Eddie the Eagle – Based on a True “Never Give Up” Story
Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), 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 (played by Hugh Jackman), 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. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan R. comments, “I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film.” Mia A. adds, “I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle! This… is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things. It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!” See their full reviews below.
Eddie the Eagle
By Mia A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I absolutely love Eddie the Eagle! This film, directed by Dexter Fletcher, is an inspiring movie because Eddie is just a regular guy who does amazing things. It makes people like me who watch this movie feel like they could do anything!
Eddie the Eagle is based on a true story about a boy named Michael Edwards, known as Eddie (Taron Egerton) 
who grew up in Great Britain in the 1960s. Eddie always wanted to be in the Olympics, but he had weak knees so all his doctors said not to do sports and to give up. Regardless of his doctor’s advice, he tried lots of sports, but never successfully did any of them right. When he goes to his dad’s work after giving up on this dream he sees a ski slope. From then on, Eddie is determined to get into the Winter Olympics. When he fails to get on the Great Britain downhill ski team for the Olympics, he learns about ski jumping. As there are no ski jumping locations in Great Britain, he travels to Germany. There he tries to learn ski jumping in order to get into the Olympics. He meets a former Olympic ski jumper, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) and tries to get Bronson to coach him. Will Eddie get to the Olympics, get Bronson to coach or win the Olympics?
My favorite scene is when Eddie sets a new distance jumping record and he flaps around like an eagle a
nd has the best time of his life. This scene is uplifting and funny.
The cinematography in Eddie the Eagle is really intense and makes you feel as if you are right there! Whenever someone gets ready to go down the ski jump ramp and lands, you feel like cheering!
There are lots of morals in this movie including: follow your dreams, winning isn’t always achieving, never give up on your dreams, when you love what you do giving up is never the answer, and many more.
I rate this movie a 5 out of 5 stars because it is inspiring and has a gripping story. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 because there are some sexual references, like when Bronson makes an imitation of making love with a celebrity. There are also some injuries, like when someone tries to ski jump they fall and hurt themselves badly they can’t move.
If you love adventure, and rooting for the underdog, go see Eddie the Eagle in theatres near you!
Eddie the Eagle
Reviewed by Ryan R., age 12
I was truly delighted to watch the new film, Eddie the Eagle because it is an astoundingly energizing and powerful film. I l
ove to watch films based on true stories and this is an unquestionably good one. In this film, you will see the story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, an Olympic British ski jumper and learn how his determination enabled him to participate in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
This movie tells the story of Eddie the Eagle (Taron Egerton) and shows the tough obstacles that Eddie overcame to achieve his dream of participating in the Olympics.
I love how this movie doesn’t feel rushed. I love the casting. Taron Egerton looks identical to real Eddie and plays him with conviction. Hugh Jackman also gives a great performance. Jo Hartley, who plays Eddie’s mom, gives a stunning performance of a mother who supports her child’s dreams no matter what. The 80s soundtrack also plays an important role in the movie, since it is the type of music that was around when Eddie made his jump. This year is the 28th anniversary of when he made his ski jump in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The moral of this movie is never give up no matter what. We see that when individuals don’t have faith in Eddie and think his fantasy of setting off to the Olympics is an exercise in senselessness that he would never be capable of achieving. We see how Eddie never gives up. He is persistent, even though people think he is crazy. Eddie never gives up on what he believes in and does his best. Throughout this movie you see Eddie overcome obstacles and he never gives up. This is definitely a good movie for kids to see, especially if they have been put down, taunted, bullied or told they can’t do something they love to do. They can benefit from seeing this film.
I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to kids ages 5 to 18. I think adults will like this film as well. Those who like docudramas and family movies will particularly enjoy it. Look for the story of Eddie the Eagle which is in theaters now.
