Pardon the pun, but “Eddie the Eagle” soars! This movie is uplifting and inspiring. Based on true events, it features the story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), a young Brit who has had a dream of going to the Olympics since he was a boy. He has read books about the Olympics and aspires to go as a ski-jumper, once he realizes where his talents lie. It will take some coaching to get him there, and Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) is just the right man to coach him. Though Peary battles against the bottle, he has the experience and the know-how, not to mention a need to prove himself — especially after his former coach, Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken), said in a book that Peary was his greatest disappointment.
The film does a good job in showing the quirks and serious nature of Eddie (he drinks milk, even in a bar), but also his dogged determination to challenge himself. One of the running jokes in the movie is that every time he conquers one hurdle, like landing the 40 M, he does it once and says, “Okay, time to take on the 70 M!” Despite his dad’s good intentions for not wanting to see Eddie disappointed, he continually encourages Eddie (or “discourages” him actually) to give up. But Eddie is one tough customer. The film contains a scene in which Peary trains Eddie to approach a jump like he’s making love to Bo Derek, Eddie’s favorite actress. Peary goes through the various stages of love making in his speech, mentioning foreplay, but the conversation doesn’t become overly graphic, and the scene doesn’t last long. The film shows the true story of Eddie going to the Calgary Olympics in 1988. Many of the scenes have breathtaking views of the mountains and snow.
This movie successfully portrays the triumph of the human spirit. We are happy to award “Eddie the Eagle” our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12-plus. The movie, like Eddie, rises to the occasion. Viewers will enjoy watching the Eagle land. The ending is terrific, and audiences everywhere will enjoy it.
