Rent Eddie the Eagle (2016)

Very enjoyable feel good movie - Eddie the Eagle review by SA

Heart warming story about hard work and celebrating dreams coming true rather than winning. Refreshing concept with warm humour. Avoids slap stick and has some amazing filming that makes you realise how dangerous and scary a sport this is. The extras are worth viewing. Interesting that the film makers were not allowed to use the type of skis used in the 80s as too dangerous.

Eddie the eagle - Eddie the Eagle review by CP Customer

Uplifting and inspirational film although not much of the film is actually reflective of the true story. As fiction it's a brilliant film with great performance from the actors.

Uplifting film - Eddie the Eagle review by CP Customer

Until he delivered his record jump at Calgary, he was regarded by many as a joke, but secretly admired. When he delivered his new British record he became a hero and demonstrated that the true Olympic spirit is about taking part and doing your best, winning is not the main aim, it is only for those already at the top.

The film makers were keen to make a film that didn't just play up the comedy but showed respect for what he achieved, and this they have done. Eddie Edwards was involved in the making and approved the script.

great, fun film based on a legend - Eddie the Eagle review by JD

Probably not really worthy of an 80% 4 stars, for one i feel the direction wasnt actually that good. However, in an age of films carrying political undertones, playing to the broadest demographic for the highest return or a director/contributing actor simply laying it on thick for an oscar this comes as a welcome change of pace. It just pure fun around the story of a crazy - but incredibly determined Olympian.

He only had 1 year with obstacles and no backing to learn his art. Even tho he came last everytime, he had the heart of a champion (nicely portrayed with a conversation with the champion near the end).

Ill admit to always seeing him as a joke, but this film humbles us all by, despite the likely made up bits, telling us the story of a kid with a humble background, a gammy leg and dodgy eye sight doing things few would dare - let alone do competitively. 7/10 for the film. 10/10 for the hero.

Whole family enjoyed this one - Eddie the Eagle review by ST

Was a nice movie for us all to watch together. I am hoping it was factually accurate. Great to see such resilience and perseverance, I had no idea of the back story. Loved watching some of the extras too.

Extremely likeable action bio - Eddie the Eagle review by Alphaville

The ultimate high-concept movie. Just as you can’t dislike real-life ski-jumper Eddie himself, you can’t dislike this film. There’s a feel-good story, Taron Egerton strikes the right affectionate note as Eddie, coach Hugh Jackman adds a mismatched buddy-movie vibe, the dialogue sparkles, the ski-jumping is exciting and the scenery is picturesque. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to cheer when Eddie tackles the climactic jump.

What could have been another boring slice-of-life bio becomes in director Dexter Fletcher’s hands a lively and irresistible film. There’s not a dull moment in it. Even if you think you won’t like this film, it will win you over. It’s an antidote to cynicism.

Equally inspiring and watchable are the three Making Of features on the DVD. One shows legendary action director Vic Armstrong’s thrilling work on the ski jumps, which includes him sending two skiers with bodycams down the jumps at the same time.

A genuine feel-good film about the power of following your dreams & proving people wrong - Eddie the Eagle review by TB

For anyone over a certain age in the UK, Eddie the Eagle was a popular and wonderfully eccentric part of British culture, representing Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping. He was for many people the epitome of an underdog: instead of chiselled good looks, a polished media-trained demeanour & phenomenal ability, he was fairly bland-looking, extremely eccentric & had multiple horrific accidents due to his lack of skill. However, he was such a genuine and decent man that you couldn't help but love him. This lovingly crafted & excellent film follows his life from a small child, through to the Olympics.

This is a film which is not only interested in its protagonist, but crucially respects him as well. It is very clearly shown in sometimes quite a brutal & cutting way just how much he was ridiculed by those around him and the hurt this caused. This was a man who wasn't, as he was accused of by those in positions of power, deliberately being provocative & clumsy. He genuinely loved his sport, his country & had a self-belief that sustained him through all of the rubbish that was thrown at him.

In terms of casting, Taron Egerton is absolutely perfect for the role. As with Elton John, he really likes the character he is playing, but also manages to really make you root for Eddie from the beginning. Hugh Jackman is also brilliant, playing his coach Bronson Peary. Tapping into his enormous wealth of Aussie charm, the pair make a great double act. There is also a welcome appearance from Christopher Walken, really elevating the film.

Finally, as much as it may be cliché to say this and no doubt has been used repeatedly when talking about it, the two words which come to mind when I think about this film is feel good. I don't care who you are as a person, it is nigh-on impossible to not be totally taken in by the spirit of this film. And alongside that, whenever I think about it, I also start to smile.

And that in itself is reason enough to give this 5 stars. A wonderful, brilliant & uplifting film about following your dreams.