You will be rocked

Rating: 9/10 (15 November 2018)

The film Bohemian Rhapsody, much like Queen's experimental and hugely popular music, will take you on a journey. Whether you grew up surrounded by Queen's music, or you only know Queen from their oft-played hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Will Rock You", or "We Are the Champions", you will relive the evolution of the band from its humble origins to the sell out concert crowds.
The film focuses on the dynamics between the band members, the difficulties of making convention-breaking songs, and Freddie Mercury's struggle with identity and his father. The film explores the personal and emotional lows, primarily of Freddie Mercury, without dwelling, unnecessarily, on the darker parts. I applaud the film for taking the high road in character portrayals.
Rami Malek was masterful as Freddie Mercury. Gwilym Lee looked and played the cerebral Brian May convincingly. Ben Hardy, as Roger Taylor, and Joseph Mazzello, as John Deacon, were both well cast. While I saw Mike Myers in the opening credits, I realized afterwards that I didn't remember seeing him. (Oh, he's there in a pivotal role.) Appropriately, there are touches of humor ("Galileo!") in many scenes that play along with the absurdity of some of the songs.
The biggest impact was the way the film pulled you into the rapture of Queen's concerts. You will feel present, with the stage right there, caught up in the music and the energy.