Eddie the Eagle, released Feb. 26, tells the real life story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards (Taron Egerton), a rather inept ski jumper who strives to go to the Olympics with aid from his washed up coach Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman).

Eddie the Eagle is a very self aware movie, and it plays to its genre’s strengths. The narrative of the film is touching and sentimental, and it is bolstered by the charming, and often humorous, lead performances by Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman. The supporting cast also gives solid performances, including Eddie’s endlessly supportive mother Janette (Jo Hartley). The message of the movie is a fresh of breath air in that it tells the audience to always do your best, even when you know you’re going to fail, rather than promising victory. The appeal of Eddie was in his lackluster abilities rather than an immense natural talent, and the movie remains faithful to that.

However, this movie hardly differentiates itself plot-wise from the slew of underdog movies already available. It hits every note you’d expect it to, and it is quite predictable. The movie is also quite schmaltzy at times, which may turn some viewers away, or at least put a bad taste in their mouth.

Eddie the Eagle is a heartwarming biopic about the most incompetent English ski jumper that ever went to the Olympics. Its humor and charm can not conceal the movie’s definite plot weakness, but Eddie the Eagle is still an entertaining and offbeat watch.

VERDICT: 6/10