Elton John: Never Too Late movie review – Elton John: Never Too Late, co-directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, is a moving and musically vibrant documentary that captures the essence of Elton John’s unparalleled career and the man behind the legendary persona. From the glittering heights of superstardom to his poignant reflections on family and legacy, the film is a fitting tribute to one of music’s most enduring icons. However, it stops short of delivering deeper insights into the man beneath the glittering surface, leaning more on the rockstar than the human being.
Elton John: Never Too Late movie review
The documentary opens with Elton John’s preparation for the climactic final stop on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour at Los Angeles’s Dodger Stadium—a venue steeped in significance for the musician. It was here, in 1975, that Elton cemented his status as a global superstar with two sold-out shows, which are remembered as career-defining moments. This thematic full-circle narrative anchors the film, giving viewers a sense of closure and continuity.
The film skillfully alternates between archival footage of John’s illustrious career and contemporary glimpses into his life as he prepares for his farewell performance. While this framing device is a tried-and-true formula seen in many music documentaries, Never Too Late stands out with its superior craftsmanship, seamless editing, and the sheer magnetism of its subject. The inclusion of rare materials such as letters, contracts, home videos, and press clippings lends authenticity and depth to the storytelling.
Elton John: Never Too Late Official Trailer – Disney+
For fans familiar with Elton John’s story, much of the documentary may feel like revisiting a well-trodden path. From his transformation from Reginald Dwight to the flamboyant Elton John, to his meteoric rise during the 1970s, the film covers key milestones: his collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin, his groundbreaking performances at the Troubadour Club, and his battle with addiction. The narrative also touches on his troubled relationship with manager John Reid, his coming out as bisexual in 1976, and his eventual journey to sobriety in 1990.
The filmmakers’ choice to delve into John’s vulnerability sets this documentary apart. For instance, the footage from his 1974 Madison Square Garden performance with John Lennon highlights not just the musical brilliance but also the emotional complexities of their friendship. Elton’s role in reuniting Lennon with Yoko Ono adds an intimate, almost cinematic touch to the story, revealing the musician’s softer, more compassionate side.
Unsurprisingly, Never Too Late is infused with the energy of Elton John’s music. From early classics to modern hits, the soundtrack becomes a character in its own right. The film captures the contrast between Elton’s earlier performances—marked by vocal dexterity and theatrical flair—and his more restrained, deeply emotional renditions in recent years. His willingness to adapt his style to suit his aging voice adds a layer of wisdom and gravitas to his performances.
One notable feature is the focus on Elton’s evolution as a performer. The documentary celebrates his ability to remain relevant across decades, touching on collaborations with contemporary artists like Dua Lipa. However, it avoids overindulgence in nostalgia, opting instead to explore the broader impact of his music on both his fans and the LGBTQ+ community.
As much as the film celebrates Elton’s public persona, it also offers glimpses into his personal life. Scenes featuring his husband David Furnish and their two young sons are particularly poignant. Elton openly reflects on his late entry into fatherhood, expressing both joy and a bittersweet awareness of his own mortality. He shares a desire to see his children grow up, get married, and have families of their own, even as he acknowledges the likelihood that he won’t be around for those moments.
These intimate reflections add a layer of humanity to the documentary, showcasing Elton as a man who has found peace in his personal life. Yet, critics have noted that these moments feel fleeting and underexplored, leaving viewers wanting a deeper dive into his relationships and emotional landscape.
While Never Too Late is undeniably engaging, it has its limitations. The film tends to gloss over certain aspects of Elton’s life, such as the physical and emotional toll of decades spent touring. Despite having unparalleled access to its subject, the documentary refrains from probing too deeply into his personal struggles or the dynamics of his marriage and family life.
Critics have also pointed out that the film leans heavily on well-documented chapters of Elton’s career while giving less attention to his present-day experiences. For instance, while it touches on his discomfort with generational shifts in LGBTQ+ terminology during his Apple Music podcast, this promising avenue of exploration is left largely unexplored.
For those who have seen the 2019 biopic Rocketman, this documentary serves as a spiritual sequel, filling in gaps and offering a more factual account of Elton’s life. However, it lacks the emotional resonance and cinematic grandeur of its predecessor. Similarly, in the crowded field of music documentaries, Never Too Late may not break new ground but stands out for its sincerity and polish.
The film’s parallels to other music docs, such as Andrea Bocelli’s Because I Believe, highlight a growing trend of framing artists’ lives around final performances at iconic venues. While this approach may feel formulaic, Never Too Late manages to infuse the narrative with enough personal touches and archival treasures to keep it compelling.
Conclusion
Elton John: Never Too Late is a heartfelt, if conventional, tribute to one of music’s most beloved icons. It offers fans a chance to relive Elton John’s extraordinary journey while providing just enough new material to make it worthwhile. Though it occasionally falls short in exploring the man behind the legend, the documentary’s warmth, musical vibrancy, and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans.
For those seeking a definitive portrait of Elton John, this may not be the final word. However, as a celebratory farewell, it captures the magic and resilience of an artist who continues to shine brightly, proving that it’s truly never too late to leave a lasting legacy.
Top 5 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Less a complete statement than an assortment of loosely grouped notions and materials, held together by the subject’s incandescent music and the quiet forcefulness of his personality – Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com
He reveals a few secrets, but when you’re as big a star as Elton John, you’re already an open book. That familiarity slackens the film’s pace, but at the same time you’re buoyed by the array of archival photos and footage of his younger years – Al Alexander, Movies Thru the Spectrum
This puff piece with substance is an affectionate tribute to a musical legend who has been a defining voice in pop culture for over five decades. It is a slam dunk for fans of the extravagant piano man – Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots
This is intimate, consequential stuff, and with so much focus on his implosions you can see why John wanted to cede the limelight for part of the film to one of the few people above him in the rock pantheon: John Lennon – Ed Potton, Times (UK)
The main issue with the doc is that Dexter Fletcher’s biopic of Elton, Rocketman, was far more illuminating. But there is plenty to enjoy, from some wonderful concert performances to an extended sequence involving his friendship with John Lennon… – Frank J. Avella, Edge Media Network
Top Movie Ratings
| IMDb | 7.2/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 71% |
| Metacritic | 60% |
Latest Release Movie:
- The Creep Tapes movie review & film summary (2024)
- Elevation Movie Story (2024): Monster Thriller That Climbs High
- Christmas Eve in Millers Point movie review (2024)
