ROCKETMAN (2019)

By -
Rocketman 2019 movie poster
The early life and career of superstar Elton John (Taron Egerton), born Reginald Dwight, unfolds as a musical fantasy. During a group therapy session, Elton reflects on his difficult childhood with cold mother Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard), sympathetic grandmother Ivy (Gemma Jones) and distant disapproving father Stanley (Steven Mackintosh). Learning to play piano at an early age leads him to a life in music. A lasting friendship and songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell) results in many chart hits. But not all goes smoothly. A relationship with manager John Reid (Richard Madden) ends badly. Drugs and alcohol enter the picture. Ups and downs follow - and life goes on.

Dazzling musical numbers, sets and costumes sparkle on the big screen in a biopic that truly captivates. This is the type of film that rises or falls on
the abilities of the star. Taron Egerton doesn't disappoint - rising magnificently. His stunning award-worthy performance hits on all emotions and his outstanding vocals bring Elton's songbook to life in a new way. For a couple of hours, he is Elton John. Director Dexter Fletcher, who helmed "Eddie the Eagle" starring Egerton, brilliantly weaves the colorful song renditions in and out of Lee Hall's moving screenplay, making the iconic singer's life seem almost surrealistic. "The Bitch is Back" and "Crocodile Rock" are among the showstoppers.  Fletcher is no stranger to this genre. He was brought in to finish "Bohemian Rhapsody" after Bryan Singer departed. We all know how that turned out - especially for Rami Malek. Jamie Bell leads a superb supporting cast as John's writing partner/best friend Bernie Taupin. As the superstar's parents, Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh play despicable well and so does Richard Madden as ruthless lover/manager John Reid. Also noteworthy are Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor as the younger versions of Reggie (Elton). The outrageous costumes, designed by Julian Day, play an important part - right from the opening scene: making an entrance in a rather devilish outfit while heading to rehab. Elton John is one of the executive producers, so I'm sure he had much to say about the look and sound. The result is eye-catching to say the least and will raise the bar on musical biographies. One final note: "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again", written for this movie, is sung by Elton and Taron during the end credits. For the legions of the music legend's followers, this cinematic bio is your song. "Rocketman" rocks! (4/5 CAMS)

Rated R (for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content)
Running Time: 121 minutes

Popular posts from this blog

THE MARKSMAN (2021)

By -
Image
Trying to save his Arizona ranch, the last thing loner and ex-Marine Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) needs is more trouble. When he encounters migrants Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her 11-year-old son Miguel (Jacob Perez) running from drug cartel assassins, more trouble comes his way. Promising Rosa he will get Miguel to relatives in Chicago, the hardened Hanson and the young fugitive reluctantly take a dangerous road trip. An unlikely friendship develops as the killers, led by relentless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba), get closer. With Liam Neeson the main attraction, a full-blown action thriller is expected. But this latest attempt at making a modern western is surprisingly short on action and thrills. Director Robert Lorenz, who helmed the Clint Eastwood baseball drama "Trouble with the Curve", spends most of this film's length on drama and emotion. Mr. Neeson is up to the task, but this is not what the fans look forward to with a title like "The Marksman". The screenplay by
Read more

THE RHYTHM SECTION

By -
Image
When depressed, drug-addicted prostitute Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) learns the plane crash that killed her family wasn't an accident, she sets out to avenge their deaths. With the help of a former British MI6 agent (Jude Law), Stephanie trains to become an assassin. Under various disguises, she takes on missions that will lead to vengeance. A strong performance by Blake Lively and sudden bursts of action can't save this mostly lackluster thriller. Based on the popular book by Mark Burnell, who also wrote the screenplay, director Reed Morano ("Meadowland") relies heavily on
Read more

SOUL (2020)

By -
Image
Band teacher Joe Gardner (the voice of Jamie Foxx) is offered a full-time position at his school and also gets a dream opportunity: the chance to play at a popular jazz club. But after an accident on a New York City street, Joe ends up in The Great Before where new souls get their personalities formed prior to going to Earth. Desperately wanting to return home, he is paired with difficult soul 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), who is reluctant to become human. Together, they may just find their purpose in life. Leaving sequels behind, Disney/Pixar strikes gold with an imaginative and fanciful animated original. Like their "Onward" earlier this year, interesting characters and fresh storytelling captivate the audience. Director Pete Docter, with help from co-director Kemp Powers ("One Night in Miami" screenplay), goes out-of-body for an experience that has some similarities to his inner body "Inside Out". But the story/screenplay by Docter, Powers and Mike Jones has
Read more