Rocketman

"There are moments in a rock star's life that define who he is and how people perceive him as he ascends into the heavens. You lit the blue touch paper. Now we can all see you shooting light and color into the night sky. Where there was darkness, there is now...you, Elton John. You could do anything you want. You can be anyone you want. And it's going to be a wild ride." - John Reid

release year: 2019
genre: drama
viewing setting: home streaming 2/1/23

synopsis: This musical biogrpahy charts the course of Elton John's life and career, from his beginnings as a lonely but talented child to his worldwide stardom and issues.

impressions: The 2023 binge of musician biographies continues. This was another good one, which used songs to connect different periods of the man's life. It also provided some more introspection into his thoughts and issues, and how he ultimately solves many of those. The musical numbers are sometimes larger than life, and are quite good.

acting: Taron Egerton nails this role. He does an outstanding job as Elton John, including performing all his own singing! Jamie Bell is his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, who has a unique insight into both the creative process and Elton's problems. Richard Madden is an evil manager/lover. Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh are Elton's unaffectionate, selfish parents. Matthew Illesley is the child Elton.

final word: Great introspectful biography of a living legend in the music world.

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