Kim's Movie Korner

Movie Review: Rocketman

Ahh, summertime and the new movie releases are starting to come fast and furiously now.  So much to pick from, so little time. Rocketman is a bit of a no brainer for me.  While I wasn’t sure about Taron Egerton (mostly for the singing aspect of the film) the movie itself was too enticing to pass by.  Elton John has been a music/entertainment icon for as long as I can remember. His music catalog playing a major part in the soundtrack of my life.  Even so, it wasn’t until I saw the first trailers that I realized as prolific as Elton John has been, I really know very little about the man himself let alone his musical process (apart from all the headlining news about sex, drugs, and rock and roll).  The bonus of Elton John himself being an executive producer and not wanting to whitewash his story, seemed like the perfect time to go deep, getting some background on the man, the myth, the legend that is the one and only: Elton John.

First and foremost (and not surprisingly given the subject matter) the soundtrack for this biopic is incredible and worthy of a trip to the theater for that reason alone.  And while I was a bit concerned about Egerton singing, there really was no need to worry. Happily not only did he do a solid job, with John’s blessings and encouragement Egerton delivers some cool twists on some iconic Elton John classics.  None of which would have surprised me if I had remembered Egerton previously played the teenage gorilla Johnny in the animated movie Sing. A fun bit of trivia here, the pivotal song he sings in Sing is…wait for it…is none other than Elton John’s I’m Still Standing. Mind blown?!  And yes, he does also play some bits on the piano.

Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) shines as lyricists Bernie Taupin. The chemistry with Egerton captures and captivates as we delve into their pairs 50 year collaboration and friendship.  The quintessential brother from another mother pairing is as endearing as it is lasting.

Richard Madden’s John Reid is a far cry from his Robb Stark days, but no less impactful on the film.  

Steven Mackintosh and Bryce Dallas Howard, while having smaller roles as John’s parents are spectacular with their brutal less is indeed more performances.  The specters of their characters not only give understanding of who Elton John was, who he became, and how he’s lived, but hangs over the entire film even when absent.  Much like they have in John’s actual life. Brutal and sometimes hard to watch, their work is beautiful nonetheless.

The narrative style of Rocketman like its accompanying visuals and choreography are truly musical, fantastical, and skewed, not unlike the man himself.  And it all works wonderfully. Rocketman is a retelling of a twenty year period in Elton John’s life.  All the trials, tribulations, ups, and downs using some of his best known music and fantasy to personalize, humanize, and bring a better, even deeper understanding to viewers about the demons one man has faced.  

A huge shout out to the set designers and especially the costumers.  And a bang up job recreating some of Elton John’s most famous and outrageous looks from head to toe.  I’m dating myself, but there were quite a few I actually remember and that added to my enjoyment. I also got a huge kick out of the recreation of Elton John’s music video for “I’m Still Standing.” I remember watching the original when it came out, and seeing it done again for the film is nothing short of joyous.  Brilliant! Put a huge smile on my face.

If you’re looking for a straight forward, straight up documentary style musical, Rocketman is certainly not for you.  If you’re ready to embrace the fantastic, absurd, and heart wrenching with a beat you can dance to, put on your platform shoes and strut to the theater to check this one out.  It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s worth a trip to the theater. It’s also a 9 from me.