Review of Across the Universe (2007) by Daniel K — 30 Mar 2011

4: Brilliant and beautiful. It gets better and better each and every time I see it. What a polarizing film as far as critical reviews go though. I'm used to the critics I respect being in the same ballpark at least, but with this film some were truly polar opposites.

The true test for me came with the second viewing and it was spectacular. I thought it would be a 4 star film after the first act or so, but my reactions cooled a bit as the film progressed on my initial viewing.

This was not the case with additional viewings, and it now seems more than worthy of 4 stars. It is pretty difficult to maintain the virtuosic brilliance of the first act, but I no longer feel it drags at all.

This is in my top ten films ever directed by a woman, not that one can necessarily tell while watching it, and likely in my top five. It's unlike anything else made recently. The only thing I can compare it to is Dancer in the Dark.

Spectacular and imaginative filmmaking. This is no f***ing Chicago. I used to think the fault was that the story couldn't live up to the brilliance of the songs weaved into it, but I now realize the songs are the story.

I do think they could have jammed in a few more songs though. My initial reaction was WOW and I felt this rush through much of the film. It's ridiculous how well the songs serve the film's narrative.

It is so effortlessly weaved together it seems as if the Beatles never existed at times. What better group to do this as well. It is a revelation and a gift. I absolutely adore the cheerleader scene in the first act.

It is on my list of all-time favorite scenes. Goosebumps every time. I don't think this picture will ever get old.