The Musician to Movie We've Been Waiting For

Rating: 10/10 (31 May 2019)

Now that is what I call a summer film, truly an amazing movie - potentially the best one I've seen all summer.
While the genre of "movies about famous musicians" has begun to be saturated and repetitive-this movie breaks the mold and paves it's own path. Using a unique methodology to progress the story through an AA meeting, Rocketman blends together the feel-good music of Elton John with his challenging past and his hopeful future. While many other movies in the genre opt for the classic "writing song - performing it" transition style, Rocketman casts that aside and offers the audience a refreshing twist that keeps you enthralled.
Furthermore, the movie was not afraid to truly tackle some of the dark aspects of Elton's past - focusing on his drug abuse, alcoholism, parental disfunction, and much more. Rocketman also does not stray from the topic of being LGBT during this era - and highlights Elton's struggle of society acceptance, false hetero-relationships, and finally self-acceptance (even going so far as to actually have a sex scene).
Taron Egerton does a masterful jobs playing Elton and has created an absolutely stunning music album to compliment the movie - in honesty I downloaded the album as I left the theater. The remainder of the casting was a blessing as well - with each of them offering fantastic musical performances and remarkable resemblance to the actual people.
Most importantly - the costume and set design for this movie could not have been better, and when they close the movie (to an awe inspiring rendition of I'm Still Standing) the side by side shots of the outfits in film and reality - the greatness truly shines through.
In my opinion this movie has it all - drama, emotion, humor, and most importantly music.
For those who have a penchant for singing along to music - beware this movie will test your resilience.
For those who enjoy the music and life of Elton John - you truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect rendition of his life.