Review of Rocketman (2019) by Screenplayhouse — 04 Jun 2019

I pulled my original review and am posting this because I've grown more and more annoyed by this disappointment. This film boils down to this tagline: "My life was unbelievably miserable & I had no fun being Elton John... THE MUSICAL.".

I'm a lifelong 47 Year Elton fan. I've been through thick and thin with him. Comebacks and misfires. When he went into recovery he was very happy to tell people two things: 1.) I did a lot of booze, drugs, bulimia, shopping & 2.) A lot of my music suffered because of it.

As this movie liberally rewrites history, so does Elton with this type of comment. "Oh? You didn't like LEATHER JACKETS? Me neither. But I was so drunk then, wasn't I?" Isn't that a little too simple? Too easy?

There's something wrong with this movie underneath the surface. In a weird way it's like yet another career suicide attempt, where the movie tries it's hardest to kill that happy place you had for this man's better music and happier moments.

Please understand. I'm not seeking a Disney version of his story. I'm an ugly truth guy. I actually despise most Disney films. But two hours of whining does not an entertainment make. If this film had included a third hour -- full of happier moments, comebacks, triumphs, finding the love of his life, adopting kids -- THEN you'd have something. And if the real events were married to the real music of that moment you'd have something wonderful.

As this film stands -- I can't tell a soul to see it. They'd have no idea why I recommended the man or his music. If you want to see a great 'film' about Elton John sit down, close your eyes, and listen to GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD from beginning to end.