Eddie the Eagle

Some films win Oscars. Some become box office sensations. And then there are films like Eddie the Eagle that simply make you feel better about life. If you’re having a bad day, this is one of the films I would recommend. It’s funny, uplifting and packed with so much heart that it’s difficult not to come away from it with a smile on your face.

What makes the film so effortlessly enjoyable is the chemistry between Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman. Their relationship is the emotional heart of the story, taking two completely different personalities and gradually building a genuinely likeable friendship that carries the entire film. Jackman brings just the right amount of gruff charm to Bronson Peary, while Egerton completely disappears into the role of Eddie Edwards. His performance is full of warmth, awkwardness and relentless optimism, making Eddie impossible not to root for.

I’ve said it before and I’ll happily say it again: I’ve always had a soft spot for films based on true stories. Whether they’re uplifting, heartbreaking or somewhere in between, knowing that these events really happened adds another level of emotional investment. Going into Eddie the Eagle, I knew virtually nothing about Eddie Edwards. Winter sports have never really been my thing, and I certainly wasn’t familiar with his Olympic story. That actually made the experience even better because I got to discover this remarkable underdog journey as it unfolded.

I’m an absolute sucker for an underdog story, and Eddie the Eagle might be one of the most likeable examples I’ve seen. Eddie isn’t the fastest, the strongest or the most naturally gifted athlete. In fact, almost everyone around him expects him to fail. Yet his unwavering belief in himself slowly becomes infectious. Before long, you find yourself celebrating every tiny victory as though you’ve known him for years. Success here isn’t measured by medals; it’s measured by refusing to give up, and that’s what makes the story so rewarding.

If I had to criticise one aspect of the film, it would undoubtedly be the CGI. Most notably, the digitally created ski jumpers during several of the crashes look surprisingly poor. Instead of adding realism, they stand out for all the wrong reasons and briefly pull you out of the experience. Considering how polished the rest of the production is, the visual effects in these moments feel oddly unfinished. It’s a shame because the danger of ski jumping should feel genuinely frightening, and the artificial-looking effects lessen the impact.

Thankfully, that’s a very small complaint in what is otherwise a hugely entertaining film. The supporting cast all play their part brilliantly, the soundtrack is packed with energetic 1980s anthems that perfectly suit the tone, and the sporting sequences are filmed with real excitement. By the time Eddie stands at the top of the intimidating 90-metre jump, my palms were genuinely sweaty. Even though the film has spent the previous two hours convincing you to believe in him, there’s still that little voice wondering whether this leap is simply too much. It’s one of those moments where you almost stop breathing until his skis hit the ground.

It also knows exactly when to make you laugh. Eddie’s relentless optimism and Bronson’s dry sarcasm bounce off each other brilliantly, giving the film just as much charm as inspiration. One little detail that made me smile was the subtle reference to the Jamaican bobsled team. During one scene, Bronson Peary hears them mentioned on the radio, serving as a clever nod to Cool Runnings. It’s not something the film draws attention to, which makes it all the more rewarding if you happen to catch it.

As with most biopics, I can’t say how faithfully every scene reflects the real events, but that never really mattered while I was watching. The film captures the spirit of Eddie Edwards and tells an incredibly enjoyable story, and sometimes that’s exactly what a biopic needs to do. It celebrates perseverance, resilience and the courage to chase a dream that everyone else considers impossible.

Eddie the Eagle reminds us that success isn’t always about standing on top of the podium. Sometimes it’s about having the courage to climb the ladder, take a deep breath and jump anyway. It’s funny, inspiring and impossible not to smile through. I had an absolute blast with it, and if you’ve somehow never seen it, I’d definitely suggest seeking it out.