Film Review: Rocketman (2019)

Length: 2Hr 1
Rating: 15
Release: 22.5.2019
About: An epic musical fantasy about the uncensored human story of Sir Elton John’s breakthrough years.

It’s strange that it took me so long to go and see this after being so excited for it. Loving BoRhap and Eddie the Eagle meant I thought I was onto a winner with this biopic. However, did I just seen the second misstep of the previously flawless CV of Taron Egerton?

The Good

• Taron Egerton gives a flawless performance as Elton John. I’ll admit, he’s not the physical carbon copy as the BoRhap boys where, but his performance pushed beyond the physical and gave us the persona, the flaws and the emotion of the man from Pinner.
• Equally Jamie Bell is a joy to watch as the songwriter Bernie Taupin. The chemistry he has with Egerton is heartbreakingly beautiful and I almost wish he had a little more screen time.
• This is not an accurate biopic, therefore the music that runs through is not contained within its time frame. It works within the elements of fantasy and compliments the narrative.
• The transitional time jumps are so well placed that I think Rocketman is well suited to a West End run. Moving from young Reggie to Egerton’s incarnation is an incredible scene.

The Bad

• I’m not convinced Bryce Dallas Howard was the right fit for the role of Sheila; Elton’s vile mother. She seemed too old for the early scenes and too young for the rest. There was no point where I thought she fitted into the role. It’s a shame because she really is a good actress.
• The film’s focus is not on the music, but the man. It’ll be perfect for some but it really wasn’t what I was there for. A balance of the two would have made it a little more digestible for me.
• Richard Madden suffers from playing the same character that appears in BoRhap. While its a solid effort and provides the audience with some steamy scenes, he just doesn’t hold up the same villainy that Aidan Gillen has.

The Ugly

• The biggest problem I have is that the whole movie is framed by Elton’s time in a rehab clinic. It makes for an interesting plot device, but it does run the risk of taking its toll on the audience. I felt emotionally drained and rather down by the time the film came to its credits and began detailing what Elton has done since.

Final Thoughts

I can’t deny, its a well made film. There is a lot to love about this quasi-psychedelic journey into the world of one of Europe’s greatest artists. However, with the lack of an upbeat ending and it loses that heartwarming charm that it could of had.

Love Han x