“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a bit of a cinematic train wreck. 

This bio-picture about Freddie Mercury and Queen doesn’t really provide any insight into Mercury or the band and director Bryan Singer pretty much follows the musical biography playbook. 

Even with all its warts, it still manages to entertain – largely because it captures the essence of these musicians who were clearly ahead of their own time. It’s a crowd pleaser in the ultimate sense – building to a rousing final act that will leave audiences tapping their feet and humming along.

“Rhapsody” follows Mercury (played by Rami Malek) and his rise to stardom, joining the band in the early 70s and becoming the front man for a group that always seemed to be thinking outside the box musically – creating some of the most iconic music of the 70s and early 80s.

We see the highs and lows of Mercury and Queen, building to the infamous performance at Live Aid that has earned the reputation among music fans as one of the greatest live performances of all time.

“Rhapsody” approaches all these points in a rather straight forward manner – sort of the cliff notes version of Queen’s greatest hits. As each song pops up on the song track it is a reminder of how great their music was (and still is).

Anthony McCarten’s screenplay feels more like a road map to get the film from one song to the next, missing a chance to really delve into Mercury’s lifestyle and his eventual AIDS related death. “Rhapsody” does dabble a bit in these subjects, but never provides much depth or insight. If you come into the film wanting to know more about Queen and Mercury, you will likely be disappointed.

Malek is solid as Mercury, in a performance that really encompasses the aura of the outspoken superstar. His best moments come on stage, especially in the last 20 minutes -which recreates the Live Aid performance in breathtaking fashion.

If “Bohemian Rhapsody” could have found a way to make the whole 135 minutes as creative and interesting as the last 20 minutes it could have been a masterpiece. As is it’s a film that gets by, even if it leaves its audience wanting a little bit more.

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton

Directed by: Bryan Singer

Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content and language

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: B-