Rocketman Review

The music biopic has become a tried and true genre for delivering engaging stories through non-fictional musicians that are world renown. However, the genre also follows a tested narrative, accompanying the protagonist through the ups and downs of their successes and failures before they eventually redeem themselves. The new Elton John biopic Rocketman from actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher is structured much like this classic formula, though it’s the films execution and ability to blend real events with glamourous dream-like sequences that keeps Rocketman exciting. While some moments don’t hit the emotions that the film aims for, the ambitious approach in how Fletcher chooses to tell the glitzy highs and woeful lows of Elton John’s life helps make the film a memorable addition to the genre.

Previously working with lead actor Taron Egerton in the 2016 film Eddie the Eagle, as well as filling in for Bryan Singer during the final weeks of the successful Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody helped make director Dexter Fletcher an obvious pick to helm Rocketman. Despite his involvement on both the Queen and Elton John films, both handle the music very differently. Bohemian Rhapsody is bound in a certain realism, where the music only happens in the studio or on stage. In Rocketman, the music of Elton John is used as visual glimpses into Elton’s emotional state or as a transition through great lengths of time, while some of these elements can be over the top or out of place, they mostly payoff and help give the film an originality.

The film chronicles the life of legendary musician Elton John, from growing up as the young Reginald Dwight to becoming a sex and drug addicted multi-million-dollar Rockstar. Rocketman is framed like a therapeutic reflection on one’s self, with Elton marching into a rehabilitation centre during the peak of his popularity. Through flashbacks and whimsical musical sequences, Elton’s journey up to that point slowly unfolds, forcing him to face his demons in order to move forward.

Taron Egerton is brilliant as Elton John, perfectly matching the look, charisma and energy of the young musician, resulting in a performance that could potentially get him an Oscar nomination. Combined with the flamboyant and masterful costume design that ranges from immaculate vintage suits to iconic bedazzled costumes, Rocketman perfectly captures the same visual flair that Elton John’s live performances were known for.

Unfortunately, the whimsical musical moments don’t prevent the story from being predictable and linear. Every character in Rocketman besides Elton is uninteresting, often feeling compartmentalized into one-dimensional characters that lack complexity or depth.

Overall, the wonderful reality bending music sequences and gorgeous costume design anchored by the memorable lead performance of Taron Egerton helps distract from the films formulaic structure and bland side characters.

Taron Egerton’s outstanding performance as Elton John and the unconventional use of visual storytelling through music helps lift Rocketman above the genres predictable structure.

Produced By: Paramount Pictures
Runtime: 121 minutes
Rating: R