Since 2008’s Mamma Mia paved the way for musical films to come storming back onto the big screen we have bared witness to some good and some terrible efforts peaking with the award winning La La Land in 2016. The current trend however seems to be musical biopics, with Rocketman following hot on the heels of last year’s very successful Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Rocketman follows Elton John’s rise to fame from young Reginald Dwight to the overly sequined superstar of the late 70’s and whilst it would be proper to review this film without the easy comparison to Bohemian Rhapsody, its almost impossible not to. Both focus on the meteoric rise of a music act in the 60’s and 70’s, tackling substance abuse, sexuality and the isolation that fame brings. They are even directed by the same person. (Dexter Fletcher directed Rocketman and took over the finishing of Bohemian Rhapsody following Bryan Singers dismissal during primary photography). However, despite all the similarities, the two films couldn’t be more different.
Whereas Bohemian Rhapsody was a biopic with music in it, Rocketman is a full-blown musical with the actors signing and staged choreography that could have been lifted straight from the West End. Similarly, where Bohemian Rhapsody pulled the weight off some of the hard-hitting life choices Freddie Mercury made, Rocketman tackles the grittier side of its central character more head on. That’s not to say that Rocketman is a better film than Bohemian Rhapsody but it is a different beast and definitely more ambitious.
Taron Egerton is brilliant and to not only bring such a recognisable character to life without it feeling like a cheap imitation but also to sing so well truly is an achievement. Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and the rest of the ensemble are also strong, well cast and totally believable throughout. The music itself is wonderfully performed and fans and Elton John novices alike will recognise and enjoy many of his pieces
Unfortunately, it does have its problems. Despite the flamboyance and the fantasy some sequences feel disjointed. The musical numbers and the parallels with Elton’s life are overall well matched but scenes like the pub fight set to ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ just come across a little cheesy, even if it is a belter of a song. The middle act also drags and Elton’s fall into addiction and rock bottom consequentially feel a bit hollow.
Rocketman isn’t without its flaws but it’s an enjoyable experience. Its strength lies in Elton John’s timeless classics pulled off by a very impressive cast. If not caught in the cinema it’ll be shoo in for a family watch over Christmas later this year.
Written by Will
Hughes Reviews 