By Colm McCall
A comedy biopic about an unorthodox competitor at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, now that does sound good, albeit somewhat familiar! Whilst, it does share many parallels with the ever popular Cool Runnings (1993), it does bring something rather unique which is often void in present day pictures: equilibrium. My initial thoughts on the trailer were that of mere comedic simplicity, yet when the film ended I was left feeling pleasantly surprised. It’s funny, heart-warmingly charming but also very inspiring. I think it would be next to impossible to view this film and for it not to strike an emotional chord.
Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton, Kingsman: The Secret Service 2014) has constantly held aspirations for Olympic superstardom, despite never being particularly impressive in any sport. After getting off to a rocky start in terms of his physical capabilities, Edwards eventually finds himself enamoured with winter sports, particularly skiing. When he is met with the news that he is not seen as “Olympic material”, Eddie tweaks his vocation in a bid to achieve his goal. It is far from plain sailing for the young Brit, who struggles to adapt to the challenges of the risky sport, not to mention the harsh criticism from his peers. He soon acquaints troubled former ski jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman, Prisoners 2013), who reluctantly takes the ambitious athlete under his wing.
Rising star Egerton shines ever bright in this part, further cementing his trailblazer status, Jackman on the other hand does not impress to the near same degree. The role of Peary seems so generic and the Aussie unfortunately bears witness to this. His flat portrayal is fine and nothing more. This film probably isn’t on any major award radar and it appears as though Jackman felt this role was somewhat beneath him. Indeed some of the dialogue is also equally flat, but Jackman really had shortcomings in the likeability department. Thus, it was definitely a stark contrast to John Candy’s similar role in the aforementioned 1993 hit. An aspect of the movie which I really appreciated though, and something the masses may not have picked up on, was a very subtle reference to a certain eccentric Jamaican bobsled team also creating headlines during the 1988 winter games.
There are also brief but pleasant on-screen appearances by acting veterans Christopher Walken (Seven Psychopaths 2012) and Jim Broadbent (Brooklyn 2015), duly adding some credibility to the PR pedigree. Whilst the film succumbs to many cinematic clichés associated with sports movies, its sentimentality is far from overbearing. The soundtrack is quirky, cheesey and catchy, adding to the adrenaline inducing fun factor a la Kick-Ass (2010). Whilst, it won’t be remembered in the same light as Cool Runnings or will likely not be presented as the big big movie on a Saturday night near as many times, Eddie the Eagle is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face; something that few of today’s releases can effectively achieve.
Eddie the Eagle scores 7/10 on the MACmeter.
