Rocketman - New Elton John Movie

[SteveSly]

We went to see “Rocketman” today and for the most part really enjoyed it. Coming so close to “Bohemian Rhapsody” comparisons are inevitable, but they are very different movies. “Rocketman” is almost played as a musical, with Elton’s music providing the catalyst for many of the scenes in somewhat more of a fantasy capacity rather than a straight narrative. There are dance numbers set to Elton’s music, which may throw some people off, but I thought it worked for the most part. There are also a few fantasy sequences that reminded me of older musical films like “Tommy” or even Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in spots. Again, reaction to this film style may vary, although I thought it was used effectively. Although the story itself is linier, the music is not done in any kind of a timeline, so this may annoy some Elton purists. The movie focuses on Elton’s life up through his successful rehab in the late 80’s. Taron Egerton plays Elton brilliantly. He also sang all the vocals for the songs presented in the film. Elton’s relationship with co-writer Bernie Taupin is well fleshed out. His infamous problems with substance abuse, self-esteem, and sexual identity are also a big part of the film. I thought the film dragged a bit in spots, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I would think most Elton fans would dig this movie, although the style of the film, being somewhat of a musical, may not resonate if you are looking for a straight up bio-pic like “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

[Kian_Booth]

We went to see “Rocketman” today and for the most part really enjoyed it. Coming so close to “Bohemian Rhapsody” comparisons are inevitable, but they are very different movies. “Rocketman” is almost played as a musical, with Elton’s music providing the catalyst for many of the scenes in somewhat more of a fantasy capacity rather than a straight narrative. There are dance numbers set to Elton’s music, which may throw some people off, but I thought it worked for the most part. There are also a few fantasy sequences that reminded me of older musical films like “Tommy” or even Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in spots. Again, reaction to this film style may vary, although I thought it was used effectively. Although the story itself is linier, the music is not done in any kind of a timeline, so this may annoy some Elton purists. The movie focuses on Elton’s life up through his successful rehab in the late 80’s. Taron Egerton plays Elton brilliantly. He also sang all the vocals for the songs presented in the film. Elton’s relationship with co-writer Bernie Taupin is well fleshed out. His infamous problems with casinoland substance abuse, self-esteem, and sexual identity are also a big part of the film. I thought the film dragged a bit in spots, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I would think most Elton fans would dig this movie, although the style of the film, being somewhat of a musical, may not resonate if you are looking for a straight up bio-pic like “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

Overall great thoughts

[Lino]

I thought Bohemian Rhapsody was one of the worst movies ever. I hope this one is better.

[Sean]

Yeah Lino, but was that the real life, or just fantasy?

[hippypants]

Yeah, I heard a review on YT that it may be one of the better films for this year.

[Lino]

hahahaha I don't think it was either.
There was so much hype when it came out, i thought it might be something really special. One of the most trite, predictable movies I've ever seen. No offense to anybody who saw it as a masterpiece lol.
It probably doesn't help that what was once a decent band for an album or two, turned in to one of the worst commercial bands in history. The low point of the movie for me was watching Brian May explain how he thought they had their next big hit as he verbalizes the "we will rock you" beat. Ahhhhh, so that's how a shit rock anthem gets written? Great to know!

[Rogue Mail]

hahahaha I don't think it was either.
There was so much hype when it came out, i thought it might be something really special. One of the most trite, predictable movies I've ever seen. No offense to anybody who saw it as a masterpiece lol.
It probably doesn't help that what was once a decent band for an album or two, turned in to one of the worst commercial bands in history. The low point of the movie for me was watching Brian May explain how he thought they had their next big hit as he verbalizes the "we will rock you" beat. Ahhhhh, so that's how a shit rock anthem gets written? Great to know!

I see where you are coming from.

As much as I love the band, i was never a big fan of the anthemic singalong stuff...and there was always the obvious pressure on the band to repeat that sort of stuff from the record companies.

So count me among one of those that never got the love for We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.

[ronmac]

i was never a big fan of the anthemic singalong stuff

Then stay away from Imagine Dragons if you haven't already done so. My wife loves them and EVERY song is the same anthemic formula.

[dropforge]

Then stay away from Imagine Dragons if you haven't already done so. My wife loves them and EVERY song is the same anthemic formula.

They reek!

[aith01]

BIG difference between Queen's anthems and Imagine Dragons, IMO.

[Sunlight Caller]

I thought Bohemian Rhapsody was one of the worst movies ever. I hope this one is better.

That’s not much of a challenge then! I enjoyed this one much more than Bohemian Rhapsody but growing up in the 70’s I preferred early rocky Queen to Elton, however I now recognise that he with Bernie, has served up quite a songbook. Whereas both he and Freddie lived parallel wild times, this movie which is delivered in quite a fantastical way, is still probably more honest than the airbrushed Queen bio. You also get the impression that EJ could write a chart melody anytime he damn well chose, without resorting to “Stamp Stamp Clap”!

[dropforge]

BIG difference between Queen's anthems and Imagine Dragons, IMO.

Yeah, that Dragon dude's an awesome singer, huh?

[Lino]

I was being jokingly harsh... I had read so many positive reviews from so many people on FB (like honestly, don't think I read anything with a remotely negative opinion) ... I thought "OK, you don't like them as much as you did when you discovered Sheer Heart Attack in your older brother's record collection, but what the heck..." I'm perfectly fine with a band's commercial success, if that's what they want. And even though I may not support a band and their music any more, I am usually able to respect them understanding the realities of the music industry. So I was looking forward to the movie, and found it a let-down. But to each his own, I'm happy for everybody who loved it.

[miamiscot]

Don't care for either Queen or Elton John. As a youngster I was looking for more adventurous music. Still am...

Probably won't ever see either movie.

[aith01]

Yeah, that Dragon dude's an awesome singer, huh?

Ugh...

Just in case there was any confusion, I love Queen.

But Imagine Dragons, I don't care if I never hear one of their songs again. They just don't do anything for me, and they sound like they're always playing to the cheap seats, IMO.

[3LockBox]

Imagine Dragons = focus group rock

[Facelift]

I was being jokingly harsh... I had read so many positive reviews from so many people on FB (like honestly, don't think I read anything with a remotely negative opinion) ... I thought "OK, you don't like them as much as you did when you discovered Sheer Heart Attack in your older brother's record collection, but what the heck..." I'm perfectly fine with a band's commercial success, if that's what they want. And even though I may not support a band and their music any more, I am usually able to respect them understanding the realities of the music industry. So I was looking forward to the movie, and found it a let-down. But to each his own, I'm happy for everybody who loved it.

It wasn't very good, though I thought that the musical set-pieces *were* good and, considering that there are several of them, make the movie worth seeing on a big screen if one happens to be a fan of the music. Otherwise, there were no characters in the film at all, besides Elton John - the rest were all stereotypes and caricatures. The mixing of the timeline didn't make sense most of the time - I get that these things happen to make narratives more interesting, but most of the time-line stuff had nothing to do with this; it was as the people in charge either didn't know or just didn't care. There was no chemistry between Edgerton and the guy playing Bernie, and their relationship not very fleshed out.

Meh.

[Yodelgoat]

I haven't seen either. But I loved Early Queen and Early Elton. Both were awesome and unique, then took a disappointing turn after say, '77. Burn down the Mission, Madman, just about anything pre-Captain Fantastic and pre News of the world. (occasional great tunes, but mostly... meh or worse) If the stories are about their commercial success I'd rather skip.

[mozo-pg]

I like the Queen movie, quite a bit. I love 1970s Elton John. Just brilliant. I thought the move was O.K. The strongest parts were when the Elton character was singing. I can't pinpiont what was lacking but it was lacking something. I'm still glad I saw it given how much I enjoy Elton's vintage music. Also, I think the family dynamics were covered fairly well - really liked seeing Elton peaking musically as a young boy.

[Baribrotzer]

I found it enjoyable - not anything like a realistic biography, but perhaps what Elton's life might have felt like to him. Many people have commented upon the multiple anachronisms - he is shown writing or performing songs at the very beginning of his career, but they wouldn't in fact be written for years to come. Davey Johnstone is presented as part of Elton's band from the beginning, yet he didn't join until Madman Across the Water. And while Elton Dean is shown and named, Long John Baldry is written out entirely.

One point the movie makes, and I hadn't really appreciated: what a monster musician Elton is. His piano parts, even the flashy ones, are heavily "accompanimental", very much in the R&B tradition - entirely at the service of the songs, entirely a part of those songs, and never a noticeable thing unto themselves. As a result, it was never immediately obvious (or at least, not to me) that he might very well have been able to keep up with Emerson, Wakeman, or Brian Auger.

[arturs]

And while Elton Dean is shown and named, Long John Baldry is written out entirely.

I was going to ask about that. I figured Dean and Baldry would be a part of the plot if for nothing else but that they were the source of Elton's stage name. I figured there would at least be a few minutes with Bluesology as a result. How much screen time does the Elton (Dean) actor get? Does he actually play any sax?

[JJ88]

Long John Baldry is written out entirely.

Odd, in the 60s it was Baldry who famously advised him not to marry (see 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight'- Baldry is the 'someone').

[Baribrotzer]

I was going to ask about that. I figured Dean and Baldry would be a part of the plot if for nothing else but that they were the source of Elton's stage name. I figured there would at least be a few minutes with Bluesology as a result. How much screen time does the Elton (Dean) actor get? Does he actually play any sax?

Odd, in the 60s it was Baldry who famously advised him not to marry (see 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight'- Baldry is the 'someone').

The Elton Dean character gets a minute or so of screen time, one line, and mimes playing sax (not entirely convincingly). Bluesology are shown, mostly working as backup for various American R&B vocal acts, which they apparently did for a living; Elton is shown talking to several of them and asking how one becomes an authentic Soul Man. In the movie, Elton gives his stage name name as "Elton" to Dick James (his first big-time manager, depicted as a comically abrasive cigar-chomper), is stuck for a last name - apparently he hadn't thought that far - then sees a picture of the Beatles and reflexively says "John".

And I don't know why they wrote Baldry out. Maybe inclusion of him would have complicated the story. Maybe some of those conversations the movie shows Elton having with black Americans he really had with Baldry, which would have then meant that the story would have had to establish Baldry's R&B authenticity, whereas for black Americans it goes without saying.

And if you've ever wondered about Baldry's R&B authenticity......



......crappy picture, crappy sound, but there's enough to show that he was the real deal.

[Nearfest2]

Then stay away from Imagine Dragons if you haven't already done so. My wife loves them and EVERY song is the same anthemic formula.

Add Muse to that as well. They've released several stadium anthemesque songs.

So the Elton John movie didn't mention Simon Dupree and the Big Sound?!

[SteveSly]

I found it enjoyable - not anything like a realistic biography, but perhaps what Elton's life might have felt like to him. .

Actually......that is a great description!