Early Movie Reviews: Booksmart + Rocketman

Posted May 20, 2019 by shooting in TV/Movies / 32 Comments

Due to early access screenings, I was able to see both Booksmart and Rocketman this past weekend before commercial release. Booksmart comes out on Friday, May 24 and Rocketman will be released on Friday, May 31. I’m going to share some brief thoughts today on the movies…but really, I highly recommend seeing both!
Early Movie Reviews: Booksmart (out 5/24) and Rocketman (out 5/31). Both movies are highly recommended! Learn more #ontheblog #booksmart #rocketman Click To Tweet

Booksmart: A Movie Review

Booksmart is directed by Olivia Wilde and co-star amazing actresses, Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein. These two best friends have worked hard all four years of high school to get into a great college and set themselves up for success…but the night before graduation, they realize that their classmates had fun and got into good colleges, so the girls are ready for at least one wild, high school night.

I loved the friendship between Amy and Molly, and it was a lot of fun seeing them try and let loose. There is a lot of humor, but it’s also full of heart and moments where Amy and Molly realize they didn’t quite know their classmates as well as they thought they did. This movie is rated R, but it’s mostly for language, which felt realistic for teens.

I also have to mention that Amy is a lesbian but she’s never been with a girl, so part of their evening is meant to give her a chance to really talk to her crush. I love that Amy likes girls, and it’s not a big deal. This isn’t a coming-out movie…at least not in terms of sexuality. It’s more “coming out of your shell”, and “coming out of your high school roles.” I really loved this movie, as did my sister and friend, who went with me!

Rocketman: A Movie Review

I was so excited when I heard about Rocketman, and I’m really glad I was able to see the movie two weeks early. Not only is it about Elton John – who is amazing – but Elton is played by Taron Egerton, an actor I think is just fantastic.  This will probably be compared to last year’s Bohemian Rhapsody, about Queen’s Freddie Mercury, and there are similarities but it’s very different too. Elton is the one telling his story, going back and forth between him in group therapy and his rise to fame. Like a musical, some of the songs are simply sung as part of the movie (and not just by Elton, but sometimes the other cast members too)…while others are part of an actual performance. There’s some fantastical moments, but it works. After all, the movie is about the fantastical Elton John.

I didn’t know a lot about Elton’s backstory, so it was great learning more about the man behind the flamboyant costumes. I think Taron did an amazing job. It’s crazy how much he looks like a young Elton. Plus, he’s a really good singer in his own right- and yes, he is the one singing the songs throughout the movie. That’s not Elton.

Rocketman was a great movie, and I will admit to crying at a scene near the end of the film. There are some definite heartbreaking moments in the movie, but it just makes it that much more enjoyable for me. This movie is also rated R, and again, it’s mostly for language, though also drug use and sexuality. I saw this with my mom and sister and we all loved it.

It’s real. It’s rough. It’s rock ‘n roll. 

It’s Rocketman.

In Conclusion…

Booksmart and Rocketman were both movies that I was highly anticipating seeing in theaters, and I’m so glad I was able to (and early as well!). I really loved both of them, and they are definitely ones that I would see again. Highly recommended!

32 responses to “Early Movie Reviews: Booksmart + Rocketman”

  4. Audrey

    I think both movies look & sound great! Lucky you getting to see them early!! I really like Kaitlyn Denver. My husband watches Last Man Standing all the time and she’s fantastic.

    Reply
  7. Beth

    I want to see these both! I’m glad to hear they are both good. I plan on taking my mom to see Rocketman so I’ll probably see that first, but I do plan to see Booksmart too!

    Reply
  10. Lecy | A Simpler Grace

    I want to see both of these! They look like so much fun. The costume designer from RocketMan was on an episode of Project Runway recently and was showing all the outfits he designed for “Elton” in the movie and they were stunning!

    Reply
  13. Jen

    I know nothing about Elton’s history, but I am sure it is colorful as he has always been a not afraid to be who he is kind of guy!

    Reply
  15. Kelly

    I actually haven’t heard anything about Booksmart or seen it being advertised here but I love coming of ages and self adventure films. Massive bonus to seeing a lesbian character on screen, as a main character and the film not be about her sexuality.

    I’m DYING to see Rocketman. I thought a little drama was needed there. I’m not a huge fan of all of Elton John’s music, some I love but he’s such a remarkable man who’s been through so much in his life and has such a story to tell. I love that they’ve made this film while he’s still alive to tell his story. I think it’ll add to how authentic it’ll be as well. I had no idea that it’s Taron Egerton singing throughout the film. A person of many talents! Absolutely loved these film reviews Lauren and so glad you had a great time seeing both.

    Kelly recently posted: Aurora Rising
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  20. The Candid Cover

    I have Rocketman on my to watch list, so I am thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. I had a feeling that there are some deep aspects to it given his ups and downs throughout the years. Booksmart sounds like one that I would enjoy as well. Looking forward to seeing these! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Samantha

    I’m a Last Man Standing fan, so I knew Booksmart was coming out with Kaitlyn Dever (she lessened her role in the season for the movie), but I’ve never heard of Rocketman. I will have to see these movies!

    Reply
  31. Terra Heck

    Booksmart sounds like a good movie. May have to watch it. I like Elton John but doubt I see Rocketman. I’m not much into those kind of movies about singer/band lives.

    Reply
  32. Chiara

    I’m glad you liked both of these, Lauren! I hadn’t heard about Booksmart before but I am always up for watching movies with queer characters so I’m willing to give it a go 🙂 I’m pretty interested in Rocketman as well because even though I know a lot of Elton John’s music I don’t know that much about him as a person. I just watched Taron Edgerton in Robin Hood so it will be interesting to see him in such a different role! I’m looking forward to both of these now 🙂

    Chiara recently posted: Books I’ve Preordered Recently
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