Campy ‘Rocketman’ takes on Elton John

Dexter Fletcher’s Elton John biopic ‘Rocketman’ is overdone, full of self-glorification, and a bit predictable.

Taron Egerton performs as Elton John in a scene from ‘Rocketman.’

David Appleby/Paramount Pictures via AP

May 29, 2019

I don’t much care for the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” directed by Dexter Fletcher, in much the same way that I didn’t admire “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Freddie Mercury/Queen movie also helmed by Fletcher after he replaced Bryan Singer. Starring the overly strenuous Taron Egerton, “Rocketman” is a campy, overblown, self-glorifying fantasia about John’s breakthrough years that dubiously draws a direct correspondence between the songs he composed and the scandalous, extravagant life he’s lived. Watching it, you just know it’s going to end with Egerton’s Elton singing “I’m Still Standing.” Grade: C+ (Rated R.)