To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails. Characters smoke cigarettes, cigars, and a pipe. Many scenes show John snorting lines of cocaine and drinking heavily he appears sloppy and out of it, and the people in his life criticize his use. Violence is minimal, but at one point a man hits his boyfriend in the face, leaving bruises, and a character washes down pills with vodka before standing on a diving board and declaring that he's going to kill himself. Some of the film's language is also connected to John's sexuality at various points in the film he's called - or calls himself - "f-g," "poofter," "fairy," and "queen" (other salty terms include "s-t," "f-k," and more). Expect many scenes of flirtation, romance, and affection between men, as well as a frank sex scene that begins with men kissing passionately before falling into bed to pull of their clothes they're briefly shown nude and moving rhythmically together. (Ultimately, we learn that he's nearly three decades sober.) John is also a proud gay man, and the film doesn't shy away from showing that part of his life. His addictions and flaws are addressed frankly the movie begins with him admitting he's an alcoholic, a drug addict, a sex addict, and a shopaholic, and viewers see him indulging openly during the movie. It has plenty of mature content, but the overall tone is sweet and life-affirming, and John is portrayed as someone who has the trappings of fame and success but only finds true happiness through deep, authentic connections with other people. Decide for yourself if my gripes hold any water.Parents need to know that Rocketman is a musical biopic about the life and work of Elton John ( Taron Egerton). So, is it worth seeing? My criticisms aside (and we all know what they say about opinions), it really comes down to this: if you're a fan-and especially a DEDICATED fan, like me, who's followed him from his humble beginnings in America in the summer of 1970-go see it. Don't leave right away after the credits roll. You will learn many things about EJ's life in this film that you may not have known before.I know I did.ĥ. You can't really find fault with the staging and choreography of the musical numbers. Jamie Bell (Bernie Taupin), Bryce Dallas Howard, Richard Madden (EJ's agent & self-centered 1st lover), Stephen Graham (Dick James), Tate Donovan (L.A.'s Troubador Club manager Doug Weston), Gemma Jones (Ivy, EJ's grandmother, I think.? Or friend of the family?) & Steven Mackintosh (EJ's cold, uncaring father).and all others in the film, essentially faultless. ![]() His singing, most of the time, is virtually spot-on, catching EJ's lilting singing style quite well. ![]() Some might see his acting as occasionally over the top, but frankly and for all we know, maybe EJ really did act that "extremely" at times, considering his anger issues. Taron Egerton is actually pretty amazing. These 3 things, however, are about my only problems with the film. Maybe someone in the know can enlighten me on this. This infuriated me! For those who don't already know: in the early days of EJ's career, Paul was the orchestrator who provided EJ with the BEAUTIFUL, lush string accompaniments that added so much to EJ's early music (classic example: EJ's soundtrack to the 1971 French film, FRIENDS) and, IMHO, could have been a big player in his success as a burgeoning artist, firmly introducing/establishing The Elton John "Sound." He SHOULD have been a part of this film-even a small one, if deemed necessary-but for him to be utterly omitted from the story mystifies me. Never, at any point in the film, is Paul Buckmaster mentioned or acknowledged. ("Oh, come on, guys-seriously?" moments.) There were times when I genuinely felt this was going to end up as the Ken Russell version of TOMMY for the new millennium.ģ. Much as I love Elton John, this "rock & roll fantasy" of his life treads a little too far into campy territory for me, with 2, maybe 3 very (thankfully) brief moments in the film that can only be described as cringeworthy. It is not presented as a straightforward biopic in the same manner as BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.Ģ. This is the John/Taupin equivalent of a Rodgers & Hammerstein. If you absolutely HATE musicals, save your money. ![]() Without giving any actual spoilers away, consider this: 1. I predict many will love it, and many will revile it.
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