J Jung

Very well done! I don't usually like action films, but this tense, political thriller kept my heart rate going. It also reminds us that political appeasement never ends well (a lesson for our times, too). The acting, writing and design are superb. The two leading men both capture the frustrations of young, smart idealists stifled within powerful bureaucracies. And their broken friendship adds a strong human dimension to the historical story. Jeremy Irons's portrayal (as Neville Chamberlain) illustrates that "war is never easy" or black and white -- especially when one's wishful thinking clouds a clear-eyed analysis. Still, the right decision must be made. This story comes-out at a very important time -- when authoritarianism is on the rise (all around the world). The film reminds us that the time to crush a dictator is when s/he exhibits the earliest signs. Authoritarian leaders never change their ways voluntarily, become democratic willingly. I look-forward to watching this film again.

Among the best films I've seen in a few years. Sweeping, epic and aesthetically gorgeous. At its heart, it's a film about an artist struggling to find his unique place—and create the language to express what's in his soul. Upon that, lay a love story with serious obstructions. Then set it within 1930's - 1960's Germany—a period of tremendous (sometimes horrifying) social and political struggle/change. THEN: step-back and realize that the issues plaguing them are versions of the same threats we're combatting today! I want to see more movies like this. In fact, I want to see this movie again! Bravo!

I guess I'll cancel my plans to watch this film. I'm tired of directors trying to "blend periods." Pick a period! Either make it a period drama (and accurately convey the aesthetics, mores and dynamics of that historical society) OR move the story into the present (and accurately convey the aesthetics, mores and dynamics of this period). Trying to "update" period characters (fictional or real) with modern sensibilities is inaccurate and misleading. It didn't happen. Nineteenth Century "Woke" was not the same as Twenty-First Century "Woke," no matter how hard we fantasize. Be truthful.

I give "Rocketman" a B+. Very good British acting and—of course—a wonderful, admirable subject. So why did the movie leave me cold? I think it was the director; he didn't have "the right touch" to pull-off this eclectic hodgepodge of true period biography, magical realism and music-video styling. It felt more like a clunky "juke box" musical, attempting to wedge MTV-style videos into a biographical through line. Perhaps I would rather have seen a straightforward story about Elton John and Bernie Taupin making (and performing) their art—rather than stumbling into fantasy video sequences. Director Dexter Fletcher never successfully convinced me to suspend my disbelief as he took us from one "plane" to another. I would love to have seen the movie in the hands of directors Bill Condon or Stephen Daldry. And I think I'll re-watch "Bohemian Rhapsody" which did a better job of lifting me emotionally through story and music. Better yet, I think I'll just go see Elton John (again!) on his farewell concert tour!