The 2 Guys’ Movie Review:
“Across the Universe”
“Across the Universe” runs 131 minutes and is rated PG-13 for drug content, nudity, some violence, and language.
| Take one part 1960’s counterculture, add some up-and-coming actors and actresses, create a story by tying in timeless songs by The Beatles and you basically have Across the Universe. Directed by Julie Taymor (Frida), Across the Universe centers around a young man named Jude, played by Jim Sturgess. Jude travels to America in the 1960’s and meets many people whose names derive from songs by The Beatles, e.g. Lucy, Max, JoJo, Mr. Kite, Dr. Roberts, and many more. The most notable feature is the magnificent performances of Beatles songs by the cast. From the melodic, yet sometimes-eerie tunes sung by Jim Sturgess, to the trippy renditions of Come Together and Mr. Kite, to the heartfelt performance of Let It Be, the songs of this movie are brilliant. Usually I find myself disliking Beatles covers, but something about the blend of fresh voices and colorful graphics peaked my interest. I think that any Beatles fan, regardless of degree, will enjoy this movie. -Rick Salberg |
“Across the Universe”. When most people hear these words, they flashback to the classic John Lennon song. To me, it means nothing more then the lullaby that put me to sleep while seeing a movie bearing the same title. The movie is about a group of 25 year old kids who spend their time re-singing Beatles’ music, and discovering love. This movie is a joke. The story was ludicrous, the acting was fair at best, and the music officially made the movie a flop. The remade songs are the icing on the cake. Next to a gripping love story, the magic of the sixties is absent throughout this heartless film. So far, Across the Universe has raked in $8,078,951 at the U.S. Box Office. I have no doubt that most of this money has come from 16 year old girls who think that Jim Sturgess’ British accent is sexy. There are a few tasteful psychedelic scenes stuck in the middle of this flick, but unfortunately you have to stomach the first half of the movie, which can be compared to sitting through an After School Restriction. Personally, I’d take the A.S.R. -Greg Palmer |