Rocketman markets itself as the Elton John biopic, yet if you are looking for a docu-like reenactment of the superstars life, this is not that movie. It has taken way too many liberties to change life events to fit the narrative of the movie. None the less, this bigger than life musical production includes Elton John’s timeless tunes to help tell the story of one Reginald Dwight who with all the tormented childhood suffering from his ruthless mom, grows up to become one of the worlds most loved singer-songwriter.
The flick was scribed by genius Billie Elliot screenwriter, Lee Hall, who created a perfect framework for the movie around the singers’ group therapy sessions, which allows John to become the narrator of his own story. Another Billie Elliott connection in Rocketman is Billie Elliot himself, Jamie Bell, who portrays Elton’s partner, Bernie Taupin, the angel to Elton John’s devil.
The movie’s director, Dexter Fletcher, who was the savior of Bohemian Rhapsody, after director, Bryan Singer, was fired over the alleged sexual misconduct allegations, made Rocketman into a near-masterpiece in its genre. Now everyone compares between the two flicks although they really are very different from each other. The only thing that both have in common, is a great casting of a lead to portray the title character. Just like (the now Oscar winner), Rami Malik nailed it in his portrayal of Freddy Mercury, so does Matthew Illesley, with Elton John, interestingly enough both actors are not really a spitting image of the real-life person they portray.
This movie will move you in many ways, both in your heart and your…. seat…