Every other Super Bowl trailer for a 2016 movie seems to be following a kind of similar philosophy: more footage, new footage. That’s certainly been the case forGods of Egypt, which debuted its Super Bowl spot yesterday. So, hats off toEddie the Eagle,Dexter Fletcher’s feel-good sports comedy that had a well-received secret screening at Sundance a few weeks ago, for changing it up a bit. The Super Bowl spot for the film, which featuresHugh Jackmanas the coach to an unlikely skier, played byTaron EgertonofKingsman: The Secret Service, features a trio of famous athletes stumping for the film’s depiction of the athletic life.Kurt Warner,Russell Wilson, andDrew Breesare the athletes in this particular case, and they all seem to be getting into the spirit of the film’s goofy, openly inspiring spirit. You can check out the trailer right below:
Jackman has been a seasoned performer for awhile now, doing some distinctly remarkable work inDenis Villeneuve’s underratedPrisonersand, of course, as the Wolverine in a variety of films, as well as inThe PrestigeandThe Fountain. And though I was not a fan (at all) ofKingsman, I have every expectation that Egerton has talent that’s yet to be harnessed in a substantial way. The most interesting facet of this production, however, is Fletcher, who turned to directing after solidifying a brilliant career as an actor.
As a performer, he’s done his best work inMike Leigh’s absolutely fantasticTopsy Turvy, as well a playing one of the central crooks inLock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; as a child, he appeared inThe Elephant ManandThe Long Good Friday. And with his last two films,Wild BillandSunshine on Leith, he’s proven himself to be a competent, if not particularly ambitious director of joyful, comedic dramas. Fans of those films will likely find something similar to love aboutEddie the Eagle, when its released on February 26th.
