Eddie The Eagle review: Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman are flying without wings

Think about what you wanted to be when you grew up. An astronaut? An archaeologist? A member of Blazin' Squad? The harsh realities of life often trample our childhood dreams, but some never let go of their urges. Step forward Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, whose desire to be an Olympian against the odds has been turned into a nostalgia-tinged, crowdpleasing movie that'll have you involuntarily fist-pumping the air. 

In the era of neon shell suits, Roland Rat and Rick Astley's gravity-defying quiff, Eddie the Eagle's ski-jumping efforts for Great Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics entranced the world. Living rooms across the globe fell silent at every dangerous jump he attempted, his limbs unfurling mid-air like a drunken daddy long legs. Despite a staggering lack of experience, he put his body – and life – on the line to achieve his dream. Whatta guy. 

Dexter Fletcher's sweet and funny movie does a great job of celebrating his unflappable spirit, with Eddie – played endearingly by Kingsman's Taron Egerton – reframed as a hero rather than a laughing stock. His struggle against the odds to qualify to represent his country, defying both his father (Keith Allen) and the snooty British Olympics committee, has successfully been moulded into a triumphant underdog sports flick in the style of Cool Runnings. 

The script takes massive liberties with the truth in its quest to achieve such mass appeal. As Eddie's embittered alcoholic mentor Bronson Peary, Hugh Jackman injects plenty of energy and forms an appealing odd-couple dynamic with Egerton's Eddie. But the character – a pure invention – is too often a walking, slurring cliché. 

Bronson's entire redemption subplot featuring his estranged former coach (Christopher Walken) feels too much of a calculated and overfamiliar contrivance to push our emotional buttons. There's also a recurring tendency to lapse into stereotypes, with both foreigners and upper-class Brits falling foul of crude representations.

But who sits through a film over-analysing plot mechanics? Taken at face value, there's no denying how effective Eddie The Eagle is at tugging your heartstrings. Egerton is so disarming with his big specs and even bigger smile that you just want to give him a hug. 

With Fletcher's deft direction amplifying how crazily scary ski jumping is, and the Gary Barlow-curated atmospheric soundtrack often hitting an ascendant note, you'll find yourself feeling protective of the hapless competitor and in awe of his resilience. No matter how well or badly he performs. 

Although it threatens to land face first in the snow at times, Eddie The Eagle manages to triumphantly soar past its flaws (you see where we're going with this). It gives a newfound appreciation of what he achieved and turns his struggles into an amiable and enjoyable adventure.

Above all, it speaks to that inner child who was too scared to turn dreams into reality. As you watch Eddie achieve the near-impossible, you'll feel inspired to take on the world. That can only be a good thing. Unless you really did want to be in Blazin' Squad.

Eddie The Eagle opens in UK cinemas on Monday, March 28

Director: Dexter Fletcher; Screenwriters: Sean Macauley, Simon Kelton; Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Keith Allen; Running time: 106 mins; Certificate: PG