'Rocketman' mini-review — The bitch is back

Rocketman follows the meteoric launch and the explosive fall of one of music's most iconic artists, Elton John.

90-second review: Let's get the Bohemian Rhapsody comparison out of the way early. Rocketman is the better film. Not only is it competently made, it's not just a paint-by-the-numbers biopic that plugs in the right plot points in at the right time — for the most part.

Director Dexter Fletcher, who was brought in to save Rhapsody after he who should not be named was fired, had a clear creative vision for Rocketman that was worthy of its theatrical subject. Much of the movie plays like a musical with fully choreographed numbers, duets, and 11 o'clock soliloquies — the "Crocodile Rock" and "Rocket Man" sequences are standouts. Making this choice differentiates the movie from the typical biopic about a musician.

Taron Egerton evokes Elton John without feeling like he's doing an impression. His performance and voice are remarkable. Jamie Bell also does great work as Bernie Taupin, …