Rocketman

Modern music biopics have the difficult task in trying to keep their subject matter respectful while finding a way to be creative with the cliches weighing them down. I don't watch many of these but I give a fair chance to those that catch my attention such as Bohemian Rhapsody, which I reviewed last year (which has my thoughts on the film). While it certainly played things safe for pleasing a crowd to gain its Oscar nominations, it overshadowed other films deserving of recognition. This brings us to a new entry to that genre with another artist who went through similar struggles, Rocketman, which was directed by Dexter Fletcher (who took over that role for Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer left). The marketing didn't seem to show too much but intrigued me by its approach to covering Elton John. During a summer that's abundant with underwhelming blockbusters (up until this point), I needed something that could give it a needed quality boost. I entered the auditorium ready to give it a chance and left it very impressed as well as hopeful for its chances of being nominated at the Oscars (assuming the Academy won't ignore it).

Fun connection trivia: There are some funny connections regarding the production of this film that I feel are cool to mention. With Dexter Fletcher having directed both biopics (or least a chunk of Bohemian Rhapsody with those production problems), it's a neat coincidence with both stories involving the manager John Reid (who's portrayed by different Game of Thrones actors in them). Matthew Vaughn is one of the producers here and he also did Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle, which featured both Taron Egerton and Elton John (small cameo) in the film. Vaughn agreed to help produce it on the condition that Egerton be cast in the leading role (this project had been in development since 2001 but other troubles kept getting in the way).

What's it about? This biopic concentrates on Elton's rise in his music career and fall with his struggles regarding sex, drugs, alcohol, and sexuality. The creative approach to this is unique as its a fantasy type of narrative as it's being told from the musicians perspective at a rehab meeting. It's not shy about showing how his sad solitude from childhood didn't necessarily leave him as he moved forward in his life with the challenges he would face. The kind of vulnerability on display in the dramatic beats feel honest and earned with the events taking place. The sharp edges being used in showing the lows are certainly impressive to watch since it doesn't overdramatize his downward slope but its grounded enough.

While the predictable cliches are there, the creativity comes into play when a musical number arrives and helps out with the transition going on at that time. The music doesn't match with the year in which the scene it takes place in but serves as a narrative tool for this jukebox musical. It doesn't go into every detail about his life (such as being knighted in 1998) but shows enough content that it doesn't intrude upon the flow. The only negative to keep in mind is that there's so much material about the artist contained here to the point where the pacing drags a bit nearing the end.

How's Taron Egerton as Elton John? For a role as big as this, Taron is excellent in both the acting and singing areas being demanded of him. The way he transitions in confronting the musicians acceptance of his own sexuality as well as the other stresses that would become an obstacle feel very genuine by the performance. The way he emote aspects such as joy in reaching new heights and distraught over the downslide he would endure carry things very well. The interactions he shares with the rest of the cast challenge his range but overall delivers where it matters.

How's everyone else? In regards to the main figures to focus on in regards to this narrative, there's Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), John Reid (Richard Madden), and parents Stanley (Steven Mackintosh) & Sheila Eileen (Bryce Dallas Howard). Jamie gives a great performance in displaying the caring concern brotherly bond between the song writer and the singer that's completed by the chemistry between both actors. Richard is a welcome casting choice in the showing fierce nature of this music managers whose relationship with Elton is a fascinating one (including a mature scene shown on screen for 1 minute, which makes even more sense for him due to his time on Game of Thrones). The combined package of Steven and Bryce as harsh parenting figures worked great as their respective performances don't hold back on the emotional abuse for a childhood upbringing.

Overall Consensus: Rocketman embraces its creative charm in crafting heartfelt entertainment that's bolstered by great performances, fun musical sequences, emotional hardships of the artist, and a solid pace. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/2🎟🍿 Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute R

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You enjoy musical biopics with a fun creative flair. You don't mind predictable cliches. You are a fan of Elton John. You are bored with high budget modern blockbusters.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You hate musical biopics with predictable cliches. You aren't a fan of Elton John.