is over and the summer blockbusters are yet to emerge.  Although I would be selling it short if I didn't mention the action chops of Taron Edgerton as Eddie.  He does a really good job.  I had to watch an interview from the Olympic Games to judge fairly.

 You might find the character of Eddie to be a little odd at first, but he is endearing and you make room in you heart for him.  He is a dreamer and a hero to those who want just a little bit of glory in life.

It makes me feel good just talking about it.  What an enjoyable movie experience!

Note: When you watch the film, there is real footage from the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta.  None of the film was shot in Canada so the setting of the ski jump is not very accurate.

For example:

This is Calgary Olympic Park.

This is not.

I categorize this film as:

A solid film

A fun story derived from a true story.

One the whole family can watch. (although there is a scene where Hugh Jackman's character explains, and demonstrates how to land a jump, comparing it to making love with Bo Derek.  It is accurate, but a little uneasy if watching with children.)

4/5 Stanley Cups. I really enjoyed this film.  There is not much I could say to criticize it. 

Format: The Theater.

Viewing Period: One shot on a Friday night with friends.

Inspired me to: Read about the real guy, Michael "Eddie" Edwards and watch Cool Runnings.