He’s a musical legend of unparalleled stature in the UK, captivating audiences and topping charts well into his fifth decade in the industry.

Rocketman, which hit cinemas in 2019, is a jukebox musical that chronicles the life of one of Britain’s most celebrated superstars – Elton John.

The film stars Taron Egerton as Elton John and Richard Madden as his manager, John Reid, tracing Elton’s meteoric rise from his humble beginnings as young Reginald Dwight to his transformation into the global icon we all recognise and adore today, complete with his name change and enduring creative partnership with singer-songwriter Bernie Taupin.

Set against the backdrop of Elton’s most cherished hits, Rocketman delves into his phenomenal breakthrough years in the 1970s when he evolved from a piano-loving introvert into the flamboyant international sensation we know today.

The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Billy Elliot’s Jamie Bell as Taupin and Bryce Dallas Howard portraying Elton’s mother, Sheila.

Rocketman was a box office triumph, raking in a staggering $195.2 million globally against a $40 million budget.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film also garnered widespread critical acclaim, with Egerton’s acting and singing performances earning high praise.

It clinched the Oscar for Best Original Song for (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, penned specifically for the film by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Rocketman also bagged the Golden Globe for Best Picture, while Egerton scooped up the Globe for Best Actor, reports the Mirror.

On the film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Rocketman boasts an impressive 89 per cent approval rating. One critic said: “The mere fact that the film can tell the story of an at times tortured artist like Elton John while still managing to have its audience tap their feet and sing-a-long to some of his most recognisable tunes is a feat upon itself.”

Another reviewer praised: “Rocketman is a strong, triumphant look at the life and times of singer Elton John. Taron Egerton gives an astounding, emotional, and electric performance as the legendary pop star.”

A third critic noted: “Taron Egerton’s performance, including pitch-perfect singing, is nothing short of miraculous. He’s energetic, egomaniacal, and yet somehow thoroughly worth empathizing with.”

Audiences were equally enthusiastic, with one viewer saying: “A truly amazing film exploring the life of Elton John Rocketman might be the best biopic i’ve ever seen period, if you really are an Elton John fan this is a must watch.”

Another fan added: “Rocketman is a dazzling, energetic, and cleverly musically stylized biopic about Elton John that veers away from Hollywood‘s unfortunate tendency to make bland and basic musical biopics. Taron Egerton’s portrayal of Elton John was perfect and really and me feeling that this is one of the most shining biopics I’ve ever seen.”

A third viewer wrote: “Rocketman beautifully encapsulates the complex life of Elton John while utilising its fantastical visuals and musical sequences to engage the audience emotionally from start to finish. The film’s strength lies in its ability to merge reality with theatricality, using dream-like sequences to convey Elton’s inner turmoil and rise to fame. The film carries a star-studded cast that contributes not only their names but incredible performances that, in my opinion, drive the film to be considered one of the greatest.”

Rocketman will air on Channel 4 at 9pm on December 30.

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