Review of Rocketman (2019) by Zembowerboy — 13 Jun 2019

Oh how conflicted I am after watching Rocketman.

As for the positives, it is very evident the heart and soul that went into this production. It's also refreshing that it doesn't resort to hagiography or making Elton out to be a saint. If you know his history or have seen his documentary Tantrums & Tiaras, then you know that Elton was prone to angry outbursts, not to mention his battle with drugs. The film doesn't paint him as a saint, and it's all the better for it.

As for Taron Egerton, he absolutely demands year end awards notice. If Rami Malik's lip-syncing, surface level, impersonation of a performance can win him an Oscar, it is Egerton who truly deserves the praise. His voice is beautiful, and instead of just trying to mimic Elton John, he finds the perfect balance of embodying him while still making the role his own. He is absolutely phenomenal.

Unfortunately, Rocketman never takes off the way I wanted it to. There are some stand out musical numbers, but more often than not they end before they are able to truly exhilarate. While placing certain songs at the wrong times in John's life. There are plenty of other fabrications or embellishments of his life (he didn't get his last name from John Lennon, for instance) that are just unnecessary.

I'm a huge Elton John fan, and Rocketman is far from terrible. But unfortunately it's also a bit of a disappointment. Still, Egerton is outstanding.

I just wish I loved it more.