The feel-good story of Michael 'Eddie' Edwards, an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself—even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach, Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Eddie the Eagle tries to have it both ways with its main subject, simultaneously ridiculing and ennobling him. And, amazingly, it mostly works.
– Bilge Ebiri,
New York Magazine/Vulture,
28 Feb 2016
fresh:
Taron Egerton reproduces Eddie's offbeat charm, turning him into an Asperger's afflicted champion of the undertrodden.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
27 Feb 2016
fresh:
For every easy, eye-rolling bit, there's a moment of genuine emotion; the champion jumper's pre-climax speech on what matters in sport is downright joyful.
– Matthew Lickona,
San Diego Reader,
26 Feb 2016
fresh:
While it's often cookie-cutter sports movie conventional, you'd have to be stone-hearted to remain un-charmed.
– Katie Walsh,
Tribune News Service,
26 Feb 2016
fresh:
It is a rare biopic of any kind, let alone a sports bio, that merely celebrates participation. It's that novelty that makes this simple comedy shine.