Everyone by now must know Freddie Mercury’s story, so there’s no worries of giving away any spoilers. This film is a ‘must see’ for any Queen fans. It takes us back to the band’s beginning – how they formed from the band ‘Smile’, where Roger and Brian were playing pub/university gigs, and how Freddie took over when the singer decamped to join another group.
The four lookalike Queen members are very convincing as their original counterparts, although I did think Rami Malek’s (Freddie) teeth were a little over the top. Apparently Freddie was born with 4 incisors which I learned gave him a bigger mouth and a wider vocal range. Of course he was lip-synching, but not many people can sing like Freddie!
As their fame grew, Freddie left his erstwhile fiancée Mary Austin, announcing he was ‘bisexual’. However, he still wanted her near him, and so she agreed to move in next door. However, Freddie was devastated when she finally met somebody else and started a family. As everybody knows he became promiscuous, began visiting gay bars and clubs, and eventually was diagnosed with AIDS. He gave the sad news to his tearful band members just before they were due to play the Band Aid gig in 1985, where they stole the show.
There is a fictional character, Ray Foster, loosely based on one of the EMI executives, who true to the real-life story had doubts about releasing the 6 minute song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. As I remember, DJ Kenny Everett loved the song and played it many times, causing Capital Radio to be flooded with calls and for EMI to eventually relent. Some footage is also given to Freddie’s solo career, which was surprisingly unsuccessful.
The music is poundingly good, and it’s one of those feel-good films which you don’t want to end. The only thing I hated about the whole experience was the half hour of whooshes before the film started. Each trailer consisted of at least 20 whooshes, each one getting louder and louder. Instead of leaving me in awe, they just caused me to want to run out!
Sheila Murrey said:
Just posted my review. Loved your review!
I am unsettled. ❤️🦋🌀
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Stevie Turner said:
Loved your review too. You’re obviously a deep thinker!
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Sheila Murrey said:
Thank you, Stevie. Ah, yes. I’ve been accused of being an “over-thinker.” But I am what I am. An analyst and an artist. Dancing on the edge…
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Stevie Turner said:
You and me both.
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dgkaye said:
Thanks for sharing with us Stevie. I love Queen so I will see this eventually. 🙂
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Darlene said:
Sounds like a great movie. I know hubby would like to see it too. What is a whoosh?
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Stevie Turner said:
Those annoying over-the-top loud sound effects they put onto trailers because somebody in their wisdom thinks it makes the excerpt sound exciting. They’re in films as well. It does my head in.
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Darlene said:
Probably why I don’t see movies in a theatre anymore. We wait until it is out on DVD or on TV.
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Stevie Turner said:
Good idea. I wish I could have fast-forwarded through the trailers!
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Lisa V said:
Can’t wait to see it. It’s rated PG-13, so I assume it’s appropriate for teens (16 and above)?
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Stevie Turner said:
I suppose the PG-13 is due to the ‘f’ words and references/scenes to Freddie’s gay lifestyle. Nothing that 16 year olds didn’t know before!
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watchingthedaisies said:
😁
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watchingthedaisies said:
I hope I can watch this locally Stevie. Queen were terrific and I managed to see them live twice. I had a big crush on Brian May. 🌼
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Stevie Turner said:
Me too. I’ll fight you for him!
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ksbeth said:
i’m so excited for this
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Stevie Turner said:
You’ll enjoy it for sure.
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TanGental said:
I’m seeing it tonight so… I’ll let you know…
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Stevie Turner said:
It’s a great film.
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jenanita01 said:
I have to see this film, but will remember to keep the sound down at the beginning!
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Stevie Turner said:
Wear earplugs for the trailer whooshes. Don’t know why they have to do this. I don’t find it exciting at all – just very annoying.
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jenanita01 said:
I shall try to remember, Widds… Thank you…
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Sheila Murrey said:
I feel the same. For highly sensitive people, those over the top sounds are abrasive.
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Stevie Turner said:
Yes they are. It’s an assault on the eardrums.
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jenanita01 said:
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thank you.
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