Release Date: Malaysia, 8 Nov 2018
Genre: Drama / Musical
Running Length: 2:13
Cast: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers.
Director: Bryan Singer
Screenplay: Anthony McCarten, based on a story by Anthony McCarten and Peter Morgan
What's this movie about?
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY chronicles 15 years of the classic rock band Queen, from their early days in England to the their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.
Of course, this movie centres around lead singer Freddie Mercury's (Malek) flamboyant and "drama mama" life as he struggles with fame.
Highlights and Lowlights
The most compelling thing about the movie is the celebration of Queen's music and its musical sequences. It was a good move on the the filmmakers part to opt for a behind-the-scenes look at how some of their "greatest hits" were developed. I tell you...those instances were feel-good-toe-tapping-sing-along moments man.
Unfortunately, despite a strong performance and dynamic stage presence by Malek, the non-performance part of the movie just can't find its footing. The dramatic arc is well...predictable. The filmmakers had to insert a "villain" and even re-arranged the timeline of certain events to make the film more cinematic.
To be fair, it's not plain but it's an expected story of a 70s/80s rock band; their meteoric rise, the break up and getting back together again. We've seen all these before.
Speaking of Malek, his version of Mercury is initially distracting but as he loses the big hair and grows the moustache in his later years, his transformation is complete.
There are some nice little touches peppered throughout the film that made me smile such as the customized 20th Century Fox opening theme, some good old British one-liners and Mike Meyers' character.
Of course, the highlight to me was the re-creation of the 1985 Live Aid performance which book-ended the film. That 15-minutes was so electrifying I had tears in my eyes. That voice, that energy, that defiance - there will never be another Freddy Mercury again.
Unfortunately, despite a strong performance and dynamic stage presence by Malek, the non-performance part of the movie just can't find its footing. The dramatic arc is well...predictable. The filmmakers had to insert a "villain" and even re-arranged the timeline of certain events to make the film more cinematic.
To be fair, it's not plain but it's an expected story of a 70s/80s rock band; their meteoric rise, the break up and getting back together again. We've seen all these before.
Speaking of Malek, his version of Mercury is initially distracting but as he loses the big hair and grows the moustache in his later years, his transformation is complete.
There are some nice little touches peppered throughout the film that made me smile such as the customized 20th Century Fox opening theme, some good old British one-liners and Mike Meyers' character.
Of course, the highlight to me was the re-creation of the 1985 Live Aid performance which book-ended the film. That 15-minutes was so electrifying I had tears in my eyes. That voice, that energy, that defiance - there will never be another Freddy Mercury again.
In summary
This is a bias review because I enjoy Queen's songs - alot.
Those expecting a warts-and-all version of a Queen biopic will be disappointed. Instead, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is more of a celebration of the band's songs. If you're a fan, this movie will leave you stomping your feet (twice) and clapping your hands (once) when the credits roll.
RATING: 8/10
Those expecting a warts-and-all version of a Queen biopic will be disappointed. Instead, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is more of a celebration of the band's songs. If you're a fan, this movie will leave you stomping your feet (twice) and clapping your hands (once) when the credits roll.
RATING: 8/10
