Rocketman Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

7. The Terrific Musical Set-Pieces

The infectiously bombastic appeal of Elton John's music speaks for itself, but Fletcher doesn't merely settle for shooting straight-up performances of the singer's most iconic songs - the entire movie is composed of surreal set-pieces which match the themes of the songs to events in John's life.

It's a risky approach that could've quite easily fallen flat, yet the diversity and creativity of these sequences, not to mention Fletcher's nifty camerawork, ensures it only enhances the movie's character (and its feel-good appeal).

It's tough to pick a highlight, though the rendition of "Rocketman", seamlessly slaloming from John hospitalised for his addiction problems into his iconic 1975 performance at Dodger Stadium, is sheer perfection.

Whether you're a card-carrying devotee or only know John's hits, these delirious sequences manage to celebrate his back catalogue while lithely incorporating them into the overall character work.