Rocketman: FIRST REACTIONS are in after Cannes premiere – Taron Egerton in TEARS

The Elton John movie – which is billed more as a “musical fantasy” than a biopic – had its world premiere at the iconic festival yesterday.

And Egerton, who plays the musician, was seen with tears in his eyes as the motion picture got an emphatic standing ovation.

It’s a very encouraging sign for the film, which is helmed by Dexter Fletcher – the man who stepped in to save Bohemian Rhapsody after the firing of Bryan Singer.

Critics’ reactions are also spilling out online.

While they aren’t quite euphoric, they certainly are encouraging.

One tweeted: “Dexter Fletcher’s Rocketman is a good-natured biopic-slash-jukebox-musical with Taron Egerton gamely doing a middleweight impersonation, more comfortable with the lighter side, better at the tiaras than the tantrums.”

Said another: “I’m not an objective viewer but I really enjoyed #Rocketman.

“It’s a lovely tribute to Elton’s partnership with Bernie & the fantastical tone suits his life perfectly. Oscar chances hinge on reviews & biz, but as a true musical it’s a great bet for picture & actor at the Globes.”

A third posted: “Hot damn, Taron Egerton is the real deal.

“#Rocketman is a musical about picking yourself up off your ass and Taron delivers the sweat, grit and vulnerability it needs.”

More cautiously, another critic posted: “If you were wondering what a great Elton John biopic looks like, don’t hold your breath.

“But at least ROCKETMAN doesn’t skimp on the music. #cannes.”

But another said: “Got to see #Rocketman last night and they certainly do not water down the gay stuff thank god. Taron is incredible, the fantasy musical element is interwoven so well, and it doesn’t shy away from the darkest moments in Elton’s life.

“I can’t wait to watch it again.”

Joining Egerton in the cast are Richard Madden as John Reid, Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen and Stephen Graham as Dick James.

Rocketman is out on May 22 in the UK.