I said it with "Bohemian Rhapsody", I'll say it for this film, they couldn't find anyone else to play their main man. Taron Egerton (Kingsman) stuns audiences with his charisma, emotion and heart as the "Rocketman". His portrayal of one of the greatest singers of all time, is one you can't miss. I have no doubt that is his best performance of his career so far.
Director Dexter Fletcher who also directed the "Queen" biopic, takes on this film. Fletcher stuns audiences once more with yet another smash musical biopic. He holds no boundaries as this film is unpredictable and flaunts its flashiness in a comedic and colorful way.
Some of what Fletcher manages to pull off is perhaps the eloquently balance of flashbacks. On top of that, are the flamboyant costumes that perfectly capture the personality of Elton. Egerton pulls it off in a fun and intuitive manner. Audiences will enjoy this as it is as entertaining as its subject.
I'm okay with kissing in films, but sex isn't something I consider necessary in any film. Whether it be a straight couple or in this case a gay couple, I don't think it's really necessary for sex to be flaunted in this film. Granted that Elton John is gay and everyone knows it, I don't consider the film's sexual side entertaining whatsoever. Nevertheless, this is really the only thing I didn't like about the film.
Audiences first heard Egerton's singing voice in 2016's animated film "Sing", in which he coinsidentially sang "I'm Still Standing", one of Elton John's songs. He blew away audiences with that, now comes his talent on full display. He has an amazing singing voices and this film definitely showcases it in all it's glory.
I don't think that any film that has already told of a music legends background could ever top this. This film is beyond entertaining, it's imaginative and heartfelt. Beneath the glitz and glam of the iconic Sir Elton Hercules John aka Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is a tragic upbringing. I was shocked to say the least that this was how he grew up.
He's the Rocketman! This film is spectacular in that it's one of the most entertaining films this year. It's exciting and joyously irresistable. This film honors one of the greatest singers of all time in dazzeling fashion. What it manages to accomplish here is beyond exciting and without a doubt pleasing. It makes 2019 continue to be a year well spent at the movies. This film is certainly a one of a kind, that definitely doesn't go unnoticed.
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| Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures |
Rate: A-
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Bryce-Dallas Howard, Jamie Bell
MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content)
Runtime: 2 Hours
Synopsis: ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story -- set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton -- tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.
