Rocketman

The film opens with a stunning performance by Elton John (played by Taron Egerton) at Dodger Stadium in California. The crowd is dancing and singing along to his iconic hits, and Elton is bathed in spotlights, exuding confidence and charisma. But as the concert ends and the curtains close, we see a different side of Elton - a man struggling with addiction, aching for love and connection, and desperate for redemption. The film then flashes back to Elton's humble beginnings as a young boy at the Royal Academy of Music in London. We see Reginald Dwight (as he was then known) as a shy, introverted prodigy, struggling to come to terms with his own ambition and talent. He finds solace in music and becomes a fixture in the academy, where he catches the eye of his future songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin (played by Jamie Bell). As Elton and Bernie begin to collaborate, their partnership flourishes, producing some of Elton's earliest hits, including "Take Me to the Pilot" and "Crocodile Rock." The film shows us Elton's early days as a musician, from playing gigs at small clubs and bars to making his London music scene debut at the Troubadour. However, as Elton's star rises, so does his ego and his addiction to substances. He starts to push the boundaries of his behavior, leading to explosive arguments with Bernie and his family. Elton's father, Stanley Dwight (played by Stephen Graham), who had always dreamed of his son becoming a lawyer, is appalled by Elton's lifestyle choices and disowns him. Despite these challenges, Elton continues to create music that captivates audiences around the world. He falls in love with Linda Woodrow (played by Celinde Schoenmaker), but their relationship is cut short when she gets pregnant. Elton, who has never fully come to terms with his own emotions, feels trapped and unsure of how to navigate this new reality. As Elton's addiction spirals out of control, he turns to cocaine and other substances to cope with his feelings of guilt and shame. His relationships begin to suffer, including his partnership with Bernie, who grows increasingly exasperated with Elton's antics. Despite these dark moments, the film never loses its sense of wonder and joy. Elton's music is woven throughout the narrative, from "Tiny Dancer" to "Rocket Man," and each song serves as a reminder of his boundless creativity and talent. One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Elton visits his son, Zachary (played by Matthew Illesley), at boarding school. Elton, who has long struggled with feelings of guilt and shame, is confronted with the pain he has caused his son. In a powerful scene, Elton breaks down in tears, finally acknowledging the damage he has done. The film ends with Elton in recovery, having finally found the courage to seek help for his addiction. He and Bernie are reunited, and their partnership is stronger than ever. As Elton takes the stage at Dodger Stadium one final time, we see him as a reborn man, free from the shackles of his addiction and ready to face the future. Throughout the film, Egerton's performance as Elton John is electrifying, capturing the singer's essence and energy. He's supported by a talented cast, including Bell as Bernie and Schoenmaker as Linda, and his portrayal of Elton's struggles with addiction and vulnerability make for a compelling and moving watch. The film's musical numbers are an integral part of the narrative, with Egerton effortlessly belting out Elton's greatest hits. The choreographed musical sequences are a highlight of the film, with Egerton and his on-screen companions delivering pitch-perfect performances. The film's script, written by Lee Hall, does a masterful job of capturing Elton's life story, distilling 50 years of music and memories into a two-hour narrative that feels both comprehensive and intimate. The film's cinematography, handled by Craig Atkinson, is stunning, capturing the glamour and spectacle of Elton's performances while also conveying the grit and emotion of his struggles. The film's costumes, designed by Julian Day, are similarly impressive, perfectly capturing the era-specific style and flair of the 1970s. Overall, "Rocketman" is a triumph of storytelling and music, offering a deeply moving and engaging portrait of one of the most iconic figures of our time. From Elton's earliest days at the Royal Academy to his triumphs on the world stage, the film is a thrilling ride that will leave audiences cheering for more.