Review of Across the Universe (2007) by Aryanie A — 21 Jan 2012

Ok. It's shameful that I've just watched this movie. I can't call myself a Beatlemania anymore ;p.

Anyway, overall I like the movie. I like the story line (surprisingly set on the 1960s and Vietnam war era), the flow (slow, relaxed, simple, and no-BS at first), I like the performances (and it's said all performances were done genuinely by the cast on set), and the remade version of the songs. Well, not all of them, but considering that I usually hate cover songs except for Glee's, most of them were good. But they weren't good enough to make me search for them and keep it in my folders, unlike Chicago and Moulin Rouge. It's on a different level.

I know not all people like musicals. So I can't tell this movie is worth watching if you don't like them. But I love musicals, and for those who share my interest, I can say I like this one. Not as good as Chicago and Moulin Rouge, of course, but better than Nine. It's simple and witty, And of course this movie is recommended for Beatles lovers, as you will enjoy their songs being performed simultaneously for 2 hours ;).

I dislike some parts that I think were too much, and I like some parts that are really cool. It's at the bottom part of this post after spoiler alert. :) Oh, and btw, tell me later what you feel about "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". ;;).

(SPOILER ALERT FOR SCROLLING DOWN).

Part that I didn't like was the psychedelic scene at that "spiritual camp", it was too much and was a bit off.

Best parts were Strawberry Fields scene--it was awesome, the illustration and the art he made--and the small part of street percussion during Hey Jude.

When the newspaper was out, I thought that Lucy was killed, and I kind of hoped she was, because that would've been a good ending. :p but then again Julie Taymor made it up (for me) by the rooftop scene, which was nice, simple, and sweet, and not too corny.

Last thing, how come they didn't put "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" in any scene and just played it for the credits?? That's so disappointing, it's one of my favorite songs and I've been expecting it since the first time her name Lucy comes out (yes, which was at the very beginning!). Hey Jude got a nice part there--as expected--but I wanted "Lucy" also. I was let down.