Review: ‘Eddie the Eagle’

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Dreams do come true for those who strive to achieve them, that’s the message of Eddie the Eagle, an inspiring tale of a young man who wouldn’t stop until he reached his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete. The film stars Taron Egerton as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping, but it’s the story of how he got there that is most extraordinary.

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Eddie isn’t your normal determined athlete; as a matter of fact, Eddie isn’t what you would call an athlete at all. From an early age, young Eddie Edwards had a dream to become an Olympic athlete and he didn’t care what sport it was, he just wanted to represent his country. He tried his luck at training for all sorts of events throughout his younger years, but nothing seemed to be the right fit. It became apparent to Eddie that he was looking into the wrong sort of sports as his limitations were holding him back, but a revelation came to him and he decided that skiing seemed the more logical choice to help him make the games. He became a good downhill skier, but he was told that he would never make the team. More determined than ever, he found his way to ski jumping. Why ski jumping? There were no other British ski jumpers with whom to compete for a place!

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And this is where Eddie’s story takes flight. Against his parents better judgement, Eddie takes off for Germany to train at an Olympic ski jumping facility, but the sport is tougher than he thought. Enter Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), a disgraced former ski jumper turned slope maintenance guy who sees Eddie’s determination but little in the way of talent. Bronson, not looking to reunite with the sport that shunned him, initially deflects Eddie’s call for help, but ultimately decides to help him. The two unlikely allies begin a rough journey that they hope will land them on the slopes of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

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Director Dexter Fletcher tells Eddie’s wonderful story perfectly with minimal cliche’s and a ton of heart. Taron Egerton shows why he is one of the brightest stars in Hollywood today with his brilliant depiction of the titular character. Hugh Jackman works perfectly with Egerton and their chemistry is the reason the film works so perfectly.  Eddie the Eagle is a fantastic story of strong will and determination that will have you standing on your chair and flapping your arms like an eagle. A true testament to the human spirit and a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever chased a dream.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer:

Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton Bring ‘Eddie The Eagle’ to Life in The First Trailer from 20th Century Fox

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20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for Eddie The Eagle! 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.

Eddie the Eagle flies into theatres February 26, 2016

WEBSITE: www.EddieTheEagleMovie.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EddieTheEagleMovie/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/EddieEagleMovie

HASHTAG: #EddieTheEagle

 

Trailer for ‘Legend’ Starring Tom Hardy is Online

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StudioCanal has debuted the trailer for Legend starring Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road). who plays dual roles in the film as Ronald and Reginald Kray. a pair of gangsters who controlled much of London’s organized crime in the 1960s. You can view the trailer below.

The film is written and directed by Brian Helgeland (42)based on John Pearson’s book “The Profession of Violence.” It costars Emily Browning, Christopher Eccleston, Taron Egerton, Tara Fitzgerald, Chazz Palminteri and David Thewlis.

Legend opens in the UK on September 11. No release date for the US at this time

Michael’s Review: ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’- A New Generation of Spy Film

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One of the things that makes a Matthew Vaughn movie an event is the stylistic nature of his interpretation of the source material and his knack for creating a unique movie experience that everyone can enjoy. Taking from the comic book The Secret Service, created by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar (Vaughn previously adapted Millar’s Kick Ass for the screen), this up tempo, high powered action film is exactly the adrenaline jolt that the spy sction thriller genre needed. Enlisting an all star supporting cast and mixing them with a group of fresh faces creates an environment on film that enables the director to get the very best out of the story which will no doubt make Kingsman: The Secret Service the movie to see this weekend.

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Colin Firth stars as Harry, an impeccably suave spy, in KINGSMAN THE SECRET SERVICE.

Colin Firth plays Harry Hart, an old school super spy, reminiscent of the old Roger Moore James Bond days, where a suit was more powerful than the weapon in the eyes of the man. When the loss of a protege on a mission leaves Harry carrying a guilt that has haunted him for nearly two decades, his natural tendency is to reach out to the man’s family and make sure they are looked after. Leaving behind a wife and a young boy named Eggsy, Harry leaves a medal with the young family with a number to call if they ever need anything from the organization.

Harry (Colin Firth), an impeccably suave spy, helps Eggsy (Taron Egerton) turn his life around by trying out for a position with Kingsman, a top-secret independent intelligence organization.

Harry (Colin Firth), an impeccably suave spy, helps Eggsy (Taron Egerton) turn his life around by trying out for a position with Kingsman, a top-secret independent intelligence organization.

Now a young man, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) has lost his way and has turned to a life of crime and hooliganism. His mom has remarried to a town crime boss and life has never been worse for the young man. After an altercation in a local pub leaves Eggsy in jail, he decides to call the number his family was given all those years ago. Harry and Eggsy meet once again after all these years and Harry recruits the young man into the Kingsman, an mSpy secret agency free of government regulations. Eggsy is selected along with eight other young prospects, who must pass a vigorous training regiment which will test them both physically and mentally. One of the young recruits is a girl named Roxy (Sophie Cookson), whom Eggsy becomes fond of. The training is overseen by Merlin (Mark Strong) and Arthur (Michael Caine), each of whom have their own vested interest in the candidates.

Harry (Colin Firth), an impeccably suave spy, helps Eggsy (Taron Egerton) turn his life around by trying out for a position with Kingsman, a top-secret independent intelligence organization.

Harry (Colin Firth), an impeccably suave spy, helps Eggsy (Taron Egerton) turn his life around by trying out for a position with Kingsman, a top-secret independent intelligence organization.

When a technology tycoon named Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson), becomes a threat, the Kingsman begin to investigate the aspiring philanthropists actions. Deeming him a threat to the world, Harry must go deep undercover to infiltrate Valentine’s organization and learn the true nature of his plan. As the training comes to a close, it’s up to Eggsy and Roxy to make hard decisions, in the final stages, to ensure their place in the Kingsman organization. As the plot of the tech villain unfolds, it will be up to the young group of recruits to spoil the plot, but will the unseasoned rookies be up to the task? The fate of the world is in the hands of the Kingsman.

Harry (Colin Firth) and Eggsy (Taron Egerton) meet Richard Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), a tech billionaire with devastating plans for the world.

Harry (Colin Firth) and Eggsy (Taron Egerton) meet Richard Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), a tech billionaire with devastating plans for the world.

The film is a non stop action thrill ride which never takes itself too seriously. The campy nature of the film allows the over the top story line to unfold with ease and never allows for the cliche’s to engulf the fun nature of the film. Director Matthew Vaughn loves to incorporate stylistic action sequences into his films which are both memorable and as important to the telling of the story as the script itself. This action driven film really relies on the actors to flush out the story and help the audience believe in their characters arcs. Colin Firth is wonderful as the old school super spy. Never have I seen the award winning actor in such an action packed role, but he pulled it off with ease and has shown he can be just as effective with his fists as he can with his mouth. The supporting cast that features Mark Strong, Mark Hamill, Michael Caine, and Sophie Cookson, is tremendous and each character adds his or her own unique style into the film, but its Taron Egerton that is the star of this film and rightfully so. Egerton is humorous and charming as the would be Kingsman, and the young actor shows veteran prowess in his first feature film and shows he is ready for the big time.

Harry (Colin Firth), an elite member of a top-secret independent intelligence organization known as the Kingsman, prepares to teach some ruffians a lesson.

Harry (Colin Firth), an elite member of a top-secret independent intelligence organization known as the Kingsman, prepares to teach some ruffians a lesson.

Overall, Kingsman: The Secret Service is wonderful and will no doubt entertain all those who give it a shot. Nevermind that other film opening this weekend, this Valentine’s Day, spend your evening with the Kingsman!

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

During credits there’s a new scene, end of credits there is nothing

Trailer: