Eddie The Eagle

EDDIE THE EAGLE

Director : Dexter Fletcher
Year : 2016
Genre : Comedy
Rating : ****

If there's one thing we love in this country it's an underdog. And there's isn't an underdog who epitomized self-belief and determination better than Michael ''Eddie'' Edwards - the fearless and perpetually optimistic young Englishman who, without any prior experience, overcame insurmountable odds to represent Great Britain in the highly dangerous sport of ski-jumping at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Fresh from his critically acclaimed starring role in Matthew Vaughn's action comedy 'Kingsman : The Secret Service', Taron Egerton delivers yet another terrific central performance as the ''plucky plasterer'' whose comical flapping and less-than-impressive jumps made him, all be it momentarily, one of most beloved athletes on the Earth; much to the chagrin of the snooty British Olympic committee (led by an indignant Tim McInnerny) who saw Eddie's involvement in the event as a disgrace to the sporting world.

Guiding this unlikeliest of athletes down the treacherous slope is Hugh Jackman's gruff yet loveable snow groomer-turned-trainer Bronson Peary whose backstory of fallen grace instantly calls to mind that of John Candy's equally self-loathing bobsled trainer in the 1994 comedy 'Cool Runnings' while Jo Hartley and Keith Allen give fine supporting performances as Eddie's parents. It may markedly adhere to certain genre tropes but thanks to Egerton's wonderfully jovial performance as well Dexter Fletcher's playful direction, 'Eddie The Eagle' is a thoroughly entertaining movie that is guaranteed to make even the lowliest of spirits soar.