Review of Eddie the Eagle (2016) by Kyle B — 29 Feb 2016

This is a delightful and charming movie about a person I did not grow up to know but know many do remember him and am fascinated to learn more about him. It seems like a perfect crowd pleaser for those familiar with Eddie but it is great even if you don't know him because I didn't know where each moment would lead to even though it hit many of the normal beats of a sports story of this kind.

Taron Egerton is a movie star. I've said it since Kingsman and he just keeps getting better and better. He just fills the screen with his charm and bubbly personality and makes this movie very easy going and lovable.

The movie works better when Eddie is on his own because as much as I love Hugh Jackman, he made the film weaker with his attire that looked like he walking in from 2016 and was playing himself and just didn't allow Taron to play off of him as well as other lesser known actors in this movie.

The always great Jim Broadbent is perfect as the commentator for the Olympics and Christopher Walken makes a surprise appearance that was really nice. The movie has a vibrant score and soundtrack that reminds you that you are watching a movie in the 80's if Jackman throws you off plus great costumes for the rest of the cast.

Does it hit the normal beats of a sports movie? Yes. Does it work? Yes. Did I get choked up at a really on the nose underscore of "Jump" by Van Halen when Eddie wins one of his jumps? Of course I did.

This is a pure comfort food movie that you just go on the ride for and sit back and relax with a smile on your face. It's definitely worth seeing since it looks like it isn't doing too well at the box office.

Go support this movie! The good options are limited!