Review 510: Rocketman

Rocketman is a magnificent musical bio-pic, a fascinating character study and one of the most in depth and spectacular Biographical musical films we’ll see in a long long time.

The film very skilfully uses Elton visiting an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting as a framing device as it flashes back to life and career giving the film and its star a very reflective mood.

Director Dexter Fletcher's direction is fantastically flamboyant and  the cinematography is beautiful and captures the beauty and dreamlike qualities of the 50s, 60s & 70s. The production design is excellent, the costumes are astonishing, the musical numbers are electric and make outstanding use of  Elton John's songs.

Taron Egerton shows that he’s one of the highest rising stars of this generation playing Elton John. Beautifully and touchingly showcasing us his passion as an aspiring musician as well as the
He truly is a Rocketman.

Jamie Bell is the true MVP of this film playing Bernie Taupin, the man who has always been there for Elton John, the brains behind John's song. The friendship that develops between them is

Richard "Rob Stark" Madden is magnificently wicked playing John Reid, Elton John's manager. Outwardly, he appears to be a genuine partner to Elton John as well as the one person who properly understands him. However as the film progresses, the narrative and Madden's performance make it clear that he's actually manipulating him and is only using their relationship for the money.

Bryce Dallas Howard gives a truly remarkable performance playing Sheila Eileen, Elton John's cold and unaffectionate mother.

5/5.

The Anonymous Critic.