In honour of the actors 31st Birthday tomorrow, I thought now would be the perfect time to give my top 5 films that he has starred in. I have been a fan of his since 2016 and have saw him gain more and more fame that he rightfully deserves. As per usual there will be spoilers.
Number 5
Testament of Youth
Released in 2014, Testament of Youth is based of off the memoirs of our leading character Vera Brittain and is about what life was like coming into adulthood whilst Britain was at war (World War 1). Taron plays Edward Brittain, Vera’s younger brother. Throughout the film we see how close they are and are more like best friends than siblings. Edward eventually goes to France to fight in the war and we can see how difficult this is for Vera. Although Taron’s role isn’t continuous throughout, he manages ti make each scene his own and bring the right amount of emotion to each. I will give the warning now that this film will have you flooded with tears but it is worth it. My favourite scene actually consists of two. On two separate occasions we see Vera and Edward separately talk with there father to try and convince him to let the other do something they want. Edward manages to convince his father to let Vera sit the Oxford exam and Vera manages to con vice him to let Edward sign up to fight in the war. I like how this shows how much they have each others backs and will do what they can to make sure the other is doing what they want in life and are happy.
Number 4
Eddie the Eagle
Again based on a true events, that of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Released in 2016 Taron plays the titular role of Eddie the Eagle. An underdog who despite being told to give up by everyone around him, got to the Olympics and made himself a household name. This film really is just a feel good family film. Taron plays the role of Eddie brilliantly and there are plenty of times when you just want to give him a hug and tell him he’s doing a good job. The contrast between his and Hugh Jackman’s character Bronson Peary again makes the film that bit better as another person who told Eddie to give up ends up being his coach. My favourite scene is when Bronson and Eddie are having a heart to heart and Eddie tells the story of why he refused to give up and wants his moment and I think it is just very heartwarming and inspiring and if you weren’t routing for him before you sure as hell are now.
Number 3
Robin Hood
Now one of Taron’s less talked about films but one that I would highly recommend in the 2018 adaptation of Robin Hood, in which again he plays the titular character. Now I know, it’s like Cinderella, been done a million times before. However this version takes a slightly different twist. We see Robin have to leave his loved ones and go and fight in the war. When he returns he is shocked to have been told he was pronounced dead by the money hungry sheriff who is ruthless and ruining the lives of the towns citizens. He teams up with Little John who trains him in archery and he becomes Robin Hood. I like how they kind of modernise it as much as they can whilst still having it set in the 12th Century. I think they use a good amount of comedy and action to keep it entertaining and I defiantly think it deserves a lot more recognition that it got. It is available on Netflix now if you want to check it out. My favourite scene is one between Robin and Gisbourne where we can see two met at a party, words are exchanged and Robin is very serious and quick with his answers, then at the end of the conversation he steps forward, smiles and say enjoy the party. This shows his two personas and how quickly he can switch between both.
Number 2
Kingsman: The Secret Service
The next film is arguably Taron’s big break into the industry, with 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service. Taron plays Eggsy Unwin, a misfit who has found himself on the wrong side of the tracks. He is enlisted into the Kingsman Secret Service that his father was in by a man who knew his father, Harry Hart. We get to see Eggsy reach his true potential whilst also defying stereotypes and not forgetting who he was. It’s again uses action and comedy very well, that keeps audiences intrigued and entertained. My favourite scene is when Eggsy has just escaped his flat and is then chased by a gang, who is waiting on him. He uses knowledge and skills to essentially parkour himself to safety. I feel like this just shows how much he could already do and how much he is like his father.
Number 1
Rocketman
Lastly at Number 1 is Taron’s latest film, Rocketman. Taron stars as Elton John in a biopic about his life. I personally think this was the perfect role for him, as it allowed him to show off many side to his acting. He has to play as a younger Elton who is eager to get into the music business, as well as one who is depressed, miserable and an addict. He plays the highs and the lows both incredibly well. Not only this but he also sings all of the songs used, very well might I add. I feel it takes a lot for someone to play a person who has had such a large and eventful life as Sir Elton John but Taron manages to do so and capture it all so well, even so that he won a Golden Globe for his performance. My favourite scene is the Crocodile Rock scene as it is the first time Elton is playing in front of the crowd and really its the beginning of it all.
There we go, let me know if you have seen any of these and what your thoughts are
Thanks for Reading
Cinema & Chapters by Peggy 