"Rocketman" Showcases Taron Egerton's Fierce Performance in a Solid Biopic
By: Keaton Marcus
DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 15, YOU MUST ASK YOUR PARENTS IF YOU ARE ALLOWED, IF THEY SAY NO…IT MEANS NO!
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80/100 “sweet”
Really, another biopic about a famous, flamboyant rocker--even after the disappointment that was "Bohemian Rhapsody”? Well, while people are tired of the whole "great performance, lack of storytelling" shenanigans, "Rocketman", a new biopic about Elton John, not only has a star-making performance by relatively fresh actor Taron Egerton, the drama captures the truly R-rated life of John, with all the sex, drugs, alcohol--and many other ups-and-downs in the rocker's life. "Rhapsody" (mentioned before) was slammed for carrying an MPAA tag of PG-13, accused of sanitizing Mercury's life. If you happen to be an audience member that wants to see the whole show, this new film is the right way to go. There are problems, some performances are off, the writing can be over-the-top, and it's a little long--but, it is most definitely an above-average biopic.
Before much more, we must talk about Taron Egerton's fantastic performance as Elton John. The actor is known for "Kingsman: The Secret Service", and it's lesser, more violent sequel, "The Golden Circle". While he's occasionally been in the spotlight, Egerton truly is the showcase in the new biopic, and he never ever misuses his valuable time on screen. We know the actor can sing lyrics well, considering his performance in 2016's animated picture, "Sing"--but not like this. While Elton John cannot beat Queen for getting the audiences to cheer, Egerton shines as a more timid, passive singer than Freddie Mercury, who is up an at 'em with the likes of "We Will Rock You". So while "Rocketman" is not the fun, crowd-pleaser film of the year--audiences will still feel nostalgic when the actor sings songs such as "I'm Still Standing", or "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", and even "Crocodile Rock". Despite the cheesy outfits, and the occasional over-focusing on his addictions, when Oscar season comes along, audiences should be voting for Egerton.
Also, unlike most pictures in the genre, "Rocketman" tries to be in touch with John's fantastical life, adding fictional bits and pieces here and there. The beginning of the film is hysterical, showing Elton flamboyant as hell, dressed in a devil's outfit (yep, horns and all), heading to a group therapy session. Currently, in rehab, the singer talks about his excessive problems with alcohol, sex, and drugs, and he also mentions his obsession with shopping. Played by Egerton, the actor captures the raw, sometimes emotional life of the titular role with such distinction and realism--also, the first scene abruptly changes into an all-out musical--showing both John as a child, and adult surrounded by smiling women dancing. Yes, it's ridiculous and cheesy--but I appreciate the bold decision, and the singing is fantastic.
The rest of the film captures a lot of his childhood, his parents never really loved him (played by Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh). Also, another fact, John was always a prodigy, he heard someone play, he'd play it--it's fascinating. This is shown wildly when Elton first goes to try out at the Royal Academy of Music, he hears the teacher play for a little while, he copies it, and when the adult asks why'd he stop, John replies "that's how far you've gone", showcasing his brilliant memory, an incredible ear for music. Another iconic character then enters the film, Bernie Taupin, the famed lad who is known for writing most of Elton's lyrics. He's played by a wonderful Jamie Bell ("Billie Elliot"), and their friendship creates some of the best scenes in the film, banter, and even some compelling fights and arguments. "Rocketman" is so not roses and rainbows everywhere, whether it's snorting coke, having orgies with other guys, or vomiting violently because of too much alcohol--it's not for the younger audiences.
One magnificent scene is when John attempts to kill himself, stoned on drugs--the musician plunges into the pool, and at the floor of it, he regards his child avatar, playing the keyboard in a space-suit. This strengthens up the fantastical antics that filmmaker Dexter Fletcher has planned for the film, it's dramatic and visually impressive--and reaches heights that a run-of-the-mill biopic will rarely touch. Fletcher also co-directed "Bohemian Rhapsody", after "X-Men" director Brian Singer was fired. My point is, Fletcher never got to deliver his special, unusual ideas to his previous biopic. In "Rocketman", there are almost no limits to his abundant imagination.
The final verdict is: The rock biopic occasionally disappoints in trying to make a compelling screenplay, but "Rocketman" captures the rocker's life with a bedazzling performance by Taron Egerton, nostalgic music, along with a newly bizarre, and fantastical approach on the genre by director Dexter Fletcher...$TREAM IT