Adoring both the wholesome and unwholesome bits of "Rocketman"

'SUP, NERDS?!

HOLY MOLY, there were a ton of awesome movies I unfortunately missed in May due to prepping for ACen. Once I readjusted to home life and resumed normal activities, I made a point to go see Rocketman this weekend– a movie I’ve been pretty excited for.

A lot of my friends see this movie as just another music biopic, however I enjoyed it much more than Bohemian Rhapsody and what I managed to get through from The Dirt. Although this recent surge is fatiguing movie viewers quicker than superhero films, I appreciate the messages and Elton John’s involvement in Rocketman.

I did enjoy these movies, but they are unintentionally cheesy.

Why I like Rocketman more

I regret not blogging about A Star is Born & Bohemian Rhapsody when they came out, because my perspective of both of these movies NOW have been tainted by the mass Hollywood circle jerk of unworthy award nominations. These movies aren't bad per say, but nothing truly special that I think should’ve been applauded as they were. This is in indicator that the Academy is leaning towards featuring more blockbusters or that there simply weren’t many good movies last year. Unfortunately this is a subject I would need to tackle another day.


All of the major music/music industry movies in the last year or so are definitely classified as dramas, but I love that Rocketman takes on a musical format. I didn't expect the song and dance numbers, but I think it fits well with Elton John's personality. At first I didn't enjoy the musical segments, mostly because (as a natural starting point) the story begins with Elton's childhood.

The parts with children are a bit... cringy. Something about child acting turns me off and I thought the rest of the movie would go downhill. By the end, I appreciate how they interpreted Elton's childhood because (like everyone else) he was definitely influenced yet also screwed up by his parents.

BUT. (yes a big but) I don't think his parents were demonized. Nor was Elton victimized at any point of the movie. Even though Elton produced and obviously had some involvement in his biopic, he remained very humble and admitted to his struggles and mistakes.

Haunted by Homosexuality

I really didn't know much about Elton John aside from my mother's fandom (she wore out his LP's back in the day), The Lion King, his greatest hits and that he's gay. My boyfriend expressed a sentiment before the movie started along the lines of, "Oh, I really hope they don't brush off the lyricist. Elton only composed and performed the songs." I hadn't a clue about his music-making process prior to the film.

I feel so fuzzy knowing they're still friends and collaborators.

The movie heavily focuses on Elton's relationship with Bernie Taupin, which tickled me with plenty bromantic moments: There's a point where Elton splits with his girlfriend and gets kicked out of their apartment. Bernie consoles Elton and expresses how much he loves his friend... and Elton goes in for a kiss, taking the situation the wrong way. It was a cute part, but I was so sad to how everyone else reacted to his sexuality.

Growing up, I've had many friends come out to me in private and my reaction was always along the lines of "Oh, yeah. I know." and we share a good moment. My heart shattered when Elton told his own mother and she is unsurprised, but chillingly tells him that he will live a lonely life. What a way to love and support your kid. Even worse, finding out he married a woman as a cover in order to be socially acceptable is damaging to both parties. Being gay seemed to make Elton feel ashamed and trapped prior to publicly coming out.

The Drug part of "Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll"

As Elton continues to grow as an artist, he delves deeper into drugs and alcohol (to no surprise) like many musicians. I appreciate that Elton really embraces substance abuse as really the greatest of all his problems when he was younger. In Rocketman he admits to totally sucking at maintaining interpersonal relationships and these substances breaks his body and spirit.

This resonated with me because I feel like drugs and alcohol are affecting a lot of people I know. I'm all for free choice in this world–like, it's dumb that weed isn't federally legal. But I think developing a habit or dependency (whether it's a mental or physical dependency) can make anyone the worst version of themselves. Whether you're taking something regularly over-the-counter or growing something, er, natural in your backyard, I've noticed people obsess and be overcome by their addiction.

I don't mean to sound like an after-school special, but I'm so done with this toxic culture and want my friends (but honestly anyone for that matter) to get a push in the right direction and get help finding an alternative, more positive way to combat their mental or physical illnesses. What I'm writing is to not target anyone in particular, but I want you to know that it really hurts to see you sad or suffering. I love you. <3

I'm even so in love with Elton's
"casual" outfits.

Other Comments About the Movie

Overall, Rocketman was (no pun intended) a blast! I think from a production standpoint, the cast and crew did an incredible job. Taron Egerton was an excellent choice to play Elton and he actually sang each song. I felt like I learned a lot about Elton, but nothing was too preachy and the story demonstrated that he was at fault for plenty of his mistakes.

Of course I loved the costume designs, which scarily look like what Elton wore back in the day. The flair for fantasy and drama made this an overall emotionally captivating film for me. Although I knew hardly a thing about the artist, I was dancing a bit in my chair, hearing songs echoed from my own childhood when my mother learnt how to care for CDs!

If anyone needs help with substance abuse, I highly urge you to tell a trustworthy friend and reach out to the SAMHSA hotline. You can reach them at (800) 662-HELP.

LATER, DWEEBS!

Loverly Liz