Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
2/4
Roseybaby - wrote on 06/24/2009
I wanted to like this movie. I really did. I just can't. Granted, the visuals and music were fabulous. The problem for me is the lack of real plot. It felt like random Beatles songs were picked out and then a loose plot was built around it. There were strangely unnecessary characters floating about through the movie. The plot was nearly nonexistant. The acting was okay, but not great. I couldn't really care about the characters. I just couldn't lke the movie. I know there's lots of people who love it, so I can't say don't see it. I can only say it didn't do it for me.
Rating of
3/4
Freddie - wrote on 10/25/2008
If one were to open up Julie Taymor's head they would probably find a box full of oddly shaped confetti. This woman's artistic interpretations are crazy. Everytime I see something that Julie Taymor was apart I'm left dumbfounded. She just takes images and ideas and does things with them that no one else can ever think of. When I saw the previews for this movie I already knew it was going to be an adventure to watch it. I really like the way this was done. It was the furthest thing from being a typical musical. I love The Beatles and I love how the music was incorporated into the film. This was like a mix between Rent and Hair with a great love story. Good job with this one "Jules."
Rating of
3.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 09/25/2008
This turned out really well. The Beatles music is put to good use here. Cameos from Bono, Joe Cocker and Eddie Izzard highlight the film along with some spectacular visuals. Even if you avoid musicals, I highly recommend this.
Rating of
2.5/4
Ollievee79 - wrote on 08/05/2008
I have mixed feelings about this movie. I love The Beatles and I like what this movie did to some of the songs. The visuals in this movie are great and Jim Sturgess and Max Carrigan are good, but that's about it. This movie didn't know when to stop. Many characters were forced into the plot line just for an excuse to squeeze in more Beatles songs (cough cough Prudence cough). This movie was a great concept, but is in serious need of a good edit.
Rating of
3.5/4
goodfellamike - wrote on 05/03/2008
An ambitious, visually-arresting and exhaustive musical that manages to entirely encapsule 1960's and 1970's attitudes (Vietnam, free love, etc.) to the tunes of 20 or so covers of The Beatles. There is not much to speak about the acting, but it's engaging and filled with emotion and wild conviction. I think it works as a tribute to the Beatles' music rather than trying to merely use it. Final Grade: B+
Rating of
3.5/4
thewhiteraven - wrote on 04/07/2008
I was never much of a fan of the Beatles (do I hear shocked gasps?) but this movie turned that around! Suddenly I'm listening to a LOT of Beatles and, despite what critics and reviewers say, this is one of my favourite movies! Sure, the plot dragged at times. Sure, there are a lot of loose ends. Sure, some of the names and situations seemed contrived to fit the Beatles' songs. But despite all these flaws, I love it! Don't ask me why, I can't point out one thing that made this movie great for me... It was the whole experience!
Rating of
3/4
DB - wrote on 02/25/2008
This review is coming from a person who does not like musicals. I think they're over the top, and often times music disrupts the flow of the film.... With that said, this movie takes a modern adaptation to music by the Beatles but still takes place in the 60's. The characters represent well what kind of things people dealt with back in that day. I'm not a fan of choreography, and it was minimal in this movie. The singing was great, and the movie flowed well. When it comes to musicals, this movie is the near the top for me. 3/4 stars
Rating of
3.5/4
kzeiger - wrote on 01/17/2008
Re-doing classic Beatles songs for a movie/musical could potentially be a big risk. Luckily "Across The Universe" shoots for the stars and doesn't come back down. The acting, singing, and story are all so engaging. It's one of my favorites of 2007, hands down. I plan on buying it the day it comes out. Taymor has tapped into her creative arsenal and provided us with an audio, visual, and emotional stimulation that stays with you even after viewing.
