Review of Eddie the Eagle (2016) by C.m. W — 25 Feb 2016

Sometimes the most formulaic, predictable, fluff pieces can actually be an enjoyable night out at the movies. So it goes with Eddie The Eagle. Michael Edwards (Taron Egerton in a fat suit) is about a boy in Great Britain who aspired, as many of us do, to be an Olympic athlete. After being cut from the ski team, he sets his sights on becoming a ski jumper, something people start doing around 5 years old. Eddie figures that since no one else is ski jumping for Britain he has to be able to go. Except there are certain minimums you have to meet to qualify. Determined to teach himself at a ski jumping training facility he finally worms his way into the heart of ex-champion Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) who finally acquiesces to give him lessons so he can achieve the lowest level of greatness fathomable. The film goes predictably forward with trials and tribulations and eventual successes and love and happiness for all.

Its based on a true story, though to ask Eddie its only about 10 % true. Bronson doesn't exist though is described as an amalgam of all of Eddie's coaches and they didn't train in Germany but rather Lake Placid, NY. But as we've learned from our Republican friends, who needs facts? Just tell a story that is more or less based on the truth and you're good to go. Sprinkle in some anecdotes and an interesting characters for good measure,.

The film follows Eddie from his youth, his familial interactions including a supportive mother but a realistic father who never dared to dream. Taron is likable as Eddie, and looks a lot like him, fat suit and all. I preer Taron as Eggsy from the Kingsmen movies but those looking for hot ripped flesh can enjoy a couple of everything but the penis scenes in a sauna and later, in the locker room. Jackman gives the film an extra oomph despite playing a cliche. He battles his own demons in a somewhat distracting side story that gave Christopher Walken a small and unnecessary role.

The film may be 105 minutes long but it runs at a slick pace and unlike the other sports film out right now in Race which couldn't seem to make running exciting, all of the jumping and visuals are worth watching. I just don't know that I can say its worth forking out $12 for. But as a matinee, there are worse ways you could spend an afternoon.

This Queen was amused plenty. 3 out of 5 rainbows.

1 rainbow - How did this get funded?

2 rainbows - You might find something of interest here but unlikely.

3 rainbows - Serves as a useful and entertaining enough distraction as a matinee.

4 rainbows - Stop reading this review and find a theater showing this film now!

5 rainbows - I'll need to find a spot for this in my Top 100 list. Absolutely flawless.