Rocketman
Rocketman Still Standing after all this Time - 8/10
by Neveen Mohd Nabhan - The Movie Empress
Rocketman (2019) Movie Review
Genre: Biography, Drama, Musical
Main story : A musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Writer: Lee Hall
Stars: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones
The review
Rocketman decides to focus on Elton John's character evolution more than anything else, chronicling his life from when he was a little boy to his glory days as the colorfully decorated, piano-playing, musically blustering star. You get to see a respectful and psychological turn in his persona, you get to witness the heartbreaking "addictions" that he constantly forces himself into, you get to view the uncut collision of him, and you even get to feel that loss of love that Elton had felt when he persistently questioned his relationship with peers. All of these affairs are dispensed without and blockades or any desires of censorship and I must commend the filmmakers for going about this risky decision. Telling you right off the bat that Elton John eventually developed addictions to many different substances, including emotional struggles, the film flashes back to begin with him at a very young age when he first touched the piano. Slowly going through his life until he reaches his breaking point (which is, of course, the climax), Rocketman is a very engaging film, due to the fact that it really is a musical fantasy at times, providing thought-provoking sequences that really dive deep into the meanings of a few of his hit songs. From the way certain things are presented visually to the spin that Taron Edgerton himself put on these classic songs, there was so much to love here. Now, Taron Egerton's performance in this is...wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW. He is just bleeding with range and chaotic vigor in this encapsulation of a contrasted human individual. If someone is worthy of an Oscar nomination this year, it's this guy. Not only does he personify Elton John in a perfect way, but also brings a massive depth of drama to the role. And yes that’s him singing. Rocketman doesn't entirely rely on nostalgia like most of its kind does-that implying that sometimes it does, however-and most of its misfit adventures proved about in the story seem earned rather than glossed over at a maximum pace of negligence. Definitely check this one out, especially if you're an Elton John fan! Director Dexter Fletcher his direction here and how the story is presented in general had me smiling from start to finish. Rocketman stands out from the crowd as being different in all the best ways. In the end, Rocketman is a fun, emotional, and at times deep ride from start to finish. From the insanely good musical numbers to Edgerton's incredible performance, from the emphatic soundtrack to the grand visuals, everything about this movie felt inspired. This will probably go down as one of the best, if not the best biopic of 2019. Rocketman deserves a large audience and I think those who seek this one out will find a lot to like unless for some reason musicals turn you off. If you're someone who doesn't find any enjoyment whatsoever when watching a musical, then this one may not be for you. For me, I loved watching this one. The music, after all, is why we’re here at all to begin with. And thus, Fletcher’s filmmaking reflects that. The film is edited as if to keep with the melody, and George Richmond’s cinematography swings to the music during the vibrant and energetic renditions. Rocketman is, all in all, a well-made film, one that honors the fabulous man it’s about at the very least from afar. The elaborate costumes and great uses of his songs are all anchored by Edgerton’s strong turn as Elton. While it is hard not to wish for a slightly more intimate portrait, part of the appeal of icons like him is their air of mystery.
Connect with Neveen Mohd Nabhan - The Movie Empress
InstagramView other reviews by Neveen Mohd Nabhan - The Movie Empress