"Rocketman" (2019) Review

“Rocketman”: the ultimate fantasy.

Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

Rated: R

Runtime: 2:01

Review by: Livi Edmonson

Certified fresh with a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Rocketman” is the musical biopic about the life of Sir Elton John that audiences and critics everywhere did not know they needed until now. Presenting an uncanny portrayal of the famous singer is triple-threat, Taron Egerton, who is best known for his breakout performances in both the “Kingsman” franchise and “Eddie the Eagle” (2016). Egerton’s beautiful voice and overwhelming charm makes him the perfect fit for the real-life character. Whether it is the numerous hairstyles, including Elton’s infamous balding look during his “Rocketman” era, or the fabulously eccentric costumes, Taron Egerton nails his portrayal, setting off early Oscar buzz, which unfortunately, will not linger long enough due to the film’s early summer release date. But Oscar nod or no Oscar nod, Taron Egerton gives a memorable performance that will be remembered for years afterwards, not failing to impress die-hard fans in the process. 

The biopic begins with Elton John before he was Elton John--- aka, when he was Reginald Kenneth Dwight. Or as his always grouchy mother always called him, “REGGIE!”. From a “fat boy” who could only play the piano, all the way to one of the world’s most monumental performers, it is safe to say that Elton John’s life has been anything but ordinary. However, fame and success does not come without a price, and what many people, including fans, do not know about Elton John is that he had arguably one of the most difficult childhoods, seeing that his parents, especially his father, wanted nothing to with him. 

As he grew up, things became a little bit easier for a while, especially when his star potential is noticed by a big-time agent’s assistant, who gives Elton the greatest gift of all: a new song-writing partner named Bernie Taupin (played by Jamie Bell).  For those who do not know who Bernie Taupin is, he is Elton’s life-long companion/writing partner who is the mastermind behind pretty much every single one of his big hits. Although the two men have a few ups and downs, their bond is unbreakable, and their music is magic--- hence Elton John’s numerous hits throughout the years.

Right as Elton’s early career as a star is off to a great start, he ends up getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, otherwise known as John Reid (Richard Madden): a business man who seduces Elton into believing that his intentions for the star’s career are purer than the ones his current agents have for him. What follows is a life of sex, drugs, and Rock n’ Roll, which is all fine and dandy until Elton finally realizes that he is living a relatively unhappy life, no matter how happy sharing his music with the world makes him. After a few reality checks, the star finally pulls his life back together, because as everyone already knows: “he’s still standing.” 

“Rocketman” is a rollercoaster of emotions--- in the best way possible, of course. The film is unlike any biopic you have ever seen, as it is actually a musical combining the wonderful songs from the singer to tell an ultimately depressing story about his life. I use the term “depressing” because Elton John truly had a hard life. From a cocaine and alcohol addiction, to a sex addiction, and even a shopping addiction that the singer still admits to having today, fame was not always easy for the legend. Sure, the film teaches a typical lesson to viewers about why you should not do drugs, but perhaps the most valuable lesson that “Rocketman” leaves us with is how someone who seemed so hopeless at a time in his life, was able to pull himself out the darkness and get the help he needed in order to gain back control of his own life. 

Uncensored and raw, “Rocketman” is the one biopic about a Rockstar where audiences are guaranteed the full story. A few elements in the film were more than likely somewhat fabricated, but for the most part, Elton John leaves nothing to the imagination---which is a lesson that many other biopics should learn. (Ahem, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”) It could be because I am a die-hard fan of Sir Elton John, or maybe it is just the film in general, but whatever the case of “Rocketman” may be: what I felt watching this film for the first time was absolutely magical, which is an experience that audiences do not always get to have. If you want to see a “real-life fantasy” as the icon himself labels it, go see this film and be wowed by dazzling musical numbers that are so spectacular, it provides its audience with a sense of escapism. The film will more than likely not receive the overwhelming amount of hype that it deserves, but perhaps the true gift is the film itself, that will always be remembered as an inspiring portrayal of a true icon. I give it a 9/10.