Eddie the Eagle Reviewed

Based on Michael "Eddie the Eagle" Edwards' (sort of) rise to Olympic fame, this is an underdog story with a twist: He never gets any cooler, and he doesn't win the gold. As Britain's first competitor in Olympic ski jumping, he qualified just by successfully landing a jump, which on its own can be a deadly feat without proper training. Though he finished last, his enthusiasm and goofy appearance won over audiences worldwide. Taron Egerton brings his own twitchy charm to the role of Eddie, scrunching up his face to get a better look through his thick glasses. A synthy musical score sets the tone during the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, but '80s nostalgia and a lovable, bespectacled hero can't save the cheesiness of coach Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) taking on a ski jump in jeans and a lit cigarette. Predictable training montages aside, this is a prime opportunity for Winter Olympics buffs to nerd out on high-definition wipeouts. Rated PG-13.

Critic's Grade: C

Willamette Week