Rocketman movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Rocketman

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours, 1 minute

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

“My name is Elton Hercules John.” This musical biopic is skillfully guided by actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher who also worked on Bohemian Rhapsody, a biopic of Freddie Mercury in Queen. This film is timed perfectly to coincide with Elton John’s 4-year retirement tour.

It’s important to know that many of the moments of the movie are not in correct chronological order, just in case you thought this was a factual retelling of sorts. Rocketman has been described by many as more of a fantasy than truth, more of a painting than a mirror. The presentation style of the story was perfect to honor the creativity of the genius that is Elton John.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Elton John’s disproving and distanced parents are a great reminder to be more supportive parents, right? Our kids have dreams, just like we do. Let’s not be the ones who squash theirs.
In a rated R movie about Elton John, it’s no surprise to see homosexuality illustrated. Men kiss passionately in several scenes. In another scene, they begin a romp in bed (mostly clothed). Another scene suggests an orgy with some topless women.
Some profanity, including some F-bombs

THEMES:

Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
“You can be anyone you want.” – John Reid (Richard Madden)
Love
Approval
“It takes courage to take responsibility for your actions.” – therapist
Forgiveness

THINGS I LIKED:

I’m glad that this movie was made while Elton John is alive. I think Freddie Mercury would have gotten a kick out of Bohemian Rhapsody, had he still been alive when it hit theaters last year.
I’ve loved chameleon Taron Egerton in every movie he has done and was thrilled by his performance in this biopic. He does his own singing in the film and even sung one of Elton’s songs (I’m Still Standing) in the movie Sing. He also sang in Eddie the Eagle. According to IMDB, Elton John told Taron not to copy him too much, but to make the “character” his own. There is already Oscar buzz surrounding his performance, especially since Rami Malek won the coveted trophy for his similar role in Bohemian Rhapsody. There were so many moments when Taron truly looked like Elton.
I loved the very first scene!
Great casting for the young Elton.
I loved how the songs were used to illustrate what was happening in Elton’s life. One of the complaints from fans in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody was that not enough attention was given to the life events that inspired certain songs. Rocketman gives us what we wanted by uncovering the relationships, heartbreaks, and inner demons that confronted Elton and led to smash-hit songs.
Fun dance scenes.
Bryce Dallas Howard is always solid and really crushed her performance in this film. I hope she gets an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This time, she plays Elton’s terribly flawed mother, whom Elton calls a heartless monster, in such a way that we truly sympathize with the young Elton and understand where some of his demons might have come from. That’s a lot to put on her, I know. As a mother, I constantly worry that something I unknowingly did or said as I raised my kids will traumatize them for the rest of their lives. Of course, I also know that, ultimately, we can’t blame our challenges on anyone, but instead, we need to own them and conquer them. The movie shows how Elton John blamed almost everyone around him and was miserable until he learned about forgiveness.
Jamie Bell brightens the screen every time he appears as the talented, supportive Bernie Taupin. He even sings a little bit. He played the lead role in the film version Billy Elliot back in 2000, which was written by Rocketman screenwriter Lee Hall.
Other talented cast members include handsome Game of Thrones: Season 1 (BD) [Blu-ray] star Richard Madden and Gemma Jones. I absolutely loved Richard Madden in the live-action version of Cinderella (2015) (Theatrical).
I loved it when Elton and the audience began to float in one of the scenes. That’s not a spoiler, because the movie trailer shows a clip from that scene.
The therapy session at the end was powerful.
Audiences will love the message at the end of the movie about how Elton John is doing today. He is now 28 years sober, very happy news after watching him crash and burn for 2 hours on screen. I always enjoy seeing photos and updates of the real people at the end of a film based on a true story.

Check out this movie trailer that already has over 15 million views!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The pacing struggles a bit between energetic musical numbers and slow dramatic moments.
You’ll be disappointed if you think you’re going to get to hear an entire song, as they all short snippets.
Some of the moments of Elton’s life aren’t represented quite accurately. For example, the movie portrays Elton’s suicide attempt as the inspiration behind the song Rocketman but in real life, Elton said he was simply moved by NASA scientists. The suicide attempt was, however, the inspiration for his song Someone Saved My Life Tonight
It’s frustrating watching someone attain fame and fortune only to self-destruct.

FUNNY LINES:

“Bernie, you are under-reacting.” – Elton John (Taron Egerton)
“Your very expensive painting is upside down.” – Ray Williams (Charlie Rowe)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You gotta kill the person you were born to be to become the person you want to be.” – Clint (Leon Delroy Williams)
“There are moments in a rock star’s life that define who he is and how people perceive him as he ascends into the heavens.” – John Reid
“It’s always important to rely on the kindness of strangers.” – John Reid
“If you don’t care about yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?” – Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell)

OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Bohemian Rhapsody