Review of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) by Joshua S — 01 Dec 2018

I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to this one. The drama that occurred during the developmental stages of this picture were a bit disquieting. It is well known that Sacha Baron Cohen wanted to make a more focused and Hard R-rated film built around Freddie Mercury and his personal life. This was notably opposed by the former members of Queen who opted for Cohen's replacement and the transition to a movie friendlier to general audiences. And so, it became an example of that most hated genre - the mediocre music biopic. Doomed to play on daytime cable back-to-back with Coal Miner's Daughter and Great Balls of Fire.

So, what did I actually think about Bohemian Rhapsody? The movie part of the fucking movie? Yeah, it's all right I suppose. I certainly wasn't bored watching it, which says a lot about its entertainment value. Rhapsody as history is quite dreadful - you're better off watching a documentary or reading a book. But its greatest strength is the love and respect for the music. And that's where Queen's involvement shows. The recording and writing process for many of the band's power ballads are on display here, and these parts are quite authentic. And let's be honest - most people are here for that reason. Rami Malek is probably best known to most as Mr. Robot, but he has been a great character actor for a long time now (go see his work in The Pacific, holy shit). That character actor experience came in handy, as he takes on the role of world's most colorful and flamboyant rockstar. It's quite convincing and to watch his evolution over the years is quite fascinating. I don't think Rhapsody will be nominated for many awards this year, but Malek certainly deserves the nod. The rest of the band members and supporting characters are all right, I suppose. (But holy shit does Brian May REALLY look like Brian May!) I may be a killjoy, but I didn't care for the Mike Myers cameo. The expression "on the nose" would be subtle in describing it. I rolled my eyes so hard I probably looked demonic.

The film's climax is the legendary Live Aid performance, and it is as amazing as you have heard. It's so accurate in recreating this moment, I'd call it picture perfect and the reason to see the movie. And to be fair, Bohemian Rhapsody is a bit more than just a mediocre movie built around the Live Aid concert. It's worth a watch if you have any appreciation for Queen or classic rock in general. But I am curious what the focused, artistic, hard-hitting film we didn't get would have looked like. Audiences have embraced this one and critics have dismissed it. I give it a pass.