Rocketman

OK, let's first get the obvious comparison out of the way: Rocketman is a far better movie than Bohemian Rhapsody, and Taron Egerton a better Elton John than Rami Malek was a Freddie Mercury. 

There, I said it, and it's true. Deal with it. 

Rocketman tells John's story through music and metaphor. And if, like me, you've been a decades-long fan of Sir Elton Hercules John, then take note: you'll still learn something new about him after watching this biopic. 

Egerton is a force in this flick. The total package. He sings beautifully, and connects with the audience in a deeply personal way. Viewers can clearly tell that sweet, shy Reg is morphing into obnoxious, dickhead Elton, but we never look away or lose faith. That's due primarily to Egerton's ability to portray John as deeply flawed and fragile, yet lovable. 

We know he's an ass, but we also know why. And we understand. 

Jamie Bell almost steals the show as Bernie Taupin. Rocketman is as much the story of Taupin's deep brotherly love for Elton as it is about Elton's struggle to understand and accept himself. Watching their platonic relationship grow is wonderful. One scene in particular, where we witness the genius involved in writing "Your Song," may be my favorite movie scene from the last several years. 

The scene is that damn good. 

Rocketman, like the music of Elton John, won't be everyone's cup of tea. But I suspect the bandwagon will be really crowded come Academy Award time.