“Bohemian Rhapsody” tackles the story of one of the most renowned bands in history, Queen. With the flamboyant caricature of Freddie Mercury at the forefront with his eventual decline into a complicated world he has found himself in. First and foremost, this film was originally supposed to be lead by comedic legend Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator) as Freddie Mercury. With a vision more focused on the confrontation with AIDs and his struggle with drugs, but the surviving members of Queen weren’t too fond of an R-rated Queen biopic. As expected, Cohen left the project and the upcoming Rami Malek of “Mr. Robot” was inserted into the leading role of Freddie Mercury. Thankfully, a switch from an R to PG-13 rating didn’t completely affect the experience. As an R-rated film would have to check other boxes to fulfill its goals, and with the PG-13 rating, director Bryan Singer still manages to hit the wrong notes. Heavily implying the darker side to Mercury’s lifestyle that drove a wedge between him and the band. This is the only aspect of “Bohemian Rhapsody” that stays consistent and it only comes in the second half of the film. As the first half is a total mishap in every facet of film-making outside of the performances. Right from the get go, Singer seemingly wants to establish an upbeat tone to compliment it’s flamboyant lead. Unfortunately the editing is just a total disaster and rather maims and muzzles the film from letting it’s voice break free. As it creates an inconsistent visual language from one cut to the next. In the lead up to the creation of Bohemian Rhapsody and one of the best albums of all-time, the movie doesn’t settle down. It rushes through the creation of the band, the creation of music, and Freddie’s sexual awakenings. Of which is heavily implied once more, but for a band so patient that lead to fulfilling grand ambitions, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is anything but. Rather wanting to emulate something out of a David O. Russell film with it’s slick sense of humor and zany cast of characters. It pales in comparison because the soundtrack even seems misplaced. Strangely linking scenes to songs with head-scratching montages and clunky sound editing. It’s totally bizarre on all stages of writing, directing, and editing, although the second half delivers more of what should have been in the former. Lengthier scenes that are extended to develop character and it pays off for a terrible first. By no means does it “save the film” but it makes for a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. It feels entirely as if Bryan Singer went through the most formulaic and predictable motions to reach the film’s incredible climax that actually feels like it is in an entirely different film. Despite clunky CGI during that time, the cinematography provides a consistent visual attachment alongside a great Malek performance who simply owns the stage and channels every fiber of Freddie Mercury during that time. Overall, there is no rhythm, beat, or heart to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, less a rhapsody and more so mumble rap. “Bohemian Rhapsody” gets a 40/100