Could it have dealt more with the darker side of Freddie Mercury? Yes. Could it have ended with his death rather than Live Aid? Sure. Could it have been an “R” rated movie starring Sacha Baron Cohen? Not according to executive producers Brian May and Roger Taylor.
I saw Bohemian Rhapsody today and I must admit, I went in a bit jaded by the early reviews, but after seeing it, and seeing it for what it is, a PG-13 film about the rise of Queen it was REALLY GOOD. Of course, many aspects of Freddie’s life were broad-brushed (his relationship with his father, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and yes even his death) but that’s not to say the movie doesn’t address it. There is the understanding that he is sick, he is dying, and the triumphant reunion at Live Aid was executed so perfectly it made you feel as if you were there, at Wembley Stadium.
Rami Malek’s Oscar-worthy performance brought a tear to my eye. He alone is worth the price of admission, and the rest of the cast do a wonderful job fleshing out what made Queen one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
As far as the critics are concerned, they didn’t stop fans from seeing the movie. Initial estimates have Bohemian Rhapsody bringing in $50 million at the box office in its first weekend, surpassing initial estimates of $35-40 million.
I give the movie an A- and suggest you see it too.