Disclaimer: Rocketman is an R rated film. Teenagecritic.net does not condone the use of anything in the film except for being like Elton John. Support the film by watching it. It’s great.
I have discovered what makes musicals bad/annoying. That is the fact that the music is terrible or annoying(cough cough Sound Of Music cough cough). Rocketman fixes this, due to the fact that Elton John is the greatest person ever and his songs are actually good. I cannot stress how good all the actors did in this role, but I will elaborate more later. For now, let’s get into it!
Rocketman is a 2019 Musical directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Edgerton, Jamie Bell, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Richard Madden. It has grossed $96 Million as of September 24, 2019, and has a run time of two hours, one minute. The film follows Elton John’s life, from a child to an adult. Now, here’s the summary!(note: all songs mentioned in the summary are sequences in the movie. I will go more in-depth after this.)
Dressed in a flamboyant devil’s outfit, Elton John enters an addiction rehabilitation session, and recounts his life in a flashback (The Bitch Is Back).
Young Reginald Dwight grows up in 1950s Britain, raised by his cold, unaffectionate mother, Sheila, and more loving grandmother Ivy. Reginald is interested in music and hopes to perform for his father, Stanley, who takes no interest in his son nor his talent (I Want Love).
Reginald begins piano lessons, eventually making his way into the Royal Academy of Music. Stanley abandons his family after Sheila has an affair with another man. Reginald develops interest in rock music, and begins performing in local pubs (Saturday Night’s Alright). As an adult, Reginald joins the band Bluesology, which is hired to play backup for a touring American soul band. One of its singers recommends that Reginald write some songs and put his old life behind him if he wants to become a famous artist. This inspires Reginald to change his name to Elton John.
Elton begins writing music and tries to find success with Dick James’ record label DJM Records under the management of Ray Williams. Williams introduces Elton to lyricist Bernie Taupin and they quickly form a friendship (Border Song) and they move into a flat together to work on their songs. When Elton admits that he is homosexual, he ends his romantic relationship with their landlady and he and Bernie are evicted from their flat.
Elton and Bernie continue writing and create “Your Song.” James sets up a performance for them at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Elton is nervous before his Troubadour debut, but the audience eagerly embraces his performance (Crocodile Rock). Elton is overjoyed by his success, but feels abandoned when Bernie leaves him at a party to spend time with a woman (Tiny Dancer). He is approached by John Reid, a music manager. They sleep together, and reunite later (Take Me to the Pilot).
Reid’s influence over Elton launches a downward spiral into a life of debauchery even as his career rises to new heights (Hercules/Don’t Go Breaking My Heart). Elton develops a flamboyant, over-the-top stage persona and becomes one of the most successful artists of the 1970s (Honky Cat). Reid’s manipulation increases into outright abuse after becoming Elton’s manager. Reid insists that Elton come out to his parents as gay, so Elton reconnects with his father, who still displays no interest in him. Unhappy and hurt, Elton calls his mother and tells her he is gay. She informs him that she already knew, but tells Elton he will be forever unloved. Struggling with parental issues as well as Reid’s increasing physical and emotional abuse, Elton becomes addicted to alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, shopping, and sex.
Elton consumes large amounts of drugs and alcohol to escape his pain and loneliness, but his mood swings and short temper alienate the friends who do care for him (Pinball Wizard). He catches Reid cheating on him with another man and breaks off their relationship. During a party, Elton binges on drugs and alcohol and attempts suicide by jumping into his pool. He is rushed to the hospital, then thrust onstage at Dodger Stadium to perform (Rocket Man).
Elton descends further into a life of drugs, alcohol, and loneliness (Bennie and the Jets). He has a short-lived marriage with a close female friend, Renate, but his homosexuality dooms this relationship (Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me). He falls out with his mother and Bernie (Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word). Elton’s dependence on prescription pills and alcohol result in a heart attack. Realizing that his life is out of control, Elton seeks help (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road). He enters rehabilitation and realizes he no longer needs support and approval from his parents or Reid. Elton rekindles his friendship with Bernie, who brings him new lyrics to try and help him back in action. At first, Elton is worried that he cannot perform or compose without alcohol or drugs as a crutch, but he writes “I’m Still Standing” and returns to a successful career.
The film’s epilogue informs viewers that Elton has been sober for over 28 years. He remains good friends with Bernie, and is now married to David Furnish, with whom he has two children, and is finally loved properly.
Now, The song scenes!(in order of appearance)
The Bitch Is Back(released in 1974 on the album Caribou): As Elton John reflects on his childhood, Reginald Dwight(young Elton) appears and takes the audience to his childhood.
I Want Love(released in 2001 on the album Songs From The West Coast) : Reginald Dwight reflects on his family slowly growing apart, and he and his family sing this song.
Saturday Night’s Alright(released in 1973 on the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road): Reginald Dwight preforms this song in a bar, but changes into Elton John halfway through.
Border Song(released in 1970 on the album Elton John): Elton meets Bernie Taupin, and the two bond and take their music to DJM studios.
Your Song(released in 1970 on the album Elton John): Elton adds a tune to lyrics written by Bernie, and creates Your Song.
Crocodile Rock(released in 1973 on the album Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player): Elton preforms this song at the Troubadour music club, and everybody loves it. He then goes to a party.
Tiny Dancer(released in 1971 on the album Madman Across The Water): Bernie leaves Elton alone to be with a girl, and Elton sings this song to himself while walking through the crowd.
Take Me To The Pilot(released in 1970 on the album Elton John): Elton and John Reid sleep together after meeting.
Hercules(released on the 1972 album Honky Chateau): This song plays over a montage of Elton’s career going big.
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart(released on the 1976 album of the same name): Elton and Kike Dee are recording the song before John Reid interrupts them.
Honky Cat(released on the 1972 album Honky Chateau): Elton and John Reid have a duet while Elton spends his money on a year-long shopping spree.
Pinball Wizard(created for the 1975 movie Tommy): Elton embarks on the highest-grossing musical tour in the world. He also makes Bernie mad at him.
Rocketman(released on the 1972 album Honky Chateau): Elton attempts suicide at a party, but fails and is hospitalized. Two days later, he preforms a concert at Dodger Stadium.
Bennie And The Jets(first made at a 1976 concert, and later released on the 2000 album Elton John: Greatest Hits): Elton drunkenly preforms this song at a concert, and later goes to a gay orgy. He did the bad bad.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me(released in 1974 on the album Caribou): As Elton sings this song in a recording studio, close friend Renate joins in. They end up marrying, but Elton being gay ends the marriage.
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word(released on the 1976 album Blue Moves): Elton Sings this song while going to meet with Bernie at a restaurant.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road(released in 1973 on the album of the same name): Elton and Bernie have a fight. Elton has a heart attack due to drugs, and decides to go to rehab right before a concert.
I’m Still Standing(released in 1983 on the album Too Low For Zero): Elton records a new song, and as Elton walks out of rehab, The movie shows Elton in his “I’m Still Standing” music video.
Now, the best scene!
The Best Scene in Rocketman is easily the “Saturday Nights” scene. “Crocodile Rock” was good, but Saturday Nights perfectly captured the energy and enthusiasm in Elton John’s songs. The overhead shot of everybody dancing at the carnival is a stunning piece of work, and the vocals of Taron Edgerton really make a difference here. It has everything. Bright colors, loud music, and is a good redo of a great song.
Now, for the cast!
Taron Edgerton(Elton John)is a Welsh actor(age 29) who blows my mind in this movie. While Rami Malak from Bohemian Rhapsody won best actor, he lip-synced. Taron didn’t. He and Elton John recorded new versions of the songs used on the soundtrack, and Taron pours his voice into it. His acting is also on point, conveying a wide range of emotions in one scene. He should win Best Actor this year. His career includes: Kingsman: The Secret Service, Sing, Robin Hood, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Eddie The Eagle, and The Billionaire Boys Club.
Richard Madden(John Reid)is a Scottish actor(age 33) who does a very good job making me hate his guts. In fact, he vies for the spot of most hated character in this movie. He isn’t a bad person in real life, but his character sucks in this movie. He downright smacks Elton at one point, and it makes me sad. His career includes: Game Of Thrones Seasons 1-3, and that’s about it.
Jamie Bell(Bernie Taupin) is an English actor(age 33) who does a fine job of playing Elton’s oldest friend. His performance of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is quite enjoyable, and his role in the movie is quite understated. His Career includes: Billy Eliot, Fan4stic, and Snowpiercer.
Actual Critic Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDB: 7.4/10
Metacritic: 75%
Outro Time!
Rocketman is phenomenal. I really can’t do it justice here. You have to go watch it. Also, i’m sorry i missed the due date for this one. I won’t next time. Anyway, watch it yourself, and goodbye!
The Underage Critic 