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

Movie Review: Toy Story 4

It's been nearly a decade since we last saw Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy's remaining toys find a new home to be played and care for during that emotional epilogue of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3". Anyone who followed this critically acclaimed animated film series since the first one stole our hearts in 1995 knows who these characters are, the beloved Hollywood voice cast that brought them to life, and the adventures they have shared with us through the movies and subsequent animated series tie-ins that were spawned because of the franchise's success. The  attachment we have to our childhood and the toys we grew up with are the themes that drive these movies - which makes it so relatable and perfect as each installment teaches us the value and importance these play things have given to us and the fond memories born from those experiences.

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines and friends, I got to catch an advance screening of Toy Story 4 last week - and I went in with reserved expectations and bracing myself for what was to come in the newest tale featuring Woody, Buzz, and friends returning. All I knew from the trailers was that there were new characters like a toy fork named Forky who were going to be introduced, as well as the return of a long lost member of the gang in Bo Peep. After so many years and with Toy Story 3 ending the way it did - how was this sequel going to top things off? Read on and find out why I consider it the PERFECT ENDING and of course I will take care not to reveal any spoilers.

Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix

It's the end of an era for fans of the X-Men Movies franchise, as the curtain call comes with the release of this long awaited final entry to the "revised timeline" saga of films that began with 2011's "X-Men: First Class". After a number of reshoots and delays that postponed production of the movie, "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" finally graces theaters worldwide and picks up right where the last mainline entry left off - putting the X-Men right at the top of their game and becoming worldwide heroes and celebrities. However as the title suggests, one of their own becomes unstable and a danger to everyone she is close to - leading to a conflict that will test and break the very foundation of the team and everything they have done to help and protect their fellowman.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I was able to watch this final installment at the studio's office for a private press screening - and it was both an X-citing and emotional experience since this is truly the end of an era. With Disney's purchase of Fox and all of its assets, Marvel's Merry Mutants are now going to be incorporated into the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe when the proper time comes. It's just a matter of waiting for that moment to happen... But at least with Dark Phoenix, we have a true ending that while isn't quite the perfect sendoff many expect and wanted, it's still something to watch if you have been following and keeping tabs with this cinematic universe and storytelling that helped build the foundations of the superhero movie genre we all know and love today.

So without any more delays and diving straight into the review proper - here's my thoughts on "X-Men: Dark Phoenix".