Rocketman is directed by Dexter Fletcher and stars Taron Egerton.
Drama/Musical/Biopic. Released 2019.
Rocketman is the latest musical biopic to be hitting the big screen, something I can see what may become an annoying, commercial trend, however for now it seems to be going okay (even though I disagree with the momentous acclaim of that little film released last year).
I was a lot more nervous going into Rocketman than I was before Bohemian Rhapsody, however - it probably has a lot to do with the fact that even though I can appreciate and enjoy the art of Freddie Mercury, I am in completely in love with Elton John's, and didn't want this film to do it (and therefore him) a disservice. I am pleased to report that Dexter Fletcher, Taron Egerton and all the rest involved in the film most certainly didn't. Its an enjoyable, exciting and emotional ride.
Let's start with Taron Egerton. He delivers a thoroughly expressive and extroverted performance with some beautifully subtle nuances, and certainly carries the emotional weight of the film. He embodies the extravagance, the artistry and the power of the icon he is portraying, and it's very impressive. However, with regard to nominations, I am not completely sure if he is going to make it the whole way. I think he will definitely get some attention at the Golden Globes due to their more commercial Comedy/Musical category, but I don't think the Academy will laud Rocketman as much as, again, that little film released last year. I don't think that has been their main intention, however, because why release it in the middle of the year? In addition, it is looking like a very, very tight race for Best Actor this year that even my prediction for the final five has excluded Robert DeNiro... I know. But, if Taron Egerton was to get more attention during awards season than I am predicting, it would be deserved. Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard are all solid in their roles and bring heart, or even hatred, to the film.
One thing I really appreciated above Bohemian Rhapsody was the fact that Fletcher and Egerton did not shy away from the very dark themes addressed - nothing was glossed over, and made for some really very powerful moments, most notably that pool scene. The emotional weight is felt when it is needed and lifted when it needs to seamlessly, and it felt like the film was emotionally developing very naturally.
However, a small issue I had with the film - even though this was completely out of their control - was the story, because it did feel derivative at some points. Again, this is documenting the life of a real person, so it couldn't really have been done differently, but the issues faced by Elton John and Freddie Mercury all seems very similar. However, what distinguished itself apart from BoRhap was the artistry. I applaud Dexter Fletcher for creating a visual spectacle which feels like a true love letter to Elton John - its advertised as a true fantasy musical, and yes, that is exactly what it is, and in many ways got the balance between a song-and-dance musical and a musical biopic pretty much on the dot. Its thrilling to see Elton John's iconic musical masterpieces incorporated directly into the context of his life. It certainly had made me love and appreciate his work more than I already did, which was a pretty high bar to reach.
B+
Let's start with Taron Egerton. He delivers a thoroughly expressive and extroverted performance with some beautifully subtle nuances, and certainly carries the emotional weight of the film. He embodies the extravagance, the artistry and the power of the icon he is portraying, and it's very impressive. However, with regard to nominations, I am not completely sure if he is going to make it the whole way. I think he will definitely get some attention at the Golden Globes due to their more commercial Comedy/Musical category, but I don't think the Academy will laud Rocketman as much as, again, that little film released last year. I don't think that has been their main intention, however, because why release it in the middle of the year? In addition, it is looking like a very, very tight race for Best Actor this year that even my prediction for the final five has excluded Robert DeNiro... I know. But, if Taron Egerton was to get more attention during awards season than I am predicting, it would be deserved. Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard are all solid in their roles and bring heart, or even hatred, to the film.
One thing I really appreciated above Bohemian Rhapsody was the fact that Fletcher and Egerton did not shy away from the very dark themes addressed - nothing was glossed over, and made for some really very powerful moments, most notably that pool scene. The emotional weight is felt when it is needed and lifted when it needs to seamlessly, and it felt like the film was emotionally developing very naturally.
However, a small issue I had with the film - even though this was completely out of their control - was the story, because it did feel derivative at some points. Again, this is documenting the life of a real person, so it couldn't really have been done differently, but the issues faced by Elton John and Freddie Mercury all seems very similar. However, what distinguished itself apart from BoRhap was the artistry. I applaud Dexter Fletcher for creating a visual spectacle which feels like a true love letter to Elton John - its advertised as a true fantasy musical, and yes, that is exactly what it is, and in many ways got the balance between a song-and-dance musical and a musical biopic pretty much on the dot. Its thrilling to see Elton John's iconic musical masterpieces incorporated directly into the context of his life. It certainly had made me love and appreciate his work more than I already did, which was a pretty high bar to reach.
B+
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