I forget how I came across this film, let alone why I set it aside in my mind as something to look for, but it's been on my list to watch for awhile. Once I actually found the chance to check it out I'd be lying if I said I didn't have mixed expectations, for a live-action kids' movie of the 90s from Disney presents a quartet of red flags for the discerning adult cinephile. Still, the earnest moviegoer should be open to anything and everything - and truthfully, once we press "play," I think this is actually a lot of fun! To be sure, there is childishness and ham-handedness that's clearly geared for the youngest of viewers, and some bits lean so heavily into wild bombast for its own sake (including juvenile gross-out humor) that they may test our patience. Yet more than not I believe 'RocketMan' is splendidly clever, with terrific high energy, and these qualities result in a viewing experience that's really pretty enjoyable!
The screenplay devised between Oren Aviv, Craig Mazin, and Greg Erb is built on significant doses of abject silliness, inviting the cast (filled with some very recognizable names and faces) to just totally let loose, giddily shout and flail, and embrace their inner child. They do so without fail, giving zestfully animated performances, and that unreservedly joyful abandon is a huge part of what makes these ninety-three minutes such a blast. One is reminded of the best 90s comedies of Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, and their contemporaries as the actors give it their all, and while star Harland Williams is naturally given the biggest spotlight to let his proverbial "freak flag" fly, others on hand like Jessica Lundy, Peter Onorati, and even William Sadler are just as committed, and just as swell. Further factor in Stuart Gillard's direction, maintaining that same spirit, and all the rowdy dialogue, situational humor, and gags that fill the script, and to whatever extent this is designed for youthful audience members, there's much about it that I think most anyone could get on board with.
Some intended jokes definitely land better than others; none but the youngest of kids will laugh at the cheapest gags. It's also evident that the picture is a product of the 90s, for there are some small inclusions that, instead of being funny, just come off as plainly ignorant, like some casual racism or classism, and making light of - I kid you not - the Rwandan genocide. Then again, some small lines slide through that are so unbelievably smart, and adult-oriented, that it's incredible Disney executives left them in. And while some facets of the production surely show their age, like the computer-generated imagery (decent in and of itself), in general this is well made by the standards of contemporary fare. The sets are rendered with fine care, and the practical stunts and effects are excellent. I quite like Michael Tavera's score, flavorful if not specifically remarkable, and the editing is fairly sharp. From costume design, hair, and makeup to sound and cinematography, able skill and intelligence went into this flick, and more than not the end product is roundly solid. It bears repeating that the core strengths, or at least the most noteworthy strengths, lie in the cast, the direction, and the writing (however flawed the latter may be at points), but overall 'RocketMan' is a really good time!
There are definite weaknesses on hand that prevent the feature from achieving all that it could; at the same time, the root story bears just enough glimmers of sincerity to help ground the proceedings amidst all the ridiculousness. It's uneven, and troubled in some discrete ways, but it's clear to me that all involved were dedicated to making this the most entertaining family-friendly sci-fi comedy it could be, and more than not they definitely succeeded. I approached with caution when I first sat to watch, and despite some notable issues, I'm happy to say that I really like 'RocketMan.' It's not a title that anyone needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the chance to watch and you don't mind some more dubious jokes and helpings of outright shallow immaturity, I think there's something here for most anyone to share some laughs, and I'm pleased to give it a fair recommendation.
The screenplay devised between Oren Aviv, Craig Mazin, and Greg Erb is built on significant doses of abject silliness, inviting the cast (filled with some very recognizable names and faces) to just totally let loose, giddily shout and flail, and embrace their inner child. They do so without fail, giving zestfully animated performances, and that unreservedly joyful abandon is a huge part of what makes these ninety-three minutes such a blast. One is reminded of the best 90s comedies of Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, and their contemporaries as the actors give it their all, and while star Harland Williams is naturally given the biggest spotlight to let his proverbial "freak flag" fly, others on hand like Jessica Lundy, Peter Onorati, and even William Sadler are just as committed, and just as swell. Further factor in Stuart Gillard's direction, maintaining that same spirit, and all the rowdy dialogue, situational humor, and gags that fill the script, and to whatever extent this is designed for youthful audience members, there's much about it that I think most anyone could get on board with.
Some intended jokes definitely land better than others; none but the youngest of kids will laugh at the cheapest gags. It's also evident that the picture is a product of the 90s, for there are some small inclusions that, instead of being funny, just come off as plainly ignorant, like some casual racism or classism, and making light of - I kid you not - the Rwandan genocide. Then again, some small lines slide through that are so unbelievably smart, and adult-oriented, that it's incredible Disney executives left them in. And while some facets of the production surely show their age, like the computer-generated imagery (decent in and of itself), in general this is well made by the standards of contemporary fare. The sets are rendered with fine care, and the practical stunts and effects are excellent. I quite like Michael Tavera's score, flavorful if not specifically remarkable, and the editing is fairly sharp. From costume design, hair, and makeup to sound and cinematography, able skill and intelligence went into this flick, and more than not the end product is roundly solid. It bears repeating that the core strengths, or at least the most noteworthy strengths, lie in the cast, the direction, and the writing (however flawed the latter may be at points), but overall 'RocketMan' is a really good time!
There are definite weaknesses on hand that prevent the feature from achieving all that it could; at the same time, the root story bears just enough glimmers of sincerity to help ground the proceedings amidst all the ridiculousness. It's uneven, and troubled in some discrete ways, but it's clear to me that all involved were dedicated to making this the most entertaining family-friendly sci-fi comedy it could be, and more than not they definitely succeeded. I approached with caution when I first sat to watch, and despite some notable issues, I'm happy to say that I really like 'RocketMan.' It's not a title that anyone needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the chance to watch and you don't mind some more dubious jokes and helpings of outright shallow immaturity, I think there's something here for most anyone to share some laughs, and I'm pleased to give it a fair recommendation.