Eddie the Eagle - Anything is Possible

Ever since he was a little boy, Michael Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) had dreamed of competing in the Olympics. But unfortunately, he's not exactly what you would commonly call a jock. After trying unsuccessfully in various disciplines, he decides to go skiing. But despite his best efforts, he fails to make the British team in qualifying for the 1984 Winter Olympics. But Eddie does not give up. As a ski jumper, he finally wants to fulfill his dream. But since obstacles are put in his way again and again and apparently only he believes in himself, he urgently needs support. In the washed-up ex-professional Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) he finds the perfect coach. But is a little good advice and a big dream enough to take on the best ski jumpers in the world?

Eddie the Eagle is based on the true story of Britain's Michael Eddie Edwards, who wasn't a particularly good ski jumper and never got anywhere near a medal, but who at least managed to jump into the hearts of spectators, the international press when he competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Director Dexter Fletcher (Make my Heart fly - Verliebt in Edinburgh) has not only recognised brilliantly that the path from underdog to public favourite is the perfect material for wonderful feel-good cinema, but has also realised it in a first-class way. His film is not only a tribute to the inspiring ski jumper, but also a charming declaration of love to the cinema of the 80s.

For his interpretation of the true events, Fletcher has admittedly taken some liberties. The character of Bronson Peary, for instance, is entirely fictional. But the grumpy ex-professional, wonderfully played by Hugh Jackman, is an important element for the success of the film. For it is through the interaction between Eddie, bursting with naive joie de vivre, and the cynical Bronson that the film gets just the spark it needs to turn a nice biopic into a wonderful comedy for which the word heartwarming seems to have been invented.

Taron Egerton, who in Kingsman: The Secret Service still perfectly made the transformation from chavvy street urchin to dapper super agent, is almost unrecognizable with thick glasses and a slightly advanced lower jaw. But even if at the beginning you still have the feeling that his portrayal of Eddie the Eagle could easily degenerate into a caricature, by the end he makes the unorthodox hero so immensely likeable that even younger viewers can relate to why fans fell at the feet of the Brit back in the day. His unshakeable belief in himself and his disarming down-to-earthness made him a folk hero for a short time. The effect the real Michael Eddie Edwards had on people is perfectly reflected in Egerton's performance.

Supported by some very good supporting actors, including Iris Berben, backed by a wonderful 80s synth soundtrack and filled with a feel-good, life-affirming atmosphere, Eddie the Eagle flies unerringly into the hearts of audiences even in his semi-fictional screen version. No deep sports drama, just a wonderful comedy to keep you smiling and happily relaxing. And that's exactly what gives it the rating: absolutely worth seeing!

<link http: www.amazon.de gp product _blank>One more little tip: In addition to the normal soundtrack to the film, another compilation has also been released, curated by Take That singer Gary Barlow. For this CD, Barlow has rounded up many music stars of the 80s and recorded brand new songs with them. For kids of the 80s, this great CD features reunions with Nik Kershaw, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, Holly Johnson of Frankie goes to Hollywood, Kim Wilde, Go West, OMD, Howard Jones and more. You can order this CD HERE

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp