Judy and other musical films

Just my opinion.

we just watched the movie Judy, and Renee Zellweger should get an oscar for her portrayal of that iconic singer and her struggles with addiction/alcoholism. 

The struggles seem real, not fake, as does her love for her children (who, alas, are being harmed by her substance abuse). It says a lot that she wanted to keep them with her, but had enough insight to let them stay with her ex husband when she couldn't care for them.

And the music in it was wonderful: The film actually allowed her to finish the songs, and they are the best part of the film.

I expected to be depressed by watching the movie, but it leaves you with a positive feeling: that despite her struggles and failures, she tries her best, and is loved for it.



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 this is in contrast to "Rocket man", where the songs are given short shrift, and the psychodrama is trivialized by having too many fantasy sequences (right. He went to group therapy in costume and no one said anything?). The scenes don't really mesh together, and seem disjointed. 

So alas, even though I love Elton John's music, I really couldn't enjoy the film.

 In contrast, Bohemian Rhapsody gives you both the story and the songs of the group Queen, but unlike Judy, there is not much emphasis on the personal struggles of lead singer Freddy Mercury: the emphasis is on the music. 

Rami Malek does such a good job that you actually think he is Freddy Mercury. 

The musical performances are electrifying, and are one reason to go out and see that film: and I say that even though I am not a fan of "Queen"...