Eddie the Eagle soars high even amidst a by-the-numbers plot that can be derived from any of the last 32 boxing movies including the last 18 Rocky films (Okay, that’s an exaggeration). So what makes this different from a typical underdog boxing story where the fighter defies all odds to go on and achieve remarkable status? There is no boxing.
Eddie succeeds where others may fail simply because it has plenty of heart for an American audience, it’s different enough, has solid performances, and it’s a film about ski jumping. Wait, what? What is that you say? Ski jumping? Sounds like a massive snooze-fest right? Not the case.
The movie hits on all the key essentials of an underdog story. You have a young boy that grows up somewhat disabled and is told he will never be able to compete successfully in sports. This same boy just sOhappens tOhave daddy issues. You have a washed-up has-been that never really was, but now has a chance to live his life vicariously though the boy. And then of course you have all the other people in the film that only serve the purpose of being antagonists and haters of the underdog. The great thing is Eddie responds to all of these things quite remarkably.
A lot of the credit belongs to the two main actors: Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman. There is a great moment where Bronson Peary, played by Jackman, is all toOhappy to teach Eddie (Egerton) how tOhave a successful landing after a jump. Jackman delivers this unorthodox, but hilarious monologue with conviction. The audience comes away thinking how incredibly ridiculous it is but believes every word thaThe says.
A movie like this must have a heart-warming and suspenseful climax. This movie does not disappoint. Although many may disagree, I think the final jump is one of the best moments and has some of the best cinematography I’ve seen in an underdog movie. It reminded me of the moment the final bell rings at the end of the original Rocky.
Should you see this movie in the theater? Well, that depends. Are you looking for the next award-winning masterpiece of cinema that will forever change lives and alter the way we view human life? If so… then no, stay away. Wait for DVD. However, if you are able to put your pretentiousness aside for a couple of hours and just escape and enjoy life while eating a bucket of oily and fatty popcorn, then run to your nearest theater and have some good ol’ fashion, motivational, I-can-do-it-no-matter-what fun! And hey, you even get tOhear the anthemic song Jump by Van Halen in the soundtrack. Now if that’s not worth it, then I don’t know what is.
Shaun Pilkington is an actor who began his career in New Jersey. He graduated cum laude from Montclair State University with a B.F.A. in acting and communications. He has performed in film, live theatre, and commercials. Other artistic endeavors have included being a rock radio DJ and motivational speaker. He loves being a part of the Greenhouse so thaThe can encourage and serve others as well as help connect artists to the proper resources.