The Eagle Has Landed. Film Review: Eddie The Eagle

If like me you were a child of the 1970's and 80's and grew up in Great Britain, you would know who Eddie The Eagle was.  He was the odd looking man who was our sole representative at Ski Jumping in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.


Now, almost 30 years on; Dexter Fletcher -
previously of Press Gang fame (another child of the 80's reference there.) and my secret crush, has made Eddie the Eagle's story into a film.

Luckily I was able to get two preview tickets from ShowFilmFirst so of course I took along the 10 year old.  He was oblivious to Eddie The Eagle and his fight for flight in 1988.

Obviously the film has used some poetic license and it is "based" on a true story.  Hugh Jackman's character is fictitious - but who cares? He's lovely.  Taron Egerton played the part of Michael "Eddie" Edwards brilliantly and it was a far cry from his character in The Kingsman.

I spent a large proportion of watching time egging Eddie on, wanting him to compete and win. This film is real inspirational feel-good family movie. It doesn't matter if your children have never heard of Eddie the Eagle. It's about determination to make your dreams come true.  A reminder that it's the taking part, the Olympics are for amateurs (not that you'd know it now) and self belief can get you anywhere.

The 10 year old and I give it 5 stars and recommend you go and see it.

Eddie The Eagle is on at cinemas from April 1st.