Actually, I’m not a big fan of biopics. Mainly I feel bored. Especially when I’m very familiar with the subject and persons. Therefore, I wasn’t sure, if I should watch: ROCKETMAN.
ELTON JOHN – A PART OF MUSIC HISTORY
Of course, Elton John’s music is a part of my childhood. Even if I preferred the music of David Bowie, Joy Division or later Depeche Mode, I liked to listen to his songs in the radio.
With his catchy songs as well as glamorous outfits and performances Elton John expressed self-confidence, happiness and a joy of life. However, his metamorphosis from a shy but highly talented boy to a Rockstar, his homosexuality, the rough business… That all left marks. But only a small number of people knew the truth.
ROCKETMAN – THE GREAT STORY IN A FEW WORDS
On the one hand, after 50 years career, it’s surprising that ROCKETMAN is the first movie about life and work of that exceptional talent. On the other hand, it seems that Elton John found his poetry album again. Luckily, he opened it to share his memories with us finally.
Elton takes us with him to his childhood, when his exceptional talent was discovered and supported by his grandmother. In contrast to other biographical films like Bohemian Rhapsody, ROCKETMAN deals with Elton’s inner conflicts and the reasons for them. It shows us the difficult time of his coming-out.
In a very understandable and emotional way, the film shows us how the shy young boy turns into the glamorous Rockstar. Moreover, ROCKETMAN takes us on a trip on the international stages, where Elton John performed during his career. Furthermore, it takes us behind the scenes, where Elton suffered from his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Finally, it shows us how the great musician saved his life and career.
ROCKETMAN – THE FILM CREW
Maybe, it was some kind of teaser when we recently saw Elton John alongside Taron Egerton together in Kingsmen: The Golden Circle. Howsoever, in that film Elton John played himself.
TARON EGERTON (THE ROCKETMAN ELTON JOHN)
Recently, we saw him as knight of the poor: Robin Hood. Besides, the British actor became very popular because of his role as Eggsy in the Kingsmen adventures. Now, the highly talented Taron Egerton slipped into the role of the ROCKETMAN, Elton John.
MATTHEW VAUGHN (DIRECTOR)
Kingsmen director Matthew Vaughn took part again. This time as producer. He worked already two times with Taron together. His typical cinematic handwriting, simply breathtaking film sequences, are also an important part of ROCKETMAN. Vaughn doesn’t take us just with him to the past, he drives us forward in every second. He is a great talent, when it comes to 2 hours entertainment without any single break.
As well-coordinated duo, Vaughn and Egerton gained other amazing co-stars for ROCKETMAN.
JAMIE BELL (BERNIE TAUPIN)
At the age of 13, the British actor Jamie Bell received international acclaim for his role as Billy Elliot. Since then he appeared in King Kong and Nicholas Nickleby. Furthermore, he played in the 2015 film version of The Fantastic Four, Filth, Man on a Ledge, Defiance and many other movies.
In ROCKETMAN, Jamie Bell stars as Elton John’s best friend Bernie Taupin. The talented lyricist accompanied Elton’s career from point zero. Even in bad times, he was on the side of his friend. Jamie Bell shows in an impressive way, that even within a partly dirty business, friendship never dies.
RICHARD MADDEN (JOHN REID)
The handsome Scottish actor played in Games of Thrones and Disney’s Cinderella before. Additionally, he starred as David Budd in the highly acclaimed BBC series Bodyguard.
In ROCKETMAN, Richard Madden plays John Reid, the eccentric music manager who was Elton’s lover for years. Like within his career, Elton experienced up and downs with him. However, even when they walked own paths privately, they worked professionally together for almost 25 years.
Very convincing, Richard Madden embodies the bon vivant, who also was the manager of Queen for a while.
BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD (SHEILA EILEEN)
Actually, everybody knows the face of the actress from the United States. Her showreel is impressive. It consists of children’s films like A Dog’s Way Home or Pete’s Dragon.
Furthermore, it reaches from dramas like Hereafter, The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond to adventures like Gold. Howard played also in romantic comedies like The Help. Of course, we cannot forget her performances in Terminator Salvation and the Jurassic World blockbusters.
In ROCKETMAN, Bryce Dallas Howard stars as Elton John’s mother Sheila Eileen. As usual, she convinces us with her outstanding, moreover, authentic acting. Impressively, she shows the inner strife, the near and distance of an independent mother and a unique son.
GEMMA JONES (IVY)
Already for 57 years, the British actress performs on the theater stages. However, the most know her from the Bridget Jones films. Furthermore, she became known to a wider public as Madame Pomfrey in the Harry Potter movies.
In ROCKETMAN, Gemma Jones stars as Ivy, Elton’s grandmother. With a lot of warmth and empathy she embodies the person, who had discovered and supported Elton’s talent from the very first moment.
“This movie is about when I started to become famous,” says Elton John. “It was an extraordinary and surreal time, and that’s how I wanted the film to be.”
ROCKETMAN – THE REVIEW
Maybe, the one or other will think: “Ok, they start to sing now.” Of course, it’s a musical film.
Not everybody likes it, even if he or she is interested in the story itself. However, even if you didn’t like musicals or Elton John’s songs so much before, you will fall in love with them after watching ROCKETMAN.
Actually, ROCKETMAN is comparable with LA LA LAND. Because, it’s so different from the mass. Above all, it’s totally different to Bohemian Rhapsody. And this is good. Even if that film won several Oscars, there was a huge lack of personality and depiction of characters.
ROCKETMAN is the complete opposite. The film is extremely profound. Each character is presented in detail, emotional and authentically.
The film sequences are so unbelievable unique! They inspire, touch and make the audience laugh and cry. Moreover, they motivate and stimulate. From the first second, you will find yourself in the movie.
You will forget the reality for 2 hours. There is neither a gap nor a break regarding entertainment, emotion and authenticity. You will move and dance in your chair.
Additionally, you will feel your heart beating. And you will sympathize with one of the greatest talents of music history.
At all levels, ROCKETMAN belongs to the best musical films ever. There is no need, to be an Elton John fan. His story, his history is representative for countless artists, gays, sensitive and smart people.
THE SUPER STAR & OUR POINTS
Taron Egerton is an amazing eye-catcher. With ROCKETMAN he catapults himself to the top of the world’s best actors. Besides, his vocal performance – also on stage during the Elton’s Oscar Awards Screening Party and the ROCKETMAN premieres – is simply breathtaking. He is a great talent and, thus, it was the best choice to chose him for that timeless role.
We give ROCKETMAN 10 points. Because, the film is a contemporary document about an outstanding artist, which is perfectly entertaining on multiple levels.
