Eddie the Eagle

[slickstu]

There have been many, many films made about our equally many sporting heroes and they all tend to hit much the same beats. Commonly these heroes will hail from non-privileged, undisciplined backgrounds to rise above all adversity to become kings and queens of their respective sporting fields. As such, one story is much the same as the other.

It is perhaps a result of the popularity of geek chic in recent times that a movie about an athlete who goes to the Olympics and comes dead last in his event has become a commercial viability. Such a story has a precedence in truth, of course, with Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, a British ski jumper who was so far behind the competitive field of his Olympic peers that he endeared himself to people the world over for simply having the guts to "have a go".

It must be said from the outset that there is a great disparity between this film and the facts in terms of the peripheral characters and some of the locales. Indeed, Eddie Edwards himself has claimed that only 5% of the story portrayed in the film is true. But that 5% represents the spirit of the man and his unshakeable determination to achieve his goals. In, perhaps, a Lord of the Rings fashion, the details may, at times, deviate significantly from the source but the broad strokes feel right and we receive a message which is in keeping with how we remember things panning out.

Star, Taron Egerton, first appeared on our radar in Kngsman: The Secret Service and with his hugely endearing performance in the title role here, he marks himself as an actor to watch. Hugh Jackman brings his usual infectious charisma to his fictitious, disgraced athlete come ski jump coach. And even Christopher Walken appears as another (albeit fictitious) character.

Eddie the Eagle may not be entirely true to life but it is true to tone. The film is funny and heartfelt and speaks to a worthwhile theme of never giving up on your dreams - even if you're (relatively) crap at it.

Next up must surely be a biopic of Eric the Eel.

9 out of 10

[gordon_s1942]

I had the story all arse up as I thought Eddie couldnt ski at all like that African who had never seen more than a bath tub of water represented his country as a swimmer.

But he was an athlete (of sorts) like the bloke from Queensland who won the Skating Gold Medal when all those 10 time better than he was, fell over and he won the race!!!

For some reason it was decided to totaly fictionalise the events which apparently on their own were good enough to make a movie of anyway.

Not one I will rush to see until it becomes available on TV.

[LeroyPatrol]

I saw it last night with the kids. It was our first 'family' movie at the cinema (trying to get away from the animations) and we all enjoyed it. My Daughter thought it was very inspirational because Eddie always kept trying and never gave up on his dream.

I was left wondering how much was true so had to google/wiki. I won't mention the ending lol

.........Leroy

[loanrangiel]

Watched it the other night and thought it was an enjoyable family movie, not one i'd rush to see again but not too bad.

2 things i got out of this movie -

1) determination and perseverance will get you a long way

2) determination and perseverance are no guarantee of success

[ol' boy]

I also thought it was a great watch and Movie devoid of swearing and guns and BS... made a nice change.

It also made me realise how old I'm getting, as I remember it clearly.
Then when I turned to my partners 21 year old daughter, she had no idea

[loanrangiel]

I also thought it was a great watch and Movie devoid of swearing and guns and BS... made a nice change.

It also made me realise how old I'm getting, as I remember it clearly.
Then when I turned to my partners 21 year old daughter, she had no idea

I also remember the Calgary Olympics vividly, first time i had heard KD Lang sing.

[allover]

I also remember the Calgary Olympics vividly, first time i had heard KD Lang sing.

What did he sing?

Hang on i must be old too as i think i can remember, a song by Leonard Cohen?

[slickstu]

It also made me realise how old I'm getting...

My "old" moment in the film was when that bird Petra (who must be 50+, I suppose) suggested that she might "visit" Eddie in the night. Eddie had a look of horror on his face but I'm thinking, "Hell yeah!"

[ol' boy]

Glad i wasn't the only one

[ol' boy]

I also remember the Calgary Olympics vividly, first time i had heard KD Lang sing.

That is a disturbing comment loanrangiel...!!!!
I had no idea K.D. Wang was even at the Calgary Olympics

[lsemmens]

I also thought it was a great watch and Movie devoid of swearing and guns and BS... made a nice change.

It also made me realise how old I'm getting, as I remember it clearly.
Then when I turned to my partners 21 year old daughter, she had no idea

Now I feel old! I vaguely remember Eddie, but Over 20 years ago????