ironhorse_iv Review of Rocketman

Rocketman (I) (2019)

This jukebox musical didn't quite hit the right keys. Still it was watchable.

[7/10 · 5 September 2020]

This bio-pic directed by Dexter Fletcher about musician Elton John's breakthrough years as he struggles with his sexuality and substance abuse was mostly fine. The problem comes from the fact that the movie used the same somewhat tiresome familiar old plots thread that most Rockstar films have. Some examples are the rag to riches rise, debauchery hedonism of that lifestyle, the break up and redemption. This movie mirrors countless flicks with similar premise like 2004 'Beyond the Sea', 2005 'Walk the Line' and most of all 2018 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which Fletcher help co direct. Barely anything in this film seem to stand out or seem unique. I thought the music video for Elton John's "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" song had a better approach. It showed his career by detailing the real-life musician coming to terms with getting older and unable to sing the iconic falsetto notes any longer, with audio narrative intermixed with fantasy visuals of his past self, well performed by Justin Timberlake getting tired of the fame and partying. It was really good at cleverly hinting of Elton's past problems not over exploitation it like this movie. Regardless Taron Egerton did show an uncanny resemblance to John with use of flamboyant body language, voice and alright piano playing even if bit hammy. With great costumes and make up, he was convincing. I also did like some of the visual styles of the musical numbers. Even if the order of them wasn't really historical accurate, such in the case as the "I'm Still Standing" song sequence. That scene is supposed to represent Elton's full recovery from substance abuse. Yet in reality, in 1983 when John was still drinking heavily. In truth, he didn't seek out recovery until 1990. The film also left out the real reason that Elton decided to sober up which was a chance meeting with Ryan White; the poster child of the AIDS crisis who died one month before his high school graduation. The film kinda omitted that. Along with the fact that the singer also created Elton John AIDS Foundation. It's pretty sad that the screenwriter Lee Hall did that, because those events could had added a lot more to the movie. Nevertheless, Elton didn't really leave Madison Square Garden quickly in costume for a rehab group as the movie outrageously wants us to believe. Still the use "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" from the opening scene being played out as a triumphant entrance showing John at the height of his career and fame only to reveal that he's at his lowest point was brilliant. Then there is "Saturday Night's Alright' scene that plays over a dance number that symbolizes the excitement of a child and adolescent versions of Reggie Dwight (Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor) transition into adulthood. It was a lot of fun; despite the song not being written by Elton about him, but Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), a man he has yet to meet in the film. As for the other, they're just as spectacular. 'Crocodile Rock' shows the out of body experience with everybody floating in the air even if it's not synced with the timeline. While "I Want Love" illustrates the sadness of Reggie with his family, even if the kin's public perception portrayal is a little bit over dramatic. For instance, Elton John's grandma wasn't the only one who supported his dream. In truth, both of parents help him out. Stanley Dwight (Steven Mackintosh) got Reggie his first piano and didn't really limited what the child wore. Later in his life, Stanley did see John perform many times irrespective from what the singer might believe. He wasn't as distance and cold as the film makes him out to be. Then there is his troublesome relationship with his mother Sheila whom is oddly played by American actress Bryce Howard Dallas whom not British nor mature enough for such roles. While they certainly had their disputes, she is portrayed more harshly in the movie as well. Much of their heat come from the fact that Sheila stayed friends with Elton's enemies like former driver Bob Halley which the movie doesn't talk about and John Reid whom played by Richard Madden in the movie. Like Stanley, she wasn't as critical of his life as a gay man in real life. Then that brings us to his harsh relationship with Reid. It's true that they were lovers, but there is hardly any record of predator like physical abuse between them in reality. In fact, Reid remained Elton's manager until 1998 when it was discovered that he had been spending Elton's money on oversees tour expenses. That's the true reason why they stop working with each other. Nevertheless, the fictional course of direction feels a little bit one sided as the film makes it look like getting into a homosexual relationship might be bad. It gave the wrong tone. Fletcher should have balance it with showing Elton meeting his eventual husband David Furnish rather than after credit telling us that. In truth the filmmakers should had cut the pointless Elton's impulsive straight marriage to German native Renate Blauel played by Celinde Schoenmaker, despite in reality the marriage actually lasted four years. Better yet they shouldn't had adapted out singer Long John Baldry who had a very meaningful role in Elton's life. Not only did he inspired Elton's stage name, but he is the one that save his life after a suicide attempt and aided in him coming to terms with his homosexuality. While all of his moments are given to Bernie. Him being there would have work better in tone. I also wouldn't mind a cameo Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury or mention of Princess Diana if that helps the movie be more developed. In the end the movie seemed unfinished. Overall: While this musical didn't quite go breaking my heart; it also didn't make me want to crocodile rock that much. It was only alright at best.