Review of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) by Brent A — 24 Nov 2018

"All we hear is Radio ga ga.

Radio goo goo.

Radio ga ga".

Just back from "Bohemian Rhapsody." First off, full disclaimer: I've been a Queen fan since childhood. I distinctly remember watching Freddie and the band at Live Aid in 1985 and that's when the fandom began. The man just exuded charisma and I had to immediately get any Queen cassette tape I could get my hands on. ? So experiencing this film... was probably like the experience Doors fans had when watching Oliver Stone's film version back then.

I would say that some of the problems with "The Doors" are present in this film as well. Probably can't be helped, considering the subject matter, and at least Brian May was on board as an executive producer with this one, so you didn't have a disowning of the film as you kind of did with Stone's work back in 1991.

I will say that I don't agree with certain aspects of the screenplay... some things seem a little too pat and unnecessary for the story of such an interesting and intriguing individual (and band). And there are certain things from a directing perspective that I wish Bryan Singer wouldn't have done... and the inside joke with Mike Myers being in the film is a bit forced.

However... the music. Minor nitpicks aside, the film really does an excellent job of giving you the chills... from the music. Rami Malek is pretty much pitch perfect as Freddie Mercury... the false teeth prosthesis is a bit distracting and annoying at times, but again... that's a minor nitpick. And they did a really good job in finding others to match the rest of the band and the people in their lives. Lucy Boynton does well in the somewhat thankless role of Mary Austin.

As music biopics go, this one might not reach "Bohemian Rhapsody" heights, but it definitely hits "Another One Bites the Dust" heights. (That's a back handed compliment, I suppose.).

GRADE: B+ (8/10 IMDB, 4/5 RT).