The Elton John biopic “Rocketman” is part “Across the Universe” and part “Bohemian Rhapsody” without fully leaning into the tenor of either. It’s unfortunate how much the film underdelivers both in scale and scope given how much larger than life Elton John is as a musician, performer, and philanthropist.

“Rocketman” is a fictional biopic of musical icon Reginald Dwight, aka Elton John (played by Taron Egerdon). The film traces Elton’s life from his youth through his departure from rehab in the late 1970s. Director Dexter Fletcher uses rehab as a storytelling device wherein Elton tells his life story during a group therapy session.