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Adam Lambert recommended track Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen in Live at Wembley Stadium by Queen in Music (curated)
Queen: A Rhapsody
Hugh Fielder and Mark Beaumont
Book
Queen are one of the world's most successful rock bands of all time, with a total of 18 number one...
ClareR (5721 KP) rated Wayne's World (1992) in Movies
Apr 22, 2018
I haven’t watched this in quite a while, and as last night was ‘Family Film Night’, and this was free on amazon prime, I thought we might as well watch it.
My 11 and 13 year olds thought it was hilarious. Honestly, I thought it was very funny too. It never gets old. And the Bohemian Rhapsody bit has to be one of my favourite parts in a film (like, ever!).
I don’t know whether this would get made now, but I’m glad it was made then! The whole ‘Shwing’ bit went down VERY well with my young teenaged/ pre-teen boys. Unsurprisingly!
My 11 and 13 year olds thought it was hilarious. Honestly, I thought it was very funny too. It never gets old. And the Bohemian Rhapsody bit has to be one of my favourite parts in a film (like, ever!).
I don’t know whether this would get made now, but I’m glad it was made then! The whole ‘Shwing’ bit went down VERY well with my young teenaged/ pre-teen boys. Unsurprisingly!
Erika (17788 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Jun 8, 2019
I love Elton, and was raised with 'Madman Across the Water'.
Of course, this film will be endlessly with Bohemian Rhapsody, but it was inevitable, since they were released within a year of each other.
I thought Taron did well as Elton, as did the other cast. The film didn't pull punches, and showed the excessive drug/alcohol use. It was probably biased definitely towards Elton, since he was heavily involved.
I liked that the film was slightly surreal, though the trope of revealing all in a therapy setting has been overdone. It did pack an emotional punch, and it didn't feel like I'd been sitting there for over two hours.
Of course, this film will be endlessly with Bohemian Rhapsody, but it was inevitable, since they were released within a year of each other.
I thought Taron did well as Elton, as did the other cast. The film didn't pull punches, and showed the excessive drug/alcohol use. It was probably biased definitely towards Elton, since he was heavily involved.
I liked that the film was slightly surreal, though the trope of revealing all in a therapy setting has been overdone. It did pack an emotional punch, and it didn't feel like I'd been sitting there for over two hours.
Adam Goodes recommended Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies (curated)
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Aug 21, 2019 (Updated Aug 21, 2019)
I absolutely LOVED this movie! A musical biopic during which the characters may break into an Elton John song at any moment? Sign me up.
If I hadn't already been half in love with Taron Egerton, I would be now. Major kudos to him for the performance, the singing, and the flair with which he portrayed Sir Elton.
My only quibble is that the movie only goes up to the late 80s. I would have liked to have seen it go further, into the 90s and beyond, but I understand why it didn't.
Was Bohemian Rhapsody a better movie? Maybe. But Rocketman was so much more fun.
If I hadn't already been half in love with Taron Egerton, I would be now. Major kudos to him for the performance, the singing, and the flair with which he portrayed Sir Elton.
My only quibble is that the movie only goes up to the late 80s. I would have liked to have seen it go further, into the 90s and beyond, but I understand why it didn't.
Was Bohemian Rhapsody a better movie? Maybe. But Rocketman was so much more fun.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Jun 11, 2019
Strong Lead Performance
I have to admit, I thought the Freddy Mercury bio-pic BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY was just "meh" and that Rami Malek was "just o'k" as the Queen frontman (personally, I would have given the Oscar to Christian Bale for his portrayal of Dick Cheney in VICE) so I was not rushing to the multi-plex to check out the Elton John musical film ROCKETMAN. And the fact that the release of this film was "buried" in the summer and not right before "Oscar Season" gave me room to pause.
And...I would be wrong...for ROCKETMAN is a fun, fantastical fantasy musical depicting the rise and fall (by drug and alcohol abuse) of one of rock's most flamboyant showman of the 1970's.
Following the "Jukebox Musical" blueprint of something like JERSEY BOYS, Rocketman follows a young Reggie Dwight as he discovers his musical talent and grows into the Global Superstar known as Elton John.
I was happy that the filmmakers went this route (vs the bio-pic route that BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY went) for they were able to use the vast catalog of Elton John/Bernie Taupin tunes to their fullest advantage, when it made sense to drive the narrative forward - or to give the storytelling a shot of adrenaline.
This film had Elton John's blessings and he was not kind to a few people in his life - most notably his mother (an almost unrecognizable Bryce Dallas Howard in a strong turn), his father (Steve Mackintosh, who I had never seen before) and his Manager, John Reid (Game of Throne's Richard Madden). All 3 are pretty one-dimensional villains that help contribute to Elton's drug and alcohol abuse.
On the other side of the coin is his writing partner, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell, the original BILLY ELLIOT in a performance that I think is the best of his career) and his Grandmother, Ivy (good ol' Gemma Jones BRIDGET JONES DIARY and Madam Pomfrey in the Harry Potter films). Both of these characters are generally positive influences on Elton's life, trying to understand and support our hero on his journey.
As for our hero, Taran Egerton (the KINGSMAN films) embodies Elton with panache and zeal while showing an underlying shyness and insecurity that helps lead to his abuse issues. Egerton is EXCELLENT in this role - both in acting and singing. He doesn't so much imitate Elton John but embodies the essence of Sir Elton and his performance is quite effective. If Rami Malek deserved his Oscar for playing Freddy Mercury in BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY then Taran Egerton better be in the Oscar conversation this year.
The film was Directed by Dexter Fletcher (who was brought on to finish BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY once Bryan Singer was fired from that film for his on-set behavior), so he puts to good use his experience on the Queen movie, keeping the action moving fast, the characterizations simple (but satisfying) enough while showcasing just enough music to fill a "Best of" Album.
While BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY was a "meh" movie with a buffo ending (the recreation of the LIVE AID concert was amazing), ROCKETMAN suffers from just the opposite problem. Starting off strong and growing weaker until it ends in "meh" fashion. The fact that this film musical fantasy decided to end with a faithful recreation of the I'M STILL STANDING music video is at the heart of the issue. I understand the implied underlying meaning of this song selection, but it just doesn't pack the punch that a live concert appearance would have.
Come for the music, stay for Egerton's performance and you'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And...I would be wrong...for ROCKETMAN is a fun, fantastical fantasy musical depicting the rise and fall (by drug and alcohol abuse) of one of rock's most flamboyant showman of the 1970's.
Following the "Jukebox Musical" blueprint of something like JERSEY BOYS, Rocketman follows a young Reggie Dwight as he discovers his musical talent and grows into the Global Superstar known as Elton John.
I was happy that the filmmakers went this route (vs the bio-pic route that BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY went) for they were able to use the vast catalog of Elton John/Bernie Taupin tunes to their fullest advantage, when it made sense to drive the narrative forward - or to give the storytelling a shot of adrenaline.
This film had Elton John's blessings and he was not kind to a few people in his life - most notably his mother (an almost unrecognizable Bryce Dallas Howard in a strong turn), his father (Steve Mackintosh, who I had never seen before) and his Manager, John Reid (Game of Throne's Richard Madden). All 3 are pretty one-dimensional villains that help contribute to Elton's drug and alcohol abuse.
On the other side of the coin is his writing partner, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell, the original BILLY ELLIOT in a performance that I think is the best of his career) and his Grandmother, Ivy (good ol' Gemma Jones BRIDGET JONES DIARY and Madam Pomfrey in the Harry Potter films). Both of these characters are generally positive influences on Elton's life, trying to understand and support our hero on his journey.
As for our hero, Taran Egerton (the KINGSMAN films) embodies Elton with panache and zeal while showing an underlying shyness and insecurity that helps lead to his abuse issues. Egerton is EXCELLENT in this role - both in acting and singing. He doesn't so much imitate Elton John but embodies the essence of Sir Elton and his performance is quite effective. If Rami Malek deserved his Oscar for playing Freddy Mercury in BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY then Taran Egerton better be in the Oscar conversation this year.
The film was Directed by Dexter Fletcher (who was brought on to finish BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY once Bryan Singer was fired from that film for his on-set behavior), so he puts to good use his experience on the Queen movie, keeping the action moving fast, the characterizations simple (but satisfying) enough while showcasing just enough music to fill a "Best of" Album.
While BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY was a "meh" movie with a buffo ending (the recreation of the LIVE AID concert was amazing), ROCKETMAN suffers from just the opposite problem. Starting off strong and growing weaker until it ends in "meh" fashion. The fact that this film musical fantasy decided to end with a faithful recreation of the I'M STILL STANDING music video is at the heart of the issue. I understand the implied underlying meaning of this song selection, but it just doesn't pack the punch that a live concert appearance would have.
Come for the music, stay for Egerton's performance and you'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Nickg24 (492 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Aug 15, 2019
Anyone expecting a biopic in the same way bohemian rhapsody was will be somewhat disappointed.This is more of a musical with elements of Elton's life thrown inbetween each musical number.
This film was never gonna reach the same heights as b.r did but does contain some very strong performances by egerton and bell as john and bernie taupin.The relationship (or lack of) between the young elton and his parents could have been explored in a bit more detail instead of just portraying them as the cold and unloving people they seemed to be.
This film wont win any Oscar's but is still enjoyable and worthy of watching.
This film was never gonna reach the same heights as b.r did but does contain some very strong performances by egerton and bell as john and bernie taupin.The relationship (or lack of) between the young elton and his parents could have been explored in a bit more detail instead of just portraying them as the cold and unloving people they seemed to be.
This film wont win any Oscar's but is still enjoyable and worthy of watching.
Jarom Solar Norris (177 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Feb 13, 2019
What’s not to like about Queen? Bohemian Rhapsody does an excellent job of telling a dramatic history of the band and its forerunner, Freddie Mercury. Rami Malek does an excellent performance. Parts of the movie are like watching a hilarious “How It’s Made” video of some of the best music of the century, parts of it are literally just watching concerts and listening to awesome music. Most importantly, there’s the story of Mercury’s evolution, which is a story arc any writer could only dream of: a British-Indian man abandoning his heritage, struggling to balance love for a woman with being gay, being manipulated by a manager turned lover, being scrutinized by the media, and eventually being able to be comfortable with who he is, all the while using his talent to push the band to create more and more musical innovations. It’s so good.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Dirt (2019) in Movies
Mar 30, 2019
A little fluffy
I can't claim to know much about Motley Crue, however this film version of their best selling book just seems a little too fluffy and light. It seems to gloss over or make fun of some of their exploits and doesn't seem to want to be as hard hitting as it could be. Yes it does show some more serious moments, but it altogether just feels like it's trying to be a bit silly and entertaining.
Some of this works, like the talking directly to the camera, but most of it just feels a little lame and cheesy. The cast are alright but nothing special, and I think Iwan Rheon is a much better actor than the small part he had.
Overall this wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either, it just seemed like a poor imitation and copy of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Some of this works, like the talking directly to the camera, but most of it just feels a little lame and cheesy. The cast are alright but nothing special, and I think Iwan Rheon is a much better actor than the small part he had.
Overall this wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either, it just seemed like a poor imitation and copy of Bohemian Rhapsody.