‘Rocketman’

The rise of Elton John into pop superstardom is a magical, visual fantasy of a musical biopic – with a stand out performance by Taron Egerton.

Addiction (alcohol, cocaine, sex) battles are writ large in director Dexter Fletcher’s telling of the early days of success as a shy and withdrawn Reggie Dwight evolves into the flamboyant Elton John. And whilst there’s no claim for Rocketman to be a true telling, the solid foundation to the tale is provided by the long-term friendship with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell).

Inevitable comparisons with last year’s Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody aside, a slow, family-life start in the outer London suburb of Pinner kicks into life with the screen arrival of Egerton. His look and mannerisms are uncanny, his singing excellent – and whilst Rocketman generally avoids providing any real depth to the man himself, it is entertainment with a capital E.

Winner of Best Song Oscar in 2020 – I’m Gonna Love Me Again written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin.

Rating: 67%

Director: Dexter Fletcher (Sunshine on Leith, Eddie the Eagle)

Writer: Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, War Horse)

Main cast: Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle), Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool), Richard Madden (Cinderella, TV’s Game of Thrones)