Eddie

Eddie Franklin, played by Whoopi Goldberg, spends her days behind the wheel in Manhattan, chauffeuring clients and living for the Knicks. She knows every buzzer beater, every crowd roar, and wears her fandom like armor. When Wild Bill Burgess, the owner, rolls out a flashy publicity stunt an honorary coach contest Eddie enters as a fan and wins. The win triggers a wide buzz and Burgess decides to replace the current coach with Eddie, elevating a loyal spectator to the role of leader. Suddenly Eddie is navigating the spotlight and a locker room full of veteran players whose egos are as loud as the studio cameras. The setup promises comedy that comes from culture clash more than pure sport strategy.

Directed by Steve Rash, Eddie is based on an original screenplay by Jon Connolly, David Loucka and Eric Champnella. The movie sits in the 1990s light hearted sports comedy lane, mixing urban energy with basketball humor.

Box office gross totaled 31,387,164 dollars worldwide, against a 30 million dollar budget, reflecting a modest return that sat behind more high profile releases of its year.

Not a standout in pop culture, Eddie nonetheless captures a late 90s mood where sports and showmanship collide with everyday life. It gives Whoopi Goldberg a lead role that keeps the tone breezy and friendly rather than cutting edge.

Critics treated the film as a light entertaining ride rather than a sharp social statement. Goldberg brings warmth and comic timing that help carry a plot built on fandom and team dynamics. The story addresses themes like the lure of fame, the tension between celebrity and coaching authority, and whether enthusiasm can translate into real leadership. It leans into humor derived from a mismatched mix of players and media attention, and it suggests that a positive approach can soften egos and improve on court chemistry.