Bohemian Rhapsody

Rated PG-13

2 hours 14 minutes

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton

I really liked this movie!  I agree with what Eric had to say about it.  I didn’t know much about Queen or Freddie Mercury other than the music that was played on the radio in the 80s.  I loved the performance that Rami Malek gave as Freddie Mercury.  I really felt like him and the other actors hit the nail on the head as Queen!  People were talking “but that’s not him really singing!!”  Of course not, he’s an ACTOR doing an amazing job and I saw him as Freddie Mercury and I wanted to hear the “real” voice belting out “We are the Champions” or “Bohemian Rhapsody.”  I got goosebumps as I watched the group’s most popular performance at Live Aid.  You really felt like you were there and by this time you knew Freddy was dying from AIDS.  This movie may not be for everyone.  But it’s one I’ve already seen three times and will watch again because it was entertaining and told the story behind the success and the pain of the making of Queen.

Library Link: Bohemian Rhapsody (DVD)

Bohemian Rhapsody

Rated PG-13

2 hours 14 minutes

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton

Some of my earliest memories of listening to music are hearing songs by Queen, so I was excited to see this movie!  I won't lie, I was a little skeptical of anyone playing Freddie Mercury and didn't know if they could really pull it off and make a decent movie, but Rami Malek was amazing! He BECAME Freddie Mercury!  His talk, his walk, his mannerisms, etc.  I remember watching the original Live Aid and can't believe how well they were able to recreate that concert, along with the rest of the actors playing their parts all being spot on.  I actually saw this one in the theater and found myself (and everyone else there) singing along to the songs over and over.  I also didn't know much of what was going on at the time of the original concert or about Freddie's history, but feel like I understand more of what he'd gone through during his life and how incredible it was they were able to play the way they did in that show.  I've seen many, many live concerts and that set in the Live Aid show is still one of the best performances ever!  This movie was much more than just a concert film, though - it took you behind the scenes of Freddie growing up, Queen forming, and all of their highs and lows through the years leading up to that iconic performance.  The critics didn't love this one, but the public sure did!  And I did, too!!!

Library Link: Bohemian Rhapsody (DVD)

A Complete Unknown

Rated R

2 hours 21 minutes

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro

To be honest, I haven’t seen many movies lately that I’ve really liked. Thankfully, I decided to give this one a chance – and it blew me away! It covers Bob Dylan’s rise from a young musician starting out in New York to becoming a star, along with many of his trials along the way. Some of these challenges were definitely in his relationships, which suffered with how much he was focused on his music and songwriting. Timothée Chalamet is incredible as Dylan and I loved that he actually sings all of the songs himself rather than lip syncing, which makes it even better. Besides Chalamet, Edward Norton was amazing as Pete Seeger, who helped guide him through his journey to fame. The way I connected to this film reminded me of how I felt the first time I saw Bohemian Rhapsody, which was another great movie! I think one of the main things I enjoyed was how Dylan didn’t seem to want to “sell out” and eventually was able to do his own thing, whether it was what he was being told to or not. It was like he was seeing and feeling things in his songs and lyrics before anyone else could and was able to bring this to the masses. Before watching this, I wasn’t even a big fan of Bob Dylan, but I feel like I will be now!

Library Link: A Complete Unknown (DVD)