Dec 28

Dec 28 Rocketman (2019)

The blurb on the Rocketman movie poster announces that it’s “based on a true fantasy,” and that’s actually a reasonable description of the film. Part musical, part biopic, and part emotional reminiscence, Rocketman paints in broad strokes a picture of the life of legendary rock star Elton John, né Reginald Dwight. Employing the pianist’s participation in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting as a through line, the film traces the rough course of his life up through his final, successful stint in rehab for substance abuse. Rocketman moves from Elton John’s unhappy childhood in a broken home and his restless teen years, through his partnering with lyricist Bernie Taupin and their early accomplishments, to worldwide musical stardom that brings with it emotionally destructive relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, and reckonings with his detestable parents.

Director Dexter Fletcher shepherds a strong cast. Taron Egerton, while not entirely looking the part, nevertheless manages to evoke the spirit and talent of Elton John. Persuasively voicing numerous hits out of the rocker’s playbook, Mr. Egerton brings energy and an earnest believability to the role. Jamie Bell convincingly portrays levelheaded writing partner Bernie Taupin, and Steven Mackintosh and especially Bryce Dallas Howard breathe loathsome life into Elton John’s parents. Richard Madden comes off less convincingly as nefarious manager John Reid, but the two younger actors—Matthew Illesly and Kit Connor—who play Reggie Dwight in his younger years are both terrific.

Not surprisingly, Rocketman offers a stellar soundtrack, utilizing many of Elton John’s most popular songs, sometimes clarifying their emotional source, and in some cases, imbuing them with additional meaning. Chris Dickens skillfully cuts the film together in a way that makes its two-hour running time fly by. A good movie, Rocketman should appeal not just to fans of Elton John’s music, but to general audiences.