Rocketman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A flamboyant piano man gets famous and then sad, but then sings about still standing, so it’s okay, I guess.

🍿 Rocketman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Reggie’s Childhood and Musical Prodigy

The film opens with Elton John (Taron Egerton) entering rehab in a flamboyant outfit. He then recounts his life as Reginald Dwight, growing up in post-war England. Reggie shows incredible musical talent from a young age, able to play by ear with ease. His grandmother, Ivy, supports his passion, while his parents, Sheila and Stanley, are emotionally distant.

Meeting Bernie Taupin and Early Success

Reggie joins a band, Bluesology, and later decides to pursue songwriting. He meets Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and their partnership quickly blossoms. They begin writing hit songs, and Elton’s performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles marks his breakthrough moment. This section showcases their early collaborations and Elton’s rising fame.

Fame, Addiction, and Downward Spiral

As Elton’s fame explodes, he becomes entangled in a destructive relationship with manager John Reid (Richard Madden). Reid’s manipulation and Elton’s own insecurities lead to a spiral of drug abuse, alcoholism, and reckless behavior. The film depicts Elton’s struggles with his sexuality, family issues, and the pressures of stardom, showcasing his descent into addiction.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elton John (Taron Egerton): A musical prodigy who rises to fame as a rock superstar while battling addiction and struggling with his identity.
• Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell): Elton’s longtime lyricist and loyal friend, providing a constant source of support and stability.
• John Reid (Richard Madden): Elton’s manager and lover, who exploits and manipulates him, contributing to his downfall.
• Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard): Elton’s emotionally distant mother, whose lack of affection contributes to his insecurities and struggles.
• Ivy (Gemma Jones): Elton’s grandmother who provides him with the love and support his parents fail to give.
• Stanley (Steven Mackintosh): Elton’s cold and unaffectionate father who fails to acknowledge or support his son’s musical talent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elton John: “I’m gonna be a star. I’m gonna be a rock and roll star.” – Said by young Elton, expressing his ambition and dreams for the future.
• Bernie Taupin: “It’s a gift, what we do. And gifts are meant to be shared.” – Bernie emphasizes the importance of their music impacting others during a challenging time in Elton’s life.
• Elton John: “There’s no such thing as a normal family.” – Elton says this line highlighting the dysfunction and lack of affection in his upbringing.
• Elton John: “You gotta kill the person you were born to be in order to become the person you want to be.” – Elton reflects on the transformation he underwent to become a star.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $96,368,160
• Worldwide Gross: $195,320,400

💥 Rocketman Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Rocketman! I went in expecting a standard biopic, but it was so much more. The way they used Elton’s songs to tell his story was brilliant, and Taron Egerton completely blew me away. The scene where he plays ‘Your Song’ for the first time gave me chills. I felt so much empathy for Elton’s struggles, but also so much joy in his triumphs. It’s a movie that stays with you long after you leave the theater. I can’t recommend it enough!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Elton John and his music”
  • “Viewers who enjoy biographical musical dramas”
  • “Audiences interested in stories of overcoming addiction”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning and emotionally resonant films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use and addiction”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of emotional abuse and mental health struggles”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Rocketman is a dazzling, moving, and utterly unique musical biopic. Taron Egerton fully embodies Elton John, delivering a performance that is both vulnerable and electrifying. The film’s fantastical elements enhance the story, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The Guardian: “While Rocketman doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Elton John’s life, it sometimes feels a bit formulaic. Taron Egerton’s performance is strong, and the musical numbers are visually impressive, but the film lacks the emotional depth to fully resonate.
• Empire: “Rocketman isn’t just a biopic; it’s a full-blown fantasy musical that captures the essence of Elton John’s artistry and struggles. Taron Egerton is phenomenal, and the film’s creative approach makes it a standout in the genre. A must-see for music lovers.

Audience Reactions

Taron Egerton’s singing and acting were phenomenal.: Most viewers praised Taron Egerton’s performance and the way the musical numbers were integrated into the story.

The film’s honesty about Elton’s struggles was appreciated.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s unflinching portrayal of Elton John’s addiction and personal struggles.

Overall Consensus: Rocketman is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant musical biopic that showcases Taron Egerton’s incredible talent and provides a unique perspective on Elton John’s life and music.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2020
2. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2020
3. Golden Globe (Best Original Song)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Taron Egerton insisted on singing all of Elton John’s songs himself in the film, rather than lip-syncing. He worked extensively with a vocal coach to capture Elton’s unique vocal style.”
• “The film’s costumes are inspired by real Elton John outfits, but were often made even more extravagant to enhance the film’s fantasy elements.”
• “While the film takes creative liberties with the timeline and some events, it was made with Elton John’s full support and input, and he has stated that it accurately captures the emotional truth of his life.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rocketman?

Rocketman is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video (for rental or purchase), Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand services as well. Some platforms may offer a free trial before requiring a subscription or purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rocketman, you might like these similar films:

• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): Shares the same genre of musical biopic, focusing on the life and career of a legendary musician (Freddie Mercury) and their band (Queen).
• Walk the Line (2005): Another music biopic that portrays the rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and personal relationships of a music icon, Johnny Cash.
• Almost Famous (2000): Captures the vibrant music scene of the 1970s and the experiences of a young journalist on tour with a rock band, reflecting the era in which Elton John rose to fame.
• Judy (2019): Focuses on the later years of Judy Garland, portraying her struggles with fame, addiction, and personal demons.

🛒 Rocketman Related Products

• Rocketman [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Experience the music of Rocketman with the official soundtrack, featuring Taron Egerton’s stunning interpretations of Elton John’s greatest hits. A must-have for fans of the movie and Elton John’s music alike.
• Elton John – Diamonds (2CD): This is the definitive greatest hits collection from Elton John, spanning his entire career. Perfect for new fans discovering his music through Rocketman or longtime admirers wanting a comprehensive compilation.
• Elton John: Me: This is the official autobiography from Elton John, offering an intimate and honest look into his life, career, and struggles. It’s a fascinating companion to the Rocketman film, providing further insights into the man behind the music.
• Rocketman Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the official Rocketman movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or music room and showing your love for the film and Elton John.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rocketman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rocket Man” – performed by Taron Egerton
• “Your Song” – performed by Taron Egerton
• “Tiny Dancer” – performed by Taron Egerton
• “I’m Still Standing” – performed by Taron Egerton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Elton John & Taron Egerton – ‘Tiny Dancer’ (Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party)

Watch Elton John and Taron Egerton join forces for a captivating performance of ‘Tiny Dancer’ that will give you goosebumps. Their chemistry and musicality are simply breathtaking!

How Taron Egerton Learned To Sing And Perform Like Elton John In ‘Rocketman’ | Movies Insider

Dive into the fascinating journey of Taron Egerton as he meticulously learned to embody Elton John’s stage presence and musicality. This video gives you a front-row seat to the transformation!

Taron Egerton guides us through the Crocodile Rock scene in Rocketman | British GQ

Experience the ‘Crocodile Rock’ scene from Rocketman through the eyes of Taron Egerton himself! Get insider details, behind-the-scenes stories, and a deeper appreciation for the art that brought this iconic moment to life.

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