Rocketman

— “Rocketman” almost begs comparison to “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the two most recent, rocker biopics, both focusing on the 1970s and 1980s. I know many people who loved “Rhapsody” but I’m not one of them, seeing it more as a film of great songs strung together by a limp script. “Rocketman” is much more to my liking, and it integrates the music into the story—in fact it’s really a surreal musical. Sometimes campy, sometimes a spectacle, often tender. Some of the songs become part of the scripted story, moving the narrative along and reminding us how many interpretations there are for the lyrics. It’s hard to know if the facts have been altered for the story, or if its just truth filtered by memory, but you sense the essence is untouched. In the end, it’s a story of overcoming the past, of acceptance and forgiveness, and of moving forward. I was moved. [I’d also mention (a) you realize how many Elton John songs are lingering in your own memory and are part of the music of your own life, not surprising after more than 50 top 40 hits, (b) that “Rhapsody” relied on prosthetics, mimicry, and acting, but “Rocketman” concentrates on emotions more than on matching Elton John’s flamboyant style, singing voice or performances, and (c) you realize that it, like "Booksmart," doesn’t avoid same-sex sex, making you wonder if LBGTQIA acceptance really is becoming mainstream.]

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[2018. 121 min. Directed by Dexter Fletcher. Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, and Richard Madden.]
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/may/26/rocketman-review-right-spectacle-elton-john