Taron Egerton as Elton John in "Rocketman"

[MadVillainy]

Yeah but I don't think the filmmakers will explore that in depth especially with BH being such a hit at PG13 and this getting a release in the prime of summer


Could be very wrong though

It's not official but I will gladly eat my words.
Rocketman rated R

 

[Ozbridge]

Despite both being biopics about flamboyantly dressed English gay legendary singers and featuring John Reid, what I like in Rocketman over Bohemian Rhapsody is that Taron Egerton will actually sing rather than lip-sync like Malek. Of course he won't sound the same as Elton John, but he's a good singer and I think he will be able do perform decently

Apart from Tiny Dancer, Taron Egerton has sung one of Elton classics "I'm Still Standing" in Sing (2016), I wonder whether he will do another version for Rocketman's soundtrack.

 

[Dave McFly]

I thought he killed that song in Sing

 

[KillerMcQueen]

Official video for Taron's version of Rocket Man.

 

[HarryCanyon1981]

One of my most anticipated movies of the year.

 

[terry78]

Officially rated R. Figured they weren't gonna go the PG-13 route considering the guy.

 

[Ozbridge]

The movie premiered yesterday in London. Critics' reaction is quite positive: dazzling like a Broadway showstopper and Taron Egerton had a career-defining performance.

 

[DKDetective]

Rocketman (2019)

Yep, the critics are very positive. It sounds a lot better than Bohemian Rhapsody. I'm really excited about it. I always enjoyed Dexter Fletcher as an actor and I'm happy to see that he is making a successful transition to directing.

 

[Ozbridge]

Apart from Tiny Dancer, Taron Egerton has sung one of Elton classics "I'm Still Standing" in Sing (2016), I wonder whether he will do another version for Rocketman's soundtrack.

Well he sings "I'm Still Standing" again.

 

[Drizzle]

Rocketman (2019)

Yep, the critics are very positive. It sounds a lot better than Bohemian Rhapsody. I'm really excited about it. I always enjoyed Dexter Fletcher as an actor and I'm happy to see that he is making a successful transition to directing.

At the very least it sounds like it's more factually accurate. Taron doing his own singing helps as well, although to be fair Elton has an easier singing voice to replicate than Freddie did.

 

[DKDetective]

At the very least it sounds like it's more factually accurate. Taron doing his own singing helps as well, although to be fair Elton has an easier singing voice to replicate than Freddie did.

Well, as factually accurate as a musical with big song and dance numbers can be. It also just sound like Fletcher and co had a much more inspired concept for this film than a standard biopic. Basically, make it a big campy 70s rock and roll musical in the vein of Tommy and similar such films from that era.

 

[Sithborg]

Also, having the subject being involved, rather than what seems to be jealous bandmates...

 

[DarkKnight88]

Well, as factually accurate as a musical with big song and dance numbers can be. It also just sound like Fletcher and co had a much more inspired concept for this film than a standard biopic. Basically, make it a big campy 70s rock and roll musical in the vein of Tommy and similar such films from that era.

Yeah, Fletcher basically said that events/songs might not match up the year they were released compared to where they are in the movie, but said that was on purpose for the spirit and emotion of Elton's life was more important to capture than "facts".

It's probably a smarter way to make an interesting biopic.

 

[Deck Rickard]

It’s funny how John Reid has been played by two Game of Thrones actors in this and BH.

 

[flickchick85]

Well I caught a double feature of Godzilla and this, and while Godzilla was fun, this one kinda blew me away. What Taron Egerton does in this role gave me everything I didn't get from Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, and I'm not talking about doing the singing himself. Rather than just doing a decent impression of his subject and portraying the required emotions in any given scene, he seemed to more embody the soul of Elton John, bringing to life a flesh and blood person that I actively cared about. And he does a great job with the musical performances, too. Yes, the story hits all the usual clichés of any musical biopic, but it serves as a great example of how it doesn't matter if the story's been done a million times - it's all about how you tell it. If Bohemian Rhapsody had come out after this movie, I think a lot more people would've seen it as the rather pedestrian attempt it is. And yes, I realize the irony of this considering Dexter Fletcher was the guy who finished BH after Singer was fired, but what can I say, I guess he saved all his flair for the movie that would actually have his name on it. This movie had a voice.

At the very least, I hope Taron gets an Oscar nod for this when that season rolls around. I fear it's been released far too early for that to happen, though.

 

[Jonwo]

To me, Rocketman felt more honest than Bohemian Rhapsody and it's a credit to Sir Elton that he's not afraid of showing the not so great moments of his life.

 

[DKDetective]

Well I caught a double feature of Godzilla and this, and while Godzilla was fun, this one kinda blew me away. What Taron Egerton does in this role gave me everything I didn't get from Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, and I'm not talking about doing the singing himself. Rather than just doing a decent impression of his subject and portraying the required emotions in any given scene, he seemed to more embody the soul of Elton John, bringing to life a flesh and blood person that I actively cared about. And he does a great job with the musical performances, too. Yes, the story hits all the usual clichés of any musical biopic, but it serves as a great example of how it doesn't matter if the story's been done a million times - it's all about how you tell it. If Bohemian Rhapsody had come out after this movie, I think a lot more people would've seen it as the rather pedestrian attempt it is. And yes, I realize the irony of this considering Dexter Fletcher was the guy who finished BH after Singer was fired, but what can I say, I guess he saved all his flair for the movie that would actually have his name on it. This movie had a voice.

At the very least, I hope Taron gets an Oscar nod for this when that season rolls around. I fear it's been released far too early for that to happen, though.

Agreed. My wife and I saw it tonight as well and it was as good as hoped. It just oozed style and a strong vision. It was a music biopic told in the style of a big campy, 70s rock opera/musical (eg. The Who's Tommy). I had the same feeling afterwards that I feel it was a real shame that Bohemian Rhapsody was released first because I feel this won't get the awards attention and public response it deserves because Bohemian Rhapsody got there first.

I really hope that Taron's career takes over after this. He really proved that he is an A-list talent in this film.

 

[Bats123]

I just came out of my screening and man this blew away all my expectations, this was really really really good, Taron Egerton is absolutely fantastic, he NAILED it, and i LOVED the musical aspects of the movie, Elton's songs had a purpose for being there, they're not just THERE to make you say "HEY REMEMEBER THIS SONG??" they fit the story perfectly.

The supporting cast is really great too, specially Jamie Bell, he and Taron have great chemistry.
Go see this ASAP, its THAT good.

 

[Flint Marko]

Pleasantly surprised to hear such great things, particularly about Taron. Dude’s a great actor but I was worried he bit off more than he could chew here. Happy to hear he nails it.

 

[terry78]

I never realized how much Egerton looks like Elton circa 1970s until I saw some pictures of him during that era. Uncanny choice now that I see it.

 

[Lasirius]

I wasn't too enthused about this one as I was never enthused by Bohemian Rhapsody but this looks a bit more authentic, meaning people behind it cared about the material rather than shooting it by the numbers. Glad to read reactions are very positive, I'll see this on the weekend.

 

[DKDetective]

Pleasantly surprised to hear such great things, particularly about Taron. Dude’s a great actor but I was worried he bit off more than he could chew here. Happy to hear he nails it.

He is the real deal here. The more I think about it, I'm really mad that Bohemian Rhapsody came out first and got the public reception it did because it really steals the thunder of this vastly superior film and performance. Rami's Oscar was for mimickry. This is a totally different level. There is so much more truth and depth to Egerton's work. His musical abilities are extremely well-used as well. The fact that Taron can pull off Elton's musical persona makes the musical aspect of the film work so well because not only is he nailing Elton's style in those songs, but he is also acting her heart out in those performances to advance the story and the character. The basic plot of the film is your usual musical biopic, rise, fall into addiction, redemption, arc, which is unavoidable*, but this film pretty much perfects that formula in its execution.

*Unavoidable because it is the universal pattern for many from that post-war generation with substance abuse issues, which is only magnified in the music industry.

 

[TheVileOne]

More than the movie itself, I loved Taron Egerton's performance. He really gave it his all here. Maybe he's not as good as singer as Elton John, but at least he can sing and hit the high notes. And he does it so well and passionately.

A lot of Hollywood musical lately the singing is awful and they either have to hide it or what have you.

Will Smith couldn't sing well in Aladdin. Emma Watson couldn't sing well in Beauty and the Beast.

 

[Hurm...]

Yeah, I was not very enthusiastic about this film prior to seeing it. But I think it presented enough fresh stuff to help offset its formulaic structure. Great performance by Taron, great musical elements added to the narrative, and a bit more edgy than Bohemian Rhapsody (albeit still fairly sanitized). It was a good film!

 

[TheVileOne]

I think my main issue with Rocketman man is that it does seem to gloss over or just rush through certain parts of Elton John's life. I think we did miss certain parts I would've liked to have seen flesh out more.

Now maybe he was basically an overnight success in real life, but it seems he does one show in US and suddenly he's hottest act in the world.