Movie Review: Rocketman

If you asked me what I thought about legendary music star Elton John and his music - I'd tell you how awesome his songs are including "Don't Let The Sun Go Down", "I'm Still Standing", "Saturday Night's Alright", and of course "Rocket Man". Never would I have imagined that a collaborative effort would come when New Republic Pictures, Marv Films, and Rocket Pictures pooled their resources together to make what is arguably a fitting tribute and amazing musical biopic of John's life - from its ups and downs to the abuse and emotional rollercoaster ride that comes with fame and fortune... And Taron Egerton embodies that beautifully with his portrayal of the music legend in "Rocketman".

Thanks to UIP Philippines and FM2 Radio, I got to see the film last week at Power Plant Mall Cinemas, and what I can tell you is that I was amazed by the performances and casting in this production lead by director Dexter Fletcher - who also happened to co-direct the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody". Rocketman is nothing short of spectacular - a true ode to Elton John's career and dream of becoming what he was born to be  - a rockstar and one of the greatest performers we have ever known in the history of music.

Rocketman | Official Payoff Trailer
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, "Rocketman" takes us on a musical journey of Elton John's life - starting with his entry into an addiction rehab center and guiding the participants (and the audience as well) into his entire life story. As a boy, he was already gifted with music but was unfortunately ignored and shunned by his cold mother and distant father. Only his grandmother encouraged his abilities and that led him to enrolling in the Royal Academy of Music. We then follow Reginald's exploits touring as back up for an American Jazz Band, striking up a friendship with longtime collaborator and songwriter Bernie Taupin, as well as discovering his homosexuality. All these experiences and eventual breakout performance in America would skyrocket him to fame... As well as lead him down that road of misery, addiction, sex, and abuse that would take all the courage and strength from within for the man known as Elton John to rise above and triumph from.

Without a doubt, "Rocketman" is one of those music movies with fine tunes and a story that every fan of Elton John needs to see. I wouldn't have imagined Taron Egerton to have played the musician he saved as Eggsy in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, but life has a funny way of casting an actor in a certain part in his career in Hollywood. Supporting roles by Jamie Bell, Richard Madden (as the nefarious John Reid), and Bryce Dallas Howard only make this all the more a compelling watch. I really should say it is a MUST WATCH, and at the end it will get everyone praising and talking about the legend himself.

Rocketman is now showing in theaters c/o UIP Philippines.

Rating - 5/5