Cliche Plot Revolving Around an Unsympathetic Person

Rating: 2/10 (4 June 2019)

First and foremost, I think the audience should be aware that this film is a musical. Rather than having the traditional method of showing the band (or front man) sing their songs on stage to an audience, the filmmakers opted for having most of the music be interwoven into the narrative. Even having various characters switch to lead and changing sets mid tune. This is an interesting take on a tired format. However, this can't save Rocketman from it's cliqued plot line and uninteresting protagonist.
Rocketman is told entirely from Elton John's perspective. John's demons and conflicts stem mainly from his parents and evil manager (whom he hires because he is in love with). The filmmakers try to show how much turmoil, hard work and pain John went through to rise to the top. However, John comes off as a victimized diva that makes bad choices rather than a deeply troubled pop star. It's hard to empathize, or sympathize, with a 25-year-old multimillionaire who's upset that his daddy didn't hug him. There are so many people in the world that have far worse problems than John did; and they don't have any support, money or fame. The fact that John was confused about his sexuality could have served as better source of conflict. The seventies and eighties were a very different time, and this aspect of turmoil could have been portrayed in a new, interesting, way.
The more empathetic and interesting character is Bernie Taupin, John's writing partner. He seems to take the brunt end of John's tantrums while always being the perfect buddy. Despite Taupin's constant statements throughout the film of how he loves John like a brother, nothing seems to be good enough. There is a scene where Taupin leaves John on his own at an after party to have sex with a girl. This unleashes a jealous rage that seems to last for years. Bummer.

John's rising drug habits seems to have come through the pure joy and choice rather than pain or mental instability. In one scene John even admits to his mother that he loves his decadent life style. Yes, in the end he goes to a rehab center and all is well. But it feels very disingenuous. John never really apologizes to anyone for his bad behavior. Instead, we get a slew of characters come in to reaffirm how much they hate him and how victimized he is. It ends with a climatic hug of his younger version self. Tear.
Rocketman was produced by Elton John, so it's very possible that this story is one sided. Most biopics have to be approved by the person they're about, or someone who runs their estate. Usually these films try to make their subject look, and this film is no exception. The cheesy still picture montage at the end showing what a good person and humanitarian John is says it all. Kind of ironic, since we just saw nearly two hours of a victimized diva who has wrapped himself in decadence - and liked it. I just can't root for a 'hero' with these traits.