'EDDIE THE EAGLE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A sports comedy-drama flick, based on the life of Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards; the first Olympic ski jumper, in 6 decades, to represent Great Britain. The movie stars Taron Egerton (in the title role) and Hugh Jackman. It was directed by Dexter Fletcher and co- produced by Matthew Vaughn (both Fletcher and Egerton have costarred in films directed by Vaughn before). The script was written by first time screenwriters Sean Macaulay and Simon Kelton. It bombed at the Box Office, but it did do well with the critics. I enjoyed it.
The story begins in Great Britain, in the early 70s, when Eddie Ewards (Tom Costello) was just a boy. He dreams of competing in the Summer Olympics, but later he realizes his skills are better suited for the Winter Games. As an adult, Eddie (Egerton) becomes a decently skilled skier; but he's rejected by the British Olympic officials, due to fear that he might embarrass them. Eddie then becomes determined to become the first Olympic ski jumper, in several decades, to represent Great Britain. He's mocked by other jumpers, but he later gains the reluctant coaching assistance of a drunken former American champion (Jackman).
The movie is clichéd, and a little overly sentimental (in places); but it's also extremely inspiring, and uplifting. Fletcher does a great job helming the movie, and both Egerton and Jackman are very likable in their roles. It's definitely nothing we haven't seen before, and it does feel a lot like a 'ROCKY' flick, but it's also a great feel- good movie. I think most viewers will enjoy it.
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