Eddie the Eagle [2016]

Eddie the Eagle is one of the best movies I’ve seen recently. Few movies are this delightful and positive, and in fact, I dare you not to get swept up in Eddie’s story and root for him along the way.

To be honest, I’m not sure why It took me over five years to discover it. Taron Egerton is perfect. Add Hugh Jackman to the mix and you’ve got a winning combo.

So, what is it about?

It’s the story of Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton), the notoriously tenacious British ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics with the help of the most unlikely coach, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman).

What I enjoyed the most in this movie, besides the main characters and their own stories, is the directing. It’s not a top award contender (obviously, since I’m writing the review almost 5 years after the release of the movie), but the way they told Eddie’s backstory, mixed with real footage specially from the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary made me even more engaged in the story itself.

Before watching this movie, I’ve never heard of Eddie, yet I found myself cheering for him and his dogged optimism thanks to the portrayal of Taron Egerton: A modest regular british guy that suffered from health problems in his childhood and got dismissed by everyone (including his own father) even when he was 20 years old. Yet, somehow, he found a way to make his dream a reality while feeling proud in the simple act of participation.

The film could so easily have made Eddie a figure of fun. Instead, it turns an underdog into a very British kind of hero.

Don’t get me wrong, there are better sports movies out there. But despite its flaws, Eddie the Eagle has enough moments when it soars to provide what adds up to a pretty good time. Which definitely made me want to know more about the real person.

Should you watch it?

Eddie the Eagle is a fun little dramedy that offers cries and laughs, some triumphs, and some big sappy feelings. And what’s wrong with that? Everyone needs a dose of “feel good” this year.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream Eddie the Eagle on Disney+.