Sunday, October 21, 2007

Across the Universe - Film Review

Before I even attempt to review this film ... allow me to disclaim:

“Across the Universe” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It has nudity, sexual situations, drug use, mild violence and some strong language.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS :)


A film for fans of Moulin Rouge, Cirque Du Soleil & Hairspray - watching AtU was like watching a Beatles concert through a Kaleidoscope while Sipping a Slurpee and getting various brain freezes. Good Stuff!



The film was as close to the 60's as I have ever been. Not my favorite ... but I am a sucker for modern musicals - so it does make it to my top 10. Julie Taymor (who also directed Broadway's Lion King) did a great job in using Beatles songs to plot out a unique hippie/historical love story. Waiting for the DVD. Visually stunning, musically pleasing... I give it an overall 3 1/4 stars. The song interpretations were adequate ... not as creative as Moulin Rouge's medleys but very well covered - some better than others. I did buy the "deluxe" soundtrack. Here are some tunes worth listening to (or at least checking out on youtube):

"Girl" - Jim Sturgess (sounds just like moulin rouge's intro) Great voice!
"Let it Be"
- Carol Woods & Timothy Mitchum (amazing gospel rendition)

"I am the Walrus"
- sung by Bono - enough said

"Revolution"
- one of my favorite Fab Four tunes - Motion Graphics amazing!

"Black Bird"
- beautiful girl rendition by Evan Rachel Wood
"Benefit of Mr. Kite" - by comedian Eddie Izzard - great "cirque style" moment

"Hey Jude"
- classic , well used as a climatic turning point in the film

"All you need is Love"
- sung from the rooftop 'a-la' U2 - original still much better

"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"
- also done by Bono who played a role in the film

Enjoy Responsibly ...
Click here for my wife's review


4 comments:

Sarah said...

You're hired.
As my creative head producer & good looking chief director.

We're gonna make a great team some day.
Cirque du soleil? pfffft.

Stacie said...

I loved this movie! A bit trippy but still amazing!

Amanda said...

i thought it was great! very well written review. i approve.

and yes.
i am a sucker for those musicals:)

Anonymous said...

Eddie Izzard topped it off for me..Fantastic!

-Mr. Kenny Lazaro / Mrs. Ribeiro