"THE most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well."

Those are the words of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of Olympics, which resonate throughout Dexter Fletcher's feel-good film, Eddie the Eagle.

With the world's obsession with medals and the Russian doping scandal, many would argue that the spirit of taking part does not reflect the Olympics of today.

But in this heartwarming biopic of his story, Michael 'Eddie' Edwards showed what a plucky underdog could achieve by chasing his dream to compete in the 1988 Calgary Winter Games.

If it was not a true story you would not believe it.

By never giving up and finding loopholes, Eddie defied the odds to become the first competitor since 1929 to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping and famously came last.

In doing so he captured the nation's hearts and became one of big stories of the event.

Actor-turned-director Fletcher brings a natural warmth to all his films behind the camera and this is no exception.

But some may find Eddie the Eagle be too clichéd and formulaic.

Fletcher uses the relationship between Eddie (Taron Egerton) and the fictional Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), who reluctantly becomes his coach, to tug on the heartstrings.

The real Eddie learnt to jump with the help of two Americans, John Viscome and Chuck Berghorn.

But it works. The way Eddie earns the respect and help of washed-up former ski champ Bronson unfolds brilliantly.

The pair find hope and redemption in each other.

Egerton is exceptional as the stocky, bespectacled, milk-drinking teetotaller Eddie. He becomes the 'heroic failure' in appearance as well as spirit.

The only let down is Keith Allen's wooden performance as Eddie's dad, Terry, who wants his son to give up on his wild dream to become a plasterer like him.

The chemistry between the pair never really clicks.

Of course, we all know the outcome of Eddie's incredible story but Fletcher proves it is the journey not the destination which makes for a inspirational tale.

RATING: 7.5/10

DAVID MORGAN