Eddie the Eagle
Comedic biopic from the director of Sunshine on Leith based on real-life Olympic athlete Michael Edwards (Taron Egerton, Kingsman), an un-athletic underdog who became Great Britain's first ski jumper. Co-stars Hugh Jackman as his trainer.
- Director:
- Dexter Fletcher ('Sunshine on Leith', 'Wild Bill')
- Writer:
- Simon KeltonSean Macaulay
- Cast:
- Taron EgertonHugh JackmanChristopher Walken
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksIn the hands of producer Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman), this unlikely, one-of-a-kind, underdog tale may take many liberties with the truth, but in doing so follows in the ski-boot-steps of its subject. A self-made, bespectacled spectacular at the 1988 Winter Olympics, Michael “Eddie” Edwards relished being at the epicentre of a media circus that wasn’t always entirely accurate.
The underdog wins?
Based off the real events of Eddie Edwards’ life,. Eddie’s a young man who has always dreamed of going to the Olympics. Training as a downhill skier, he comes close to being selected until people with more money and influence bar him from the team. Not discouraged, he decides to take up the ludicrous task of becoming a ski jumper, in just over two years....
Ham and Cheese on White Bread
So broad that even the cinemascope frame can barely contain it, this self-declared crowd-pleaser takes not one chance on subtlety. Megaphoned "True Story" credentials? Check. "Triumphant underdog" plotting complete with wincingly on-the-nose dialogue? Check. Lead performers who tapdance shamelessly between professional gusto and outright hamming? Check....
Charming but clunky Britcom
Once you get used to the style, a bunch of actors acting out a quirky tale, this film is surprisingly charming. Clearly this clueless chap is a sandwich short of the picnic as he takes to the 90 meter jump with no fear, and his alcoholic coach, played by Hugh Jackman is equally unbelievable as he swans around in a denim shirt in sub zero temps. But, heck, I...
Variety
pressIf director Dexter Fletcher's loose adaptation of Edwards' story often seems content to mimic "Cool Runnings" beat for beat, at least it picks a bar it can safely clear.
Time Out
pressMay suffice for a brainless Friday night, but an honest account would have been a lot more memorable.
The New York Times
pressAlthough Mr. Edwards's last-place finishes in Calgary made him something of a sensation, a symbol of do-it-yourself persistence, this film doesn't seem to trust the inherent likability of his story.
The Guardian
pressI was ready to lift Eddie up on my shoulders and parade him through the streets myself. There's a reason mainstream film-makers stick to the formula: it works.
Stuff
pressA film doesn't have to be truthful to be honest. And it doesn't always have to be particularly good to be likeable. Eddie The Eagle is the proof.
Empire Magazine
pressTurns a long-running joke of British sport into a crowd-pleasing story of inspiration. It's a solid gold winner.
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksIn the hands of producer Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman), this unlikely, one-of-a-kind, underdog tale may take many liberties with the truth, but in doing so follows in the ski-boot-steps of its subject. A self-made, bespectacled spectacular at the 1988 Winter Olympics, Michael “Eddie” Edwards relished being at the epicentre of a media circus that wasn’t always entirely accurate.
Variety
pressIf director Dexter Fletcher's loose adaptation of Edwards' story often seems content to mimic "Cool Runnings" beat for beat, at least it picks a bar it can safely clear.
Time Out
pressMay suffice for a brainless Friday night, but an honest account would have been a lot more memorable.
The New York Times
pressAlthough Mr. Edwards's last-place finishes in Calgary made him something of a sensation, a symbol of do-it-yourself persistence, this film doesn't seem to trust the inherent likability of his story.
The Guardian
pressI was ready to lift Eddie up on my shoulders and parade him through the streets myself. There's a reason mainstream film-makers stick to the formula: it works.
Stuff
pressA film doesn't have to be truthful to be honest. And it doesn't always have to be particularly good to be likeable. Eddie The Eagle is the proof.
Empire Magazine
pressTurns a long-running joke of British sport into a crowd-pleasing story of inspiration. It's a solid gold winner.
The underdog wins?
Based off the real events of Eddie Edwards’ life,. Eddie’s a young man who has always dreamed of going to the Olympics. Training as a downhill skier, he comes close to being selected until people with more money and influence bar him from the team. Not discouraged, he decides to take up the ludicrous task of becoming a ski jumper, in just over two years....
Ham and Cheese on White Bread
So broad that even the cinemascope frame can barely contain it, this self-declared crowd-pleaser takes not one chance on subtlety. Megaphoned "True Story" credentials? Check. "Triumphant underdog" plotting complete with wincingly on-the-nose dialogue? Check. Lead performers who tapdance shamelessly between professional gusto and outright hamming? Check....
Charming but clunky Britcom
Once you get used to the style, a bunch of actors acting out a quirky tale, this film is surprisingly charming. Clearly this clueless chap is a sandwich short of the picnic as he takes to the 90 meter jump with no fear, and his alcoholic coach, played by Hugh Jackman is equally unbelievable as he swans around in a denim shirt in sub zero temps. But, heck,...
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