Rocketman (2019)

Elton John may be one of the greatest rock and roll stars of all time. But we do not know the actual person behind many classic songs. That's where the film “Rocketman” comes into play. This film is a musical fantasy about Elton's life right up to his time in rehabilitation. However, while the film is good, there is a lot of problems concerning its production. Mostly due to the fact that there is a lot historical issues within the film that are left out. “Rocketman” is certainly an interesting look at a a great musician, but sort of squanders around the facts.

The story follows rock star Elton John (Taron Egerton) from his early days to becoming a huge figure in the music industry. Along the way, he encounters highs and lows from sexual adventures from his manager, and taking part in a wide assortment of drugs. Now, Elton must come to terms with not only the songs that he performs but also with himself.

“Rocketman” is sort of a mixed big of a movie.

On the one hand, the acting and directing is really good. Egerton delivers a great performance as Elton John, which can be contributed to the directing from Dexter Fletcher. Egerton steals the show every second he is on screen, and interacts with the world in a way that Elton John might have done. Plus, the supporting cast, which ranges from Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard, also give out good performances. “Rocketman” is a well-acted movie that is a talent show of big name performers.

Another aspect of positive criticism that the movie handles well, is with the costumes. Many people know that Elton John was eccentric with costumes while performing. And here, it is no exception. The costumes here look like the real thing, and it fits well with the main subject matter involved.

But on the other hand, the film has its fair share of problems.

For starters, the story contains a lot of factual errors; songs not being released at the right time, or songs not being performed at the right time. After doing some research, the filmmakers have stated that a lot of the stuff provided in the movie was made up here. So, instead of a biopic, we get more a fantasy interpretation of Elton John's life. This isn't too bad, but it is rather bothersome when the real person is also one of the people making the film a reality.

But what really makes the film go off the track of perfection, and that's the pacing of the movie. The |whole production feels a bit rushed with the way it tries to convey itself with the passage of time. One moment, the audience is seeing Elton John in the late 60s, the next we are shown him being a huge hit in America, and then, in the next moment, throwing an elaborate party thanks to his success. All of this in just two hours of running time for the entire film. If the film had a chance to slow down, and take its time, then we would have a perfect film.

But as it stands, “Rocketman” is something that is quite entertaining, and will leave fans of Elton John's work something to hum about.