PLOT: ROCKETMAN is a musical fantasy about the rise of one of rock and roll's most iconic stars. Sir Elton John.
REVIEW: This weekend, we have yet another celebration of a well respected musician hitting theatres. And of course there are bound to be comparisons to another recent musical extravaganza. The most prominent similarities include the fact that the man who completed directorial duties on BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY officially directed the latest music bio. The other is that both films take a look at two of the most iconic figures in the history of rock and roll – and both of the figures happen to be gay. Yet for the most part, that is where most of the comparisons should end. ROCKETMAN is the story of Elton John, yet instead of simply being a bio pic, it’s a musical journey inside the artist, his work and the crazy life he lead. And yes, when I say musical, I mean full-fledged, break out into song and tell a story type of musical. And more importantly, it really works.
Early on in his life, Elton John – born Reginald Kenneth Dwight – and his family became aware that the boy was a musical genius. Unfortunately for young Reggie (Matthew Illesley), neither his mother or father seemed all that interested in his music, or their son in general. Dealing with the cold relationship he shares with his parents, Reggie continues to play music and ultimately meets one of the most important people of his career, his co-writer and best friend Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). As the two continue to create hit after hit, the lure of sex and drugs brings Reggie (Taron Egerton) – who now goes by Elton John – on a downward spiral that nearly destroys everything in his life. ROCKETMAN explores Elton’s early career, and his many relationships with family, lovers and friends, all while bringing his music to life brilliantly.
Back in 2016, Taron Egerton proved to have some serious singing talent when he took on the role of a gorilla named Johnny in the animated feature SING. While I’m not fully sure whether or not that helped get him the part of Elton John, it damn sure wouldn't have hurt with his inspired rendition of John’s hit single “I’m Still Standing" in the animated musical. And here, Egerton is quite astonishing as the singer looking for love. With all the insane costume changes and wild accessories, the actor brings a sense of playfulness, heartache and humanity to his performance. As huge of a star as Elton became, it appears that there was always a child looking for acceptance. Taron manages to bring all of that and more to his inspired work. And considering he takes on the vocals himself, he shines in this on every level.
Another stand out is Jamie Bell as Bernie Toupin. And yes, he sings too. The friendship between both Elton and Bernie is absolutely beautiful. Considering the number of hit songs they shared and the friendship that is tested time and again, it’s incredible that they’ve managed to remain so close while having wholly different lives. The two actors work so well that you fully believe that these two made history together. Even while Elton was being mistreated by his lover and manager John Reid (Richard Madden), he was there for his best friend. The writer's presence remained with Elton even when the number of other influences that crossed him nearly curtailed the mega stars career, Taupin was always there. In fact, in many ways Bell is the heart of this story, and his work here is, dare I say, just as impressive as Egerton.
Instead of just crafting a straight forward musical biography, Dexter Fletcher brings an artful fantasy to the proceedings. And frankly, it works quite well with the musical numbers. One sequence finds Elton diving into a pool and getting a little help from a special guest playing at the bottom of the deep end for “Rocketman.” Another finds the singer playing his first show at the world famous Troubadour in Los Angeles, where his music manages to make the singer and audience defy gravity. Yet the fantastical elements only add to the story without becoming distracting. With a script by Lee Hall, Fletcher creates a dreamlike world that still manages to pull the viewer back down to Earth when necessary. Even the opening sequence hilariously finds a way to bring this wild world of Elton’s to a grinding halt in a humorous way.
ROCKETMAN is a wild and wonderful film. With an R-rating for drugs, sex and language, the story of Elton John is a joy of an experience. Taron Egerton is outstanding in the leading role, and what a singing voice he has. The actor brings real passion and energy to his performance as well as the engaging soundtrack. And frankly, the way the songs are arranged giving other characters the chance to speak through his music was a creative choice that works especially well. The rest of the performances are all quite good in addition, especially Bryce Dallas Howard, Richard Madden and both Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor who play Elton at different ages. Yet it's Jamie Bell's sympathetic friend that may be the heart and soul of this fine feature. While the musical aspect of this may turn some off, it’s nearly impossible to not fall for the amazing tunes and the stellar performances. This is one musical adventure that shoots for the stars, and succeeds on nearly every single level.