Stars: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken
Storyline
Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael "Eddie" Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself - even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. From producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude.
Writers: Sean Macaulay, Simon Kelton, Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Jo Hartley, Tim McInnerny, Edvin Endre, Rune Temte, Anastasia Harrold, Lasco Atkins, Jessica Williams, Ania Sowinski, Daniel Ings, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Daniel Westwood, Mac Pietowski, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Cast: Taron Egerton -
Eddie Edwards
Hugh Jackman -
Bronson Peary
Christopher Walken -
Warren Sharp
Jo Hartley -
Janette Edwards
Tim McInnerny -
Target
Edvin Endre -
Matti Nykänen
Rune Temte -
Bjørn Norwegian Coach
Anastasia Harrold -
British Olympian
Lasco Atkins -
Calgary Press
Jessica Williams -
British Olympian
Ania Sowinski -
Carrie
Daniel Ings -
Zach
Mads Sjøgård Pettersen -
Erik Moberg
Daniel Westwood -
Calgary Press Reporter
Mac Pietowski -
British Olympian
Filming Locations: Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
Nils Vettori, son of the 1992 Olympic ski jumping champion Ernst Vettori (AUT), appeared as an extra in the movie. He played a ski jumper in the outrun of the hill. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 8/10
First of all, I have to say that I'm generally not a fan of biopics,
they just aren't the type of movie I seek out. I got tickets to the
sneak preview and my wife really wanted to go. Anyway, that preamble
out of the way, I really did enjoy the movie.
Eddie the Eagle is a story about an underdog in every sense of the
word. One theme that is repeated throughout the movie, is the quote
from Pierre de Coubertin (father of the modern Olympics), "The
important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part;
the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the
essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." The
story follows Eddie from the time he's a little kid with dreams of
going to the Olympics. It follows him through his many assorted
set-backs, and all the people around him who saw only failure in his
future. It also shows the moments when he got helping hands when he
most needed it. This movie is about his struggle.
The casting in the movie was quite good. I remember Eddie the Eagle
from TV when I was young, and Taron Egerton does an excellent job in
the role of Eddie. Hugh Jackman puts in a good performance as the coach
Bronson Peary, and manages not to overpower Eddie's character. But
while Taron Egerton really assumes the part of Eddie, a lot of Hugh
Jackman leaks into his role as coach Peary.
The roles of Eddie's parents are also well played, and the actress
playing his mother, Jo Hartley, gives a particularly poignant
portrayal. The father, played by Keith Allen (currently uncredited on
IMDb) is a bit of a caricature, but well acted. Actually, a lot of the
supporting cast of characters are caricatures, especially the other
ski-jumpers/coaches and the British Olympians/Olympic Committee. But to
an extent that serves to emphasize the struggle for Eddie. Also, for
those intent on seeing this film for Christopher Walked, he has a very
small role.
While, I have emphasized the struggle aspect of the story, there is a
lot of comedy thrown into the mix as well. The tone is upbeat
throughout, even when Eddie has setbacks. While some of the failures
are played for laughs (mostly early in the film), it's mostly Eddie's
perseverance that makes this film endearing. It also feels like we're
laughing with Eddie rather than at him, since it seems Eddie's in on
the joke.
If you're on the fence about seeing this movie, I say give it a shot.
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