Eddie the Eagle review – a great feel-good biopic

by | 1 Feb 2017 | Film Reviews

‘The story of Eddie Edwards, the British underdog ski jumper who became a legend at the 1988 Winter Olympics.’

It seems we’re a world obsessed with the 80’s, as over the last few years we’ve had a string of films and TV shows dedicated in that era of big hair and shoulder pads. On television we have Cold War thriller The Americans set in Regan’s USA, and last year’s sleeper hit Stranger Things (2016), a Netflix original that heavily homages those classic Spielberg films of the 80’s, including E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).

In terms of films, last year alone we’ve already had the excellent Irish musical Sing Street (2016), and Iranian horror film Under the Shadow (2016) – both which you can also find on Netflix. Maybe it’s because it harks back to a simpler time where people didn’t constantly have their eyes fixed on a phone screen, and kids played outside more often than not, or because a lot of our favourite childhood movies mostly come from that decade, but for many, the 80’s holds a special place in our hearts and seems to be a treasure trove for film makers to dig through of recent years.

One such treasure is Eddie the Eagle, directed by Dexter Fletcher, which follows the true life exploits of Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), who despite his limitations, had aspirations to join Great Britain in the 1988 Winter Olympics as a ski jumper.

After being told by various officials that he’s just not Olympic material he sets off undeterred to a training facility in Germany, and aided by Hugh Jackman’s former champion, sets out to make his dreams come true. It’s a great underdog story, and although the writers might play it fast and loose with the facts, Fletcher is still able to capture the true spirit of this real life figure who became a national treasure and captured the heart of a nation.

It’s also a film that is unashamedly positive and upbeat; a real feel good film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and celebrates the outsiders, the ones who get overlooked in life. Those wanting a hard-hitting and gritty sports film won’t find it here, as Fletcher keeps the tone very light, and confidently directs the film, letting it be what it needs to be.

In fact, the structure of Eddie the Eagle is something we’ve all seen before and hit’s all the familiar beats of a sports/underdog film, down to a father who tells him to get a proper job, a second act training montage, and a triumphant final where respect is finally earnt; you can see it all coming a mile of. Yet despite all that familiarity, the film still shines, thanks largely to that infectious positivity it exudes in spades, where you’ll have a stupid grin on your face and a cheer in your heart throughout the runtime.

The 80’s setting only helps this as well, where the cheesiness actually slots in to that time period really well. It’s beautifully realised, right from Eddie’s fashion sense, down to the highly synthesised score, and 80’s soundtrack. It was also a very colourful decade which Fletcher uses to good effect, as the film has a very vibrant and bright aesthetic to it which fits into that upbeat tone he’s so clearly going for.

All this would be for nothing though if it wasn’t for the superb performance given by Egerton as the titular character, which the whole film hinges on. Retrospectively, coming straight from playing the handsome council estate youth turned suave spy in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), Egerton seemed a bold choice for playing the “unconventional” looking Edwards. Those concerns proved unwarranted though as he completely absorbs into that character and gives an utterly convincing portrayal, and even shows an uncanny likeness to this real life figure.

It’s a heart-warming performance, and Egerton skilfully captures the spirit of Edwards and what he, and the Olympics stood for, to see amateurs give it their all and have a chance to shine in front of the world. Jackman also shines as the typical coach who initially wants nothing to do with Eddie. Although you could argue he’s just playing a de-powered version of Wolverine; that tough loner with a heart of gold, he does it so well and is a perfect counterpoint to Egerton’s more uncouth personality. Their relationship really is the heart of the film.

In addition to these great performances, all the sporting events are excellently filmed, and pull you into this exhilarating yet dangerous sport, where the slightest miscalculation could be deadly. Fletcher clearly knows how to present a visceral set piece around the ski jump, and with every attempt Edwards performs, you’ll be wincing as you mentally feel every fall and tumble he goes through to realise his dreams.

‘Eddie the Eagle is a charming film and should bring a smile to all that see it.’

Despite the over familiar formula it’s still a highly enjoyable watch and transcends those well-known tropes to become one of the best feel-good movies of the year.

David Axcell

Film Critic

David has quite a broad taste in film which includes big budget blockbusters and small indie films; including International and Arthouse cinema. As long as it’s good in that particular genre, he’ll watch anything.

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