“Rocketman”
First off, this is NOT another “Bohemian Rhapsody”. This is a musical fantasy about Elton John’s breakthrough years taking us all the way up to his victorious battle toward sobriety. Unlike “Bohemian Rhapsody”, this movie has break-out-in-song-and-dance moments. At one point, Elton’s mom, dad and grandmother all start singing. Think “La La Land”…just know that going in. It’s campy and flamboyant- like Elton John! It also takes liberties with chronological history. Remember- Elton is executive producer, so it has his blessing. This is the way he wanted his story told.
Taron Egerton is Oscar great as Elton John…AND he does his own singing, making his performance that much more impressive. Jamie Bell is fantastic as Elton’s lyricist and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Bryce Dallas Howard is also great as Elton John’s mom. I almost didn’t recognize her- I thought it was a British lookalike of Ron Howard’s talented daughter. Who knew she could sing?
Elton John was adamant this NOT be a PG-13 version of his life. His sex scene John Reid, who becomes his manager, is passionate. The movie glosses over his marriage to a woman, Renate Blauel. At the heart of the story is Elton’s pain from a lack of love from his dad and not the best mothering. It’s about finding the love he missed so much growing up.
3 ♥
“Godzilla: King of the Monsters”
This is the 33rd (!) Godzilla movie since 1954. This one stars Millie Bobby Brown (Netflix's "Stranger Things"), Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler and Bradley Whitford. It’s described as technically good but predictable, conventional and old school campy. It gets a 44% rating on “Rotten Tomatoes”.