Quite frankly, what’s there to say about Sir Elton John that hasn’t been said already? The man has, is and will always be one of the greatest musicians to ever bless this planet with his talents. So, it was inevitable that after so many biopics on other musicians (BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY being the most recent), he’d have his own. In a nutshell, ROCKETMAN is a musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Sir Elton John’s (played by Taron Egerton) breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.
For starters, if you’re looking for a documentary film, this isn’t it. If you’re seeking that type of style and story, wait a few months and buy his official autobiography – released in October. Now, If you’re willing to embrace the fantasy and appreciate an artistic piece for what it is, then you’re in for a magical treat! ROCKETMAN is inundated with lots of commanding and immersive performances for Taron Egerton (and Jamie Bell as well). One will sing along at the perfectly placed songs and also be moved at the life EJ went through with so many horrible people around him (with the exception of Bernie, who seemed to be the only true friend).
I want to make something very clear… ROCKETMAN isn’t a movie about a rock star. It’s a musical about a rock star! A musical that uses EJ’s own music to tell the story. The movie is not always chronological and in some cases is more figurative than historical. In this way it can convey EJ’s life and harsh struggles in a way that the viewer may understand on a more personal level.
The acting, writing and singing are brilliant! Egerton did not try to imitate Elton, but instead preformed the pieces in his own style that he molded as closely as possible to the original. It sounds strange, but it works. As always, you can never sum up any life, book or story in a 2-hour movie, but this comes close. You leave feeling like you really got to know the real, yet flawed, human part of Sir Elton John. This is truly a spectacle that could very well be an Oscar contender, Taron for sure.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY may have had the better vocals, but ROCKETMAN gets the better flick! That said, follow the yellow brick road to your nearest theater on Friday, May 31st and strap yourselves as you launch out with the Rocketman!
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Grade: A / Genre: Musical, Drama / Rated: R / Run Time: 2:01
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
Official Movie Site: https://www.paramount.com/movies/rocketman
