Rocketman

Welcome back to my fairly irregular comments on visiting the local fleapit!

I've waited quite expectantly for Rocketman to land somewhere in Newcastle and managed to catch within days of it opening at trusty old Tyneside Cinema. I tried my best to avoid all the hype but it was well promoted and only added to my desire to view.

I've followed Elton's work for a number of years, dating right back to 'Your Song' and quite possibly my favourite double album of all time - 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. Lucky enough to see him a couple of years ago at the Arena, and even ended up dancing in the aisles as I recall. Great night.

Having been told this was a musical experience rather than a straight foward biopic, I kind of winced a bit as these events can be such a personal taste but got to say the whole thing was an unqualified success. Dexter Fletcher was in the director's chair again after triumph with Bohemian Rhapsody, Taran Egerton appeals in the title role (long way from Eddie the Eagle) Jamie Bell seemed a slightly unconvincing Bernie Taupin and Richard Maddern was a topical choice playing aginst type as Elton's manager and lover, John Reid. 

The choice of tracks moved the story on, providing substance to Elton's situation at any given time. The timescale was also interesting as it kept returning to an outrageously attired Elton unburdening himself at a meeting of addicts - and he held his hands up to plenty of addictions. I believe all the tracks played were reworked by Giles (son of George) Martin and Taran was mentored to sing in an Elton vein and a good job was done by all concerned.

I did notice that like Bohemian Rhapsody, Fletcher had chosen to incorporate original footage (Live Aid at Wembley for BR) and finished Rocketman with inserts of Egerton amidst the original video for I'm Still Standing ( look out for a young Bruno Tonioli)

Looking forward to more from this genre of musical cinema, it seems to have got a foothold!