Rocketman Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

3. The Emotionally Devastating Drama

Rocketman Taron Egerton
Paramount Pictures

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Rocketman is just how emotionally affecting it is.

There are numerous scenes sure to leave audiences with a lump in their throats, whether they're fans or not, with the film taking a shockingly brutal and unsentimental approach to John's personal woes.

This is particularly true during John's interactions with his parents throughout the decades, where they ultimately show little interest in his success beyond material reasons.

These scenes have a stinging, primal relatability to them, and cement just how desperately John struggled to find his place in the world despite all his fame and fortune.

The more conventional drug-addled descent never quite nails that same level of upset, but it all nevertheless adds up to a tale unafraid to get deeply melancholic, especially in its emotional rollercoaster of a second half.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.