Review of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) by John M — 06 Nov 2018

They are the champions. Simply put, this is about the iconic band Queen, showing the years from when Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) joined the band all the way up to the gigantic performance that was Live Aid in 1985.

Now this was another film that I was hotly anticipating. The trailers looked stunning and I've been a big fan of Rami Malek ever since Mr. Robot. Even though this had a few rumors circulating of a troubled production with director Bryan Singer making an early exit, all of the pieces still appeared to be falling into place.

My expectations did receive a check when I heard a couple of mixed reviews; it's not like they were bad or anything, they just made me hope less for a perfect film. Well, I think approaching the movie with that mindset was exactly what I needed, because I had a blast watching this.

First and foremost, what I wanted out of this movie was to have an entertaining concert movie. In that regard, Bohemian Rhapsody delivers the goods. I don't think I can name a better concert on film that I have personally watched, whether it be staged for movie or just a recorded concert.

Obviously all of the songs are classics, but they really capture the stage presence and showmanship that this band was capable of. You could make the argument that the nostalgia of the music carries this movie, and I don't think that would be unfounded; your toe is going to be tapping to We Will Rock You and your head is going to be nodding to the bassline of Another One Bites the Dust, regardless if you are watching the movie or listening to an anthology album.

What makes this special is that you are witnessing this all come together right before your eyes, and that is the essence of the magic to this project. As a biopic, I don't think that this does anything that you haven't seen before.

Almost all biographical music movies have the same rise-and-fall flow to the narrative, and this is no exception. It is not bad, it's just serviceable. As a concert movie, Bohemian Rhapsody rocks, and it all climaxes at the big concert where you get to enjoy the full set.

The music will make you feel good, and I would go so far to call this movie a crowd pleaser. Even with the acknowledged shortcomings, I still have to give this an enthusiastic recommendation because I think everybody who watches this is going to have a raucous great time.