Rocketman is one of Elton John’s most iconic songs, a melody of epic proportions that launched him into the stratosphere of global music domination when he penned it in 1972.
Now it is the title for his fantasy biopic - a work of blurred reality which could cement his prolific star in Hollywood for many years to come.
But, after all the Oscar winning success of Bohemian Rhapsody....is it as good? In a word, almost.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s phenomenally successful musical film, about the life of legendary frontman Freddie Mercury, was never going to be easy.
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Thankfully, executive producer Elton had Bohemian Rhapsody director Dexter Fletcher on hand to help create an incredible feast for the eyes.
But by taking it through the realms of fantasy, and this really is a fantasy drama, it makes the viewer question what really went on, what is truth and fiction.
One thing we do know is that this is Elton’s fantasy.
The film traces his life from the age of six until he enters rehab in his early 40s.
What sets it apart from the Queen biopic, is Elton’s ability to expose the uglier side of his character.
We all know that there would be no Elton without his Tantrums and Tiaras, but it takes a thick skin to dramatise the warts of one’s personality.
And, as the film plays out, it attributes much of his emotional difficulties to growing up with cold hearted parents, in particular his stony father Stanley Dwight.
It feels like an epitaph to a man ferociously haunted by his childhood. And then one to a man who learns to forgive.
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In a rehab session Elton says: “Real love is hard to come by so you learn to cope without it.”
When Taron Egerton, who plays Elton, comes into the story, it’s 1960 and Elton is 17.
He arrives for Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting, a big musical number that goes from a pub to a fairground with dozens of colourful extras and dancers.
Taron has perfected the portrayal of Elton, and his onscreen chemistry with Jamie Bell, who plays songwriting partner Bernie Taupin is heart breaking and infectious.
Some of the songs were reimagined for the movie by producer Giles Martin, son of George Martin who famously produced The Beatles. They are definitely the film’s main appeal.
It also explores Elton’s sexuality with a highly charged scene between Elton and his first manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden.
It would be foolish not to claim that as one of the highlights.
Taron is an incredible screen force with endless charisma and charm, it’s no wonder Elton was adamant he should take on the role.
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In Rocketman, he sings: “I’m a Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone.”
And what the film demonstrates most is that Elton was never going to give up on the long, arduous path to stardom. Even if it meant morphing into an angry, caricature of himself.
He says: “I started acting like a c*** in 1975...I just forgot to stop.”
Despite lots of drugs, sex and rock and roll, his star is still burning bright and he has learnt to love himself. Maybe, just a bit.
Because the Rocketman has to come down to earth sometime...
Certificate 15
Running time 121 minutes
RATING: 3 STARS
