ROCKETMAN
(2019)
Starring
Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard,
Stephen Graham, Gemma Jones, Jason Pennycooke, Steven Mackintosh,
Sharon D. Clarke, Tate Donovan, Kit Connor. Directed by Dexter
Fletcher. (121 min)
ON
BLU-RAY FROM PARAMOUNT
Review
by Stinky the Destroyer😺
Since
we all really liked Bohemian Rhapsody, I took my entire family
to see Rocketman when it was released in theaters. I’ve
always enjoyed music bios, and particularly interesting are those
about artists I clearly remember at the height of their popularity.
Like Queen, Elton John’s music was a big part of my childhood.
I
tend to pay little attention to press or reviews of movies I’m
already intent on seeing, so other than its subject, its star (Taron
Egerton) and obviously the music, I knew relatively little about Rocketman
going in. Considering his wild life and countless classic songs, any
movie with Elton John as its subject would be inherently interesting.
But
as the film opened, something unexpectedly wonderful happened.
Decked-out in one of his trademark stage costumes, a worn and weary
Elton John sits down with a support group and counts-off his numerous
addictions. When the counselor asks about his childhood, John begins
to quietly sing. Though it sounds like a melancholy ballad, I
recognized the lyrics to “The Bitch is Back.” The scene morphs
into a huge production number taking place on the street of his
childhood home, with dancers, back-up singers and a young Reggie
Dwight (Elton’s real name) belting-out the sassy chorus.
My
wife gasped in surprise. My musical-loving oldest daughter quickly
clapped with joy. The unexpected rush I felt was the same as when I
first saw that massive Imperial Star Destroyer enter the top of the
frame in the opening scene from Star Wars. Rocketman wasn’t just a music bio...it was a
full-blown musical.
With
20/20 hindsight, of course it is. How could any movie about
rock & roll’s most fearlessly flamboyant frontman not
be?
Elton prefers the 'trousers optional' flight. |
I
suppose comparisons to Bohemian Rhapsody are inevitable,
though not entirely fair. Both take dramatic liberties with the facts
and timeline, but Rocketman is more than an episodic love
letter to its subject. Elton’s life and songs are basically
re-imagined, not only for dramatic purposes, but to turn his story
into an epic musical fantasy with the glamour and audacity befitting
of its subject. The film is filled with brilliantly-conceived musical
numbers featuring his best-known songs. But they aren’t isolated
pieces of gratuitous window dressing. The numbers are sequenced in a
manner that they become part of the narrative and the songs
themselves feel almost autobiographical, despite the varied lyrical
subject matter.
Though
only superficially resembling Elton John, Taron Egerton’s
performance is every bit as remarkable as Rami Malek’s portrayal of
Freddie Mercury, plus he does his own singing (as does the rest of
the cast). As depicted in the film, John is a complicated character
who is – by turns – insecure, lonely, egotistical, self-loathing,
resentful, sensitive, petty and narcissistic. Egerton convincingly
demonstrates all those traits, yet still keeps his character likable.
Otherwise, sequences featuring "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," "Crocodile Rock" and "Rocket Man" wouldn't be nearly as engaging, nor would we care whether or not he wins the battle against
his demons.
Regarding
Elton John’s sexuality, Rocketman is certainly braver than
Bohemian Rhapsody, but that’s not ultimately what makes it a
better film. The narrative is more cohesive, the main character more
complex and his story more vividly presented, enhanced by knock-out
musical numbers. It’s as fun as Elton’s songs and – so far –
the most purely entertaining movie of the year.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTES
- “It’s Going to Be a Wild Ride: Creative Vision”;
“Becoming Elton John: Taron’s Transformation”; “Larger Than
Life: Production Design & Costuming”; “Full Tilt: Staging the
Musical Numbers”; “Music Reimagined: The Studio Sessions” (All
of these feature numerous interviews and behind-the-scenes footage).
EXTENDED
MUSICAL NUMBERS – Longer version of 4 songs from the film, with
optional introduction by Director Dexter Fletcher.
10
DELETED/EXTENDED SCENES – With optional introduction by
Director Dexter Fletcher.
“ROCKETMAN
LYRIC COMPANION” - Musical sequences with lyrics.
“ROCKETMAN
JUKEBOX” - Option which plays just the musical numbers.
“A
MESSAGE FROM ELTON JOHN” - This is a booklet with Elton John
promoting his upcoming autobiography, Me.
DVD
& DIGITAL COPIES
KITTY CONSENSUS:
MEE-OW! LIKE BEING TURNED LOOSE IN A BIRD SANCTUARY.
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