Day 307 of the challenge! Insert Queen song lyric about how Bohemian Rhapsody is just okay here.
Bohemian Rhapsody is frustratingly shallow as far as biopics go. We’re introduced to plenty of interesting aspects of Freddie Mercury's life, but none of them are ever explored or developed in depth. His personal conflicts and demons are all neatly resolved with a well timed hug or melodramatic encounter in the rain, while the struggles facing the band as a whole are more implied than anything.
Still, I won’t say that there isn’t any fun to found in Bohemian Rhapsody. The scenes involving the band writing and recording their now historic songs are a total blast, especially for you more hardcore Queen fans. Even the quieter musical moments in the film (like John Deacon casually strumming the bass riff to what will eventually be “Another One Bites the Dust” for example) add an extra bit of glee to things.
Unfortunately, all the emphasis on the actual songs over the characters makes Bohemian Rhapsody feel a little too literally like a “Queen’s Greatest Hits” album, which you might be okay with depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re just in it for the music and some flashy recreations of famous Queen performances, you’ll have a great time.
Side note: Mike Myers needs to be in more movies. Maybe not his own (we don’t need another The Cat in the Hat or The Love Guru), but he works great as part of an ensemble. Also, keep an eye out for a great Wayne's World reference!