In Rocketman, director Dexter Fletcher (Wild Bill, Eddie the Eagle, Bohemian Rhapsody) offers an epic musical fantasy which revolves around the life and work of rock legend Elton John. Partly produced by John’s husband David Furnish and executive produced by the star himself, this authorised biopic manages to surprisingly be both hard-hitting and sympathetic without ever overstepping the mark into “puff piece” territory.

Starring Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie The Eagle), the film traces John’s rise to fame via flashbacks as he attends an AA meeting in an inspired fantasy sequence. We learn of the star’s humble beginnings as Reggie Dwight, a musically gifted shy boy from Pinner, to his first meeting with lifelong writing partner Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). Later we follow as John is catapulted to international stardom overnight, and his consequent fall from grace as he struggles with drug addiction, alcoholism and eating disorders.

Fletcher, who completed the award-winning Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody after the sacking of its original director Bryan Singer, does a fantastic job in mixing frequent musical interludes with heartfelt moments to give us a truly unique experience. In addition, he and writer Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, War Horse) seldom shy away from offering an honest representation of John’s tantrums and  hedonistic ways, notably as he finally learns to accept his sexuality in a deeply moving coming-out scene.

Edgerton gives a heartfelt turn as John. He gets every detail right by capturing the essence of the singer without ever falling into the trap of mimicking him. Richard Madden (Game Of Thrones, Bodyguard) gives an impressive performance as John’s duplicitous former lover and one time manager John Reid. However, it is Jamie Bell as Taupin who steals almost every scene he’s in with a beautifully understated depiction of a hugely likeable character.

Elsewhere, Bryce Dallas Howard is exquisite as the singer’s mother Sheila whom she depicts, rather comically, as self-obsessed and eternally ungrateful, while Stephen Graham gives a terrific turn as legendary record boss Dick James.

Oozing with moments of high camp and of utter euphoric joy, Rocketman does a great job in capitalising on John’s impressive back catalogue of catchy rock anthems to give us one of the greatest rock biopics of the decade. Fletcher and cinematographer George Richmond have given us a triumphant and undeniably entertaining film which delivers on all its promises and then some. Truly outstanding.