Director: Dexter Fletcher
Writer: Lee Hall
Released: May 2019
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard
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Firstly, I had a wonderful night out on my birthday! We went to see Rocketman at the movies, and it was very enjoyable indeed – thank you Sascha for organising it!
Rocketman was two hours of musical classics, sung by Taron Egerton who portrayed Elton John.
It documented Elton John’s childhood, which I found very interesting! His parents appeared to be very cold, with his nan being the only person to support him as an aspiring musician.
Then it followed him through the rise and fall of his fame and addictions.
Elton John: So how does a fat boy from nowhere get to be a soul man?
Wilson: You got to kill the person you were born to be in order to become the person you want to be.
Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), the writer of Elton’s songs, is a forever friend of his. I think their relationship was the warmest and most authentic relationship in the movie.
The casting was spot on! I couldn’t believe how authentic Bryce Dallas Howard’s English accent was.
The child actors who played Elton when he was a child were absolutely one in a million finds. They were incredible!
However, Rocketman is the perfect example of why a biopic should not be made while the main character is still alive, let alone be made by the main character – Elton John – himself.
It was Elton’s self-indulgent, ego-swamped, boastful story of his own life.
Perhaps I wouldn’t have felt this way if I had not seen Bohemian Rhapsody recently, which was a humble reflection of the seemingly kind, gentle and generous Freddie Mercury.
In comparison, Rocketman was the total opposite.
So if you loved Bohemian Rhapsody, you would not necessarily love Rocketman, which is a theatrical, over-the-top stage show. Sort of like Mary Poppins: Returns meets La La Land meets… Well, the sparkling razzle-dazzle of Elton John.
However, if you haven’t seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, or if you didn’t enjoy Bohemian Rhapsody, then I would encourage you to watch Rocketman. Because you’ll have a better chance of loving it.
Nevertheless, it certainly takes you on an out-of-this-world journey, which I loved.
Ultimately, it’s worth a watch if you are a fan of Elton John’s hits – which is everyone! The script includes inspirational quotes, and the costumes are outrageous.
Just be prepared for the theatrics and grotesque flaunt of wealth. An audience who has an interest in stage shows is advised.
Jodie’s rating: 6/10
NZ Film Freak 