Eddie the Eagle Movie Review

Expectations: From the trailers, I was excited for this film. It did not look like a revolutionary movie by any means but it had the vibe of a feel good and inspirational sports movie such as Miracle or 42. Matthew Vaughn's attachment to the film kept my hopes up as he directed my favorite X-men film(First Class). However, the fact that he was a producer and that the movie had an unknown director scared me since often times producers can have nothing to do with the overall quality of the film. 

Review: I have watched this movie twice now(once in theaters and once on the plane) and both times I was impressed. I was a little scared watching the movie my second time because I had enjoyed it so much upon my first viewing and was afraid it would lose a lot of its charm afterward. This recently happened to me with Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies. Fortunately, this film maintains itself as you watch it over and over. I was unfamiliar with Taron Egerton, being late to see Kingsman and even though I like Hugh Jackman, it seemed as if the role he was playing might not suit him. As soon as Egerton pops up on screen you believe him as Eddie, a man who refuses to give up on his dreams and constantly ignores others' opinions of him. I am glad to say that Jackman also fits his role as a more rebellious and harsh guy who's unorthodox practices plague his athletic career. What also works so well, is the chemistry between the two actors. You believe that as their relationship develops, Jackman becomes more and more dedicated to helping Eddie get the the Olympics and prove himself. Likewise, Egerton seems determined to prove himself to Jackman and those who doubt him. What made Eddie the Eagle beat my expectations was how inspirational and light hearted the story is while also stamping itself with a level of uniqueness that a 42 or Race did not have. I felt much more connected with the characters in this film than I did with those previously mentioned and the 80's/retro vibe the film has is really fun. It's soundtrack, cinematography, and font choices all add to this tone. Eddie the Eagle is a fun movie and also succeeds in telling a deeper life lesson of persistence and hope. It earns a 3.75/4.

Movies like Eddie the Eagle: 42, Race, Million Dollar Arm, Miracle, Rudy