Second Viewing: Rocketman (2019)

Elton John has led an atypical life, so it’s fitting that a biopic about him is something different. It’s so refreshing to see a movie which has a style that informs the substance. The musical numbers here are fantastical, and reminiscent of how the music makes people feel, rather than just being scenes of Elton John performing songs we all know and love on piano. It’s so refreshing, and it makes you wonder about what Bohemian Rhapsody could have been if director Dexter Fletcher had full control from the beginning.
Taron Egerton absolutely shines as John. He does a great job with the music numbers, and a solid job in the dramatic scenes — he’s far better than I originally gave him credit for, actually. The dramatic scenes aren’t too special, as it’s mostly about his drug use. No movie about Elton John should be without this, of course, but it does feel a bit cheap for all the drama to be either that, or his relationship with his parents or John Reid. It feels like it could have been a more compelling drama.
Still, it’s quite good. The movie surprises you in a few different ways, and constantly changes its style to keep you entertained.
Rating: 8/10
