Sunday, February 24, 2008

Movie Review: Across the Universe

I'm not at all a movie buff. I pass on most movies and rarely have any idea what movies are "out" at any given time. A movie has to be really good to get my recommendation. And you know it has to be really good to make my blog.

I loved this movie. Watched it both Friday and Saturday night in fact. If you like the Beatles, or music in general, art, history, current events, or musicals, you must see this movie. The music is really cool, the acting is fresh and I loved ALL the characters. And what's even more amazing, all the actors were no-names. Yet they all sang well and sang live -- no dubbing and lip singing happening in this movie. Amazing.

I saw Oprah several months ago and she had the cast and director on to talk about the movie. I was intrigued by the concept but didn't expect much. I mean, like I said, a movie has to be really good to meet my expectations. Finally we got around to renting it this weekend, and I just can't say enough good things about it. The writing and directing are brilliant. The concept is this: it's a story with themes of love and war and activism. It's a musical, so the story is told with more than 30 Beatles songs. The story takes place in New York and Liverpool, England during the 60's -- right in the middle of the Vietnam War. Considering the situation the U.S. is in overseas currently, it was interesting to watch the culture and attitudes of that war 40 years ago. I was so impressed with the details and symbolism that went into each scene. The cleverness and creativity of the directing and how the music drives the story just is incredible, especially since the story was created many years after the music became popular. Enjoy! And taking a line from G (and his cravings after watching TV), you'll have to let me know if you got a craving for strawberries while watching it. Had to make myself a strawberry smoothie halfway through watching it the second time.

4 comments:

Myndi said...

One non-no name, Bono is in one scene! He is disguised well though.

M said...

Myndi-Yeah, I did know about him. Actually to be completely honest, that was my least-favorite scene. It was creative and artsy, but too tripped out for my taste (but I do realize it was supposed to represent the drug scene in the 60's. So it had to be psychodelic.) Did you like the movie? Aren't you a big beatles fan.

StrykerLOVE said...

my grandma has a clock that plays a different beatles tune at every hour - maybe i will look into getting one for you....

Anonymous said...

Hi. My wife and I just saw this movie a few days ago and it's in our top 5 all time. We loved it. My kids loved it (they're older). We agree with everything you said. I've been telling everyone I know to WACTH THIS MOVIE. It cracks me up on review sites how it's a love it or hate it movie. Sorry I was just Googling "did you like Across The Universe" and your blog was like 4th on the list so I had to post!