Bohemian Rhapsody

"Why is Bryan Singer’s biopic about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury called Bohemian Rhapsody? If the answer is simply that this is the name of a smash-hit song, then the very core of the director's famously troubled production is an ethos as deep as a bumper sticker. Slap a couple of well-known words on the poster to attract some eyeballs, and who cares if the title makes sense?"

"Freddie Mercury’s amazing voice and showmanship lifted Brit band Queen above pretentious pomp-rock, as with Rami Malek’s bravura central performance here as the larger-than-life lead singer with operatic aspirations, a defiantly sexual persona with rock god egomania turned way up to eleven."

"With a performance as commanding as Rami Malek's at its centre, why isn't Bohemian Rhapsody a better movie?"

"The energy of Malek's imitation helps to bind what amounts to a series of gossipy but harmless rock-world anecdotes into something vaguely coherent."

"Bohemian Rhapsody, an eight-year abomination in the making...cannot claim to have achieved even wiki-movie status."

"A bolder film might have explored the relationship between Mercury's hedonism, his mostly closeted sexuality and his on and off-stage personas in a more nuanced way."

"Bohemian Rhapsody is an often irritating and occasionally unforgivable film. It is also one hell of a good night out. Go see it."

"Appropriately for a group known for its theatrical, crowd-pleasing tunes, this biopic carries itself lightly, serving up familiar plot points with panache and a sense of humour."

"If you're after a stirring account of Queen's musical life, then this one is for you. However, if you're after an authentic retelling of Mercury's off-stage life, you'll be let down."

"Rami Malek is convincing enough under pressure to play Mercury well, and as the Hollywood version of the story of Queen, I enjoy it quite a bit."

"Someday another feature about Queen might go deeper."

"...it is not necessary to like Queen's music in order to find this film watchable and mildly enjoyable."

"The film has a secret weapon: Rami Malek. As Mercury he is spectacular."