Rocketman

Elton John's rise to fame is played out as a fantasy extravaganza, but with grim and gritty undertones, in this compelling film starring Taron Egerton as the music icon. From the unhappy home life of Elton's youth to a solid grounding in the music biz before superstardom takes its toll in a haze of drink and drugs, the singer's story is recounted with flair and punctuated by eye-popping musical numbers that propel the narrative forward. Director Dexter Fletcher serves up a more honest and satisfying film than Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic he was brought in to complete, given added credence by Elton's own involvement and a willingness to wash his dirty laundry in public. Egerton is superb, either brash or vulnerable whenever the script requires, acquitting himself confidently as a singer, while Jamie Bell shines in an across-the-board impressive supporting cast as John's longtime friend and lyric-writing partner Bernie Taupin.