Review: Across the Universe

Score:A-

Director:Julie Taymor

Cast:Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Stergess, Joe Anderson

Running Time:131 Minutes

Rated:PG-13

A musical story, set within the scope of numerous tracks from The Beatles, Across the Universe breaks barriers and creates a miraculous work of art. Set against the 1960s when anti war protests and rock in' roll were all over the headlines, lovers Jude and Lucy are living in it all. Living with a small group of friends, the two lovers are forced into a world of anti movements and counter cultures, and it is eventually conditions outside of their control that tear the two apart, and it will take the work of both to find each other again.

Set to the music of The Beatles, Across the Universe is a unique idea that results in a film that is different, original and brilliant. With a superb cast, headed by Evan Rachel Wood, the film captures the heartache, the innocence, and most importantly the youthfulness that helped revolutionize both a decade and a generation.

The films most positive force is its creativity. Revolving a story around a group of Beatles songs is nothing short of amazing. On top of that, the songs have all been adapted to fit the attitude and emotion of particular characters, resulting in an even more amazing feat. Combine that with the groundbreaking cinematography and special effects and the film is in a whole league of its own.

Although the film outruns its story by about twenty minutes, it still contains a strong, interesting story line and with likeable and relatable characters, the film quickly captures your heart and allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

However, with that said, the film will not appeal to everyone. First of all it is a musical. Then there is the whole Beatles thing. Then we have the weird "˜feels like I'm high' moments throughout the film. And we end with the simple fact that the film is extremely weird. It's an artsy film all the way, and that is what I like so much about it. It is like nothing you have ever seen before and really makes you appreciate the creative aspect of films.

In the end, I loved the film. It is easily one of, if not the most original film of the year and I strongly suggest that you go and see it. Even if the film itself isn't to your liking, it is always nice to hear a new rendition of some Beatles classics.

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About Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis
I owe this hobby/career to the one and only Stephanie Peterman who, while interning at Fox, told me that I had too many opinions and irrelevant information to keep it all bottled up inside. I survived my first rated R film, Alive, at the ripe age of 8, it took me months to grasp the fact that Julia Roberts actually died at the end of Steel Magnolias, and I might be the only person alive who actually enjoyed Sorority Row…for its comedic value of course. While my friends can drink you under the table, I can outwatch you when it comes iconic, yet horrid 80s films like Adventures in Babysitting and Troop Beverly Hills. I have no shame when it comes to what I like, and if you have a problem with that, then we’ll settle it on the racquetball court. I see too many movies to actually win any film trivia contest, so don’t waste your first pick on me. My friends rent movies from my bookcase shelves, and one day I do plan to start charging. I long to live in LA, where my movie obsession will actually help me fit in, but for now I am content with my home in Austin. I prefer indies to blockbusters, Longhorns to Sooners and Halloween to Friday the 13th. I miss the classics, as well as John Ritter, and I hope to one day sit down and interview the amazing Kate Winslet.

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