Rocketman Review: Taron Egerton Shines in this Fantastical Musical Biopic

Photo Courtesy of Fandango

We open on Elton John (played by Taron Egerton) dressed in a sparkly, orange jumpsuit and rocking a matching hat with horns. He bounds down a white hallway, and we assume he's about to go on stage to perform. Instead, he bursts through the double doors and sits in the middle of a circle of normal-looking people, which is when we realize he's in rehab. It's a really interesting way to begin the film, and sets up the cuts between Elton's time in rehab and the flashbacks of the years leading up to it. Eventually the flashback catches up to him bounding into the rehab center after a concert at Madison Square Garden, and the story continues past his rehab.

We dive into the life of little Reggie Dwight, before he adopts the stage name Elton John. I thought the beginning was a little slow because I just couldn't wait to see his musical career take off. However, it was important to see his childhood struggles and the dynamic between him and his parents that setup later developments in the film. Kit Connor, who plays young Reggie, looks looks very much like Elton John looked as a boy. He has a terrific voice, too.

We see his love for music and his talents at the piano increase into his early adulthood, when Taron Egerton replaces Connor and turns from Reggie Dwight to Elton John. The extravagant costumes were almost exact replicas to the ones John wore on tour, the most flamboyant being the diamond-covered Dodgers jumper and the Queen Elizabeth outfit. Egerton was a terrific choice to play Elton John, as he truly embodied the pop-rock star, down to the subtle quirks. Egerton sang John's music beautifully, with enough intensity to match the original.

Many musical numbers featuring Elton John's greatest hits bring an extra emphasis to the unabashed tale of the struggles John faced with drugs and alcohol, as well as coming to terms with his sexuality. The musical numbers also help blend the parts of his story together, especially since some aspects of his life seem rushed. You're taken through his incredible highs and his devastating lows, coming to a satisfying end, and a credit scene highlighting John's life achievements.

Rocketman gives the authentic, raw story of one of the greatest musicians of all time, and honors him well. It is definitely a must-see for all Elton John fans.

You can watch the trailer for Rocketman here: