Rocketman

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Sex    Drug Use    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens May 31, 2019

Runs 121 minutes

This film follows Reggie Dwight (Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor) through his formative years until he morphs into Elton John (Taron Egerton). As a young chilld, he was barely tolerated by his parents (Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Macintosh). Luckily, his grandmother (Gemma Jones) agreed to drive him to the Royal Academy of Music for his studies. The rest is history. Elton is matched up with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell) randomly just to see if they could write songs together. That was the turning point in launching Elton John. The rest of the film follows Elton through his struggles with addiction and fame. But, in the end, Elton John emerges as an iconic star.

This is one of may favorite movies of the year, so far. Taron Egerton becomes Elton John. He sings and dances and you forget that he isn't really Elton John. He does all of his own singing and his performance is definitely award worthy. The rest of the cast is great, too. Jamie Bell is adorable as Elton's right-hand man and best friend Bernie Taupin. And, it took a while to realize that it was Robb Stark, I mean Richard Madden playing John Reid. Just terrific! The film isn't exactly a straight bio-pic. It is more of a fantasy musical about Elton John. It is joyous and happy but it definitely faces Elton's drug and alcohol addictions head on. It is also sad. Before Reggie Dwight became Elton John, his home life wasn't so great. All he wanted was a little love. Luckily, he had a grandmother who saw something in him. If you like Elton John's music, then this film is a MUST SEE! You will feel like clapping and singing along. Such a great film.

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