'Eddie The Eagle' Will Inspire And Terrify You In the Best Way Possible

2016 is shaping up to be another great year for movies and with the likes of Eddie The Eagle, the year is already off to a flying start! Based on the true story of Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, this movie is a brilliant mix of humor, intensity, and heart that positions it to be one of most inspiring films of the year. There are a lot of reasons why you should go see this movie, not the least of which are the stellar performances of Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service).

It Will Make You Laugh (And Cringe!)

The movie has a lot of touching moments and its humor is spot-on. As a feel-good movie, it hits all the bullet points needed in order to get you laughing and tugging at your heartstrings. And when Eddie goes for those death-defying jumps, the film also does an outstanding job of filling you with a sense of dread. The cinematography effectively showcases the intensity, speed and impact of each jump. Everyone in the theater actually gave an audible "OH!" every time Eddie crashed. I'll be honest, I did, too. It drives the message home that what he's going for isn't easy and makes his stubbornness all the more inspiring.

It's Taron At His Best

Egerton gives a truly heartfelt performance in this movie. As Eddie Edwards, he has you rooting for him right from the start. There's a quality about him that's very human and genuine. He captures the stubborn innocence of a man with a singular, all-consuming dream and who won't take no for an answer. This is in spite of everyone and everything telling him can't succeed. It takes something special to be able to wade through that much negativity. For someone so meek and awkward, Eddie has more guts than anyone I've ever seen on screen.

It Teaches You The Power Of Persistence

Our brains are wired to look for the simplest solutions; that's why we've come up with so many gadgets and gizmos to make life easier. Our brains will give us any excuse to not do something because it looks too difficult. Eddie inspires by defiantly going against the voices around and within him and just keeps on trying. The movie teaches a powerful lesson in what you can achieve when you burn the boats and go for what you want with absolute persistence. Everyone, from his father to gravity itself, is telling Eddie he shouldn't be doing what he's doing. He gets battered and bruised emotionally and physically, but somehow gets back up and says, "No, you're wrong." If that doesn't fire you up, I don't know what will.

It Will Leave You Feeling Good

Eddie Edwards had a lot stacked against him: He was short of funding; he was 20lbs heavier than his next competitor; he needed to have his glasses on at all times (which tended to fog up when he was jumping); the British Olympic Association wanted nothing to do with him. Even with all that, he drank a big, steaming cup of "I don't give a fuck" and went for it anyway, with spectacular results. Viewers will leave the theater feeling good and at the same time thinking about their own dreams and aspirations, and asking the question, "What's my excuse?" I know that's what the film did for me.

So watch it, get inspired, and go out there and get after what you really want in life!