Plot: What’s it all about?
As a young kid with a brace on his leg, Eddie (Tom Costello) wants to become an Olympian when he grows up. He’s supported by his mother, but his father tries to talk him out of it. Obviously, he doesn’t listen to his father, and pursues this dream anyway. The adult Eddie (Taron Egerton) continues to train, and eventually begins trying ski-jumping. Eventually, he’s discovered by coach Bronson (Hugh Jackman). Eddie begins training with Bronson for the 1988 Olympics. I’ll confess that when I saw the previews for Eddie that I swore it starred Daniel Radcliffe in the title role. I know that’s a rare comment, but I was convinced that, under a wig and some heavy makeup that was in fact, him. While I don’t think Egerton and Radcliffe favor each other, it just caught me off guard. Still, Egerton does a good job in the lead role. It’s the film that ultimately lets him down.
While based on true events, I can’t comment on how truthful the film stays to the facts, but I found that irrelevant. Hollywood has a way of taking fact-based stories and fabricating them to their advantage. While one could call the film inspirational, it’s also riddled with clichés and endless scenes of Eddie being trained and told he’s not good enough. Cool Runnings told a fairly similar story about 4 bobsledders, but it was also a lot more lighthearted and fun than this film. Not that this film had to be that way to succeed, but Eddie seems so pedestrian. The film is well acted, though Jackman isn’t asked much here, but there’s very little that held my interest. I think it’s that the film lacks a strong conflict that it feels a bit too slight. There is a good message here, I suppose, but it’s buried under clichés and repetitiveness. Some viewers will give in to this film, but I couldn’t.
Video: How’s it look?
The transfer is more than passable with strong details consistently and deep, rich colors. The print is fine and without flaws as well. Background shots displayed nice details as well. The image is AVC encoded with a 2.39:1 ratio. Fans should be more than pleased with the results. It’s a modest film and the transfer serves it appropriately.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We get a DTS HD track that’s more than adequate. Vocals were clean sounding with no distortion and the rears kicked in when needed. At no time does this become one of the better tracks I’ve listened to, but it remained consistent throughout. I think it works well for the film at hand.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Let The Games Begin: Soaring with Eddie the Eagle – This three part documentary is composed of smaller featurettes that encompass the making of the film, the casting and some of the stunts involved.
- All or Nothing: The Hero’s Heart
- An Unlikely Friendship: Eddie & Peary
- Attitude is Altitude: Filming the Ski Jumps
- Still Gallery
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
It’s hard to pick on a film that clearly has its heart in the right place, but Eddie just doesn’t have enough to say to make it essential viewing. It’s not a terrible film, but also not a crucial one, or one that leaves a lasting impression. I can’t advise more than a rental for those curious, but even that is a bit more than this deserves. On a side note, I have to wonder about the timing of this film? 2016 is an “off year” for the Winter Olympics and given that the events seen in this movie took place in 1988, might it not have been better from a marketing perspective to launch this (pun fully intended) in either 2014 or 2018 to coincide with the Winter Olympics?
