Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Sure.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you’re a fan of the real Eddie the Eagle, yes.
Score: 3.25/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 105 minutes (1.75 hours)
“Eddie the Eagle” is a British-American sports comedy based on the exploits of British Olympic ski jumper Eddie Edwards in the 80’s. He struggles to compete in the Olympics, and qualifies, against all odds. It stars Taron Egerton (Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards), Hugh Jackman (Bronson Peary), Christopher Walken (Warren Sharp), Mark Benton (Richmond), Keith Allen (Terry), and Jo Hartley (Janette). It is rated PG-13.
“Eddie the Eagle” doesn’t have a conventional hero (maybe that’s why they had to rope Hugh Jackman in), nor does it have the usual stakes, since the protagonist’s skill in ski jumping is only a little better than average. What it lacks in plot, it more than makes up for with atmosphere, giving us a film that’s so reminiscent of 80’s fare that you can’t help but be transported in time to an era when trying your best was more than enough.
Highlights
Cheery and optimistic treatment
There’s no doubting the incredibly happy mood that pervades the film. Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) has an untiring spirit and a jolly countenance that infects all the people around him, whether they show it or not. In fact, his character is what carries the film along, seeping into every aspect of the movie. Nobody personifies the spirit of participation more than Eddie does, simply because that’s literally the best he can do.
80’s setting
The hairdos, fonts, music, and nostalgically yellow colour correction all help immerse you in the 80’s, which is bolstered by Eddie’s never-say-die attitude. It’s an idealised representation of what the 80’s was like, and this romanticisation works especially well in conjunction with the themes of the film. You leave with a yearning for the past, and fond memories (if you’re old enough) of the 80’s.
Strong supporting characters
Eddie’s parents and allies are faithful to his cause and allow us to see the circumstances that have shaped such a person. Without these characters, Eddie would be little more than a caricature. But seeing how he grew up, as well as the obstacles that he had to face, make our protagonist a more well-developed, human character who’s just as capable of despair as he is of joy.
Letdowns
Difficult to empathise with Eddie
Unfortunately, Eddie is not the most likeable of characters. His depiction as a child is what endears you most to him, but the rest of his portrayal is cartoonish. It may be a fairly authentic representation of the real Eddie Edwards, but his expressions are distracting and buffoonish, which constantly have you teetering between likeability and irritation.
Awkward message and plot
Being a biographical drama, the film can’t stray too far from real life, which hampers the storytelling greatly. While our hero does receive his reward for putting in so much effort, it also sends a warped message that you should go to extremes in pursuit of what you want, since Eddie stands a good chance of hurting himself with each ski jump. The plot is also simplistic, since most of his conflicts are easily resolved.
“Eddie the Eagle” is a feel good movie that’s restrained by the true story that it’s based on. Nevertheless, it’s an inspiring tale of a heroic failure.
“Eddie the Eagle” opens in cinemas 31 March, 2016 (Thursday).
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