The 2018 Winter Games are underway and I am actually writing an appropriately timed post. Believe it or not. Hell, I was just rambling on about t-shirts in February. I needed to do something right.
I have never been an Olympic slug – it’s very time consuming. On the odd chance that I did watch, the commercials made me absolutely crazy. Let’s not forget the announcers/commentators. I was livid when that insensitive bitch interviewed Bode Miller after he medaled in the final race of the 2014 Olympics. Then, there was Bob Costas. He’s such a tool. Though, I got quite the charge when he continued to broadcast with conjunctivitis. In both eyes.
Fast forward 2018 – Bob Costas retired and his ‘condition’ has probably cleared by now. Bode is now a commentator. And, I have time. Oddly enough, the damn commercials don’t even bother me. Go Figure. Skate. Before I continue, let me qualify something. I am still not a slug by any means. I have never turned on the television to watch. I only did so if it was already on.
During those frequent commercial breaks, that still don’t bother me, I thought about all the movies inspired by Olympic moments. Leave it to Hollywood to prolong everything from “the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat”. And, give me a reason to post. I decided to keep with the Olympic theme and award medals. Truthfully, only three movies even came to mind. So, it worked out really well.
Gold – Miracle
This movie tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad in Lake Placid.
Since the Americans won gold that year, it’s only natural the movie be awarded accordingly. Besides, it’s a hockey movie. Any questions?
Silver – Eddie the Eagle
Inspired by true events – Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), plays the unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself. 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.
Jackman is a serious dude. The final ‘landing’ is just amazing to watch.
Bronze – The Cutting Edge
Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) is a world-class figure skater training for the Olympics; she has genuine talent, but years of being spoiled by her wealthy family have made her all but impossible to work with. Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) is a hockey player with an eye injury suffered during a game that affects his peripheral vision. Desperate to stay in Olympic competition, Doug agrees to try working as Kate’s partner. In time, the two learn to put egos aside to become a pair to be reckoned with both on and off the ice at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic Games.
Even though this IS a romantic-comedy, it’s still fun.
Well, that’s about it. As the Games come to a close, so must my postal ‘presentation’. Trust me, these movies are all worth the watch. Bonus – they are all BBC – Before Bob Costas.