Rocketman

What’s it about?

This mood-boosting musical biopic traces Elton John’s ascension to fame, from his early years as a shy schoolboy playing piano in his Middlesex living-room to an iconic, outré entertainer selling out arenas across the world.

Who’s in it?

Taron Egerton is top-billed as the legendary singer, while Jamie Bell plays John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin and Richard Madden appears as the performer’s manager/lover John Reid.

Why should you watch it?

Rocketman, which premiered out of competition at Cannes, is effusively feel-good, bubbling over with a joyous, escapist exuberance. In many ways, it is a traditional biopic, treading a familiar rags-to-riches path; what heightens the film is its fantastical elements, which imaginatively incorporate Elton John’s garlanded back catalogue into the narrative.

Who has awards buzz?

Egerton – who proves himself a formidable triple threat as the all-singing, all-dancing showman – has been hitting the campaign trail hard. He essentially announced his eagerness for industry recognition before this year’s Academy Awards had even been engraved, belting out ‘Tiny Dancer’ with John himself at an Oscars after party. Since then, the pair have been introducing LA screenings with voter-appealing duets. The main setback? Rami Malek’s February win for portraying Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (although without Egerton’s charismatic conviction in my opinion) may mean the Academy is less likely to reward a similar performance. The extravagant costumes, sprouting feathers and shimmering sequins, may be Rocketman’s best chance.

‘Rocketman’ is available on DVD and digital download now.