Elton "Oliver Twist" John

Rating: 4/10 (4 July 2019)

I am very disappointed about this movie. It reminds me of a bad version of "Oliver Twist" with with poor attempts at being a musical. I would rather watch a documentary on Elton John. I feel the acting was average and was hoping the film would get better as went along. Well 20 minutes in and now it's starting to become a budget cut of "Grease" but not even close. Not sure why I haven't turned it off yet. I'm glad I didn't spend any money on this and was able to stream it, so save your money.
The movie gets a bit better when they introduce Bernie Taupin and how Elton finally started out his career, this is more of how I would have like to see the movie portrayed. A beautiful moment happens when they finally write and record "Your Song"...the movie is finally taking a turn for the better. But then at the Troubadour show it went back to the theatrics they don't help the movie out. So now back to the "musical film" it's almost like they couldn't make their minds up when creating this, it's too bad because it's such a wonderful story.
I do have to say that Taron Egerton gives a decent performance as he usually does and is the highlight of this film but once again in brief moments due to writing and directing. If you are into musicals then this film is for you, if not then you may throw up a little in your mouth, just kidding but you will have a hard time with this one.
The whole confession room scenes are somewhat small roles that really don't need to be there and my guess is a creative concept that failed. Some of those more emotional scenes could have been played better but the were to quick and far and few between. It's also hard to distinguish what is factual and what is Hollywood.
Watching him get self destructive was very sad to see but as a musician and songwriter I could relate, but definitely a more realistic sense of what Elton was going through at that period of his life. I did like the way the music entwined Elton's life story with movie and certain scenes. The thing that brings it down is the the "routines" that go along with the songs in parts like his suicide was in poor taste.
Towards the end it starts to become repetitive from scene to scene and the downfall of Elton which makes the movie a bit depressing but this was his life. At least the costume changes kept it interesting. When the movie finally gets to the ending it obviously resolves from how it opened up and sheds light on Elton's understanding of himself and life.
I'm glad he has been sober for 28 years the music world would not be the same without him, I only wish the movie had a more serious approach, for me it was ok and the 2 hours was not completely wasted.