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The Big Picture · Discussion

'Rocketman' Sings, but Will It Soar? I Exit Survey

May 31, 2019/ 61 min/ Sean Fennessey · Amanda Dobbins

Sean and Amanda review the Elton John biopic 'Rocketman,' then survey the rest of the weekend's new releases, including the Netflix rom-com 'Always Be My Maybe.'

5 films across 2 segments.

AI-generated This episode was transcribed and analyzed with AI models. The matches aren't perfect — expect the occasional misheard title or a link to the wrong film.

'Rocketman'the Elton John biopic, reviewed against 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Rocketman poster

Rocketman 2019

Sean went in skeptical of music biopics, of Taron Egerton singing Elton John's songs, and of director Dexter Fletcher, who took over 'Bohemian Rhapsody' after Bryan Singer left, but came out won over. Both praise its fantastical staging, Jamie Bell's Bernie Taupin, and the Elton-Bernie partnership as the real love story; both are less sold on the childhood scenes and the pat 'his parents didn't love him' framing. Amanda liked it more than 'Bohemian Rhapsody' but wonders if it's 'not dumb enough' to be a crowd-pleaser.

Bohemian Rhapsody poster

Bohemian Rhapsody 2018

The film Sean and Amanda keep measuring 'Rocketman' against. They agree 'Rocketman' is more inventive and more candid about its subject's addiction and sexuality, but less of a pure singalong pleasure, and unlikely to match this film's box office or awards run.

Exit Surveythe rest of the weekend's new releases

Ma poster

Ma 2019

Tate Taylor's Blumhouse horror movie. Sean: 'I can't say that I would recommend it.'

Always Be My Maybe poster

Always Be My Maybe 2019

Nahnatchka Khan's Netflix rom-com starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, born from an Ali Wong New Yorker profile quote. Amanda calls it 'a sitcom,' formulaic and underwritten for its leads, but says a long, self-lampooning Keanu Reeves cameo saves it and is the part people will remember. Both recommend it as an easy watch-at-home pick.

Also mentioned raised along the way

In passing Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox StoryKingsman: The Secret ServiceTommyButch Cassidy and the Sundance KidTwo Rooms: A Tribute to Elton John & Bernie TaupinThe PerfectionJohn Wick: Chapter 3 - ParabellumYesterdayHOMECOMING: A film by BeyoncéThe Black GodfatherThe Lion KingThe Lion King (2019)

Not films filtered out: TV, games, ads

TV Big Little LiesDon't Trust the B in Apartment 23Extras

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