Across the Universe (UMD Mini for PSP)
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson (VI), Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther (II)Director: Julie Taymor
Studio: Sony Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: Color, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Running Time: 133 minutes
DVD Release: February 5th 2008
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DVD Review
Set in America during the Vietnam War, Across the Universe is a powerful love story set against a backdrop of political and social unrest: it's a story of soul-searching, self-doubt, and individual powerlessness cleverly conveyed through a multitude of Beatles songs. Like young adults all across America during the 1960's, Jude (Jim Sturgess), Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), Max (Joe Anderson), Sadie (Dana Fuchs), Prudence (T.V. Carpio), and JoJo (Martin Luther) are in turmoil over the war; questioning their individual roles in the war effort and struggling to find a way to hold true to their beliefs while making a difference in the world. While love proves a powerful uniting force, its limitations become clear as relationships are strained and broken over individual perceptions of responsibility to cause and country. A fairly bizarre juxtaposition of extremely stylized, almost hallucinogenic scenes of swirling colors and reflections, highly choreographed dance segments, seemingly commonplace character interaction, and emotionally packed close-up footage of characters lost in contemplative song, this film imparts a good sense of the confusion and passion of the time and is at once powerful, invigorating, and disturbing. The film runs a bit long at 2-hours 11-minutes and several segments drag noticeably thanks to some incredibly slow song tempos. Warning: this production may change how you think about a favorite Beatles song forever. --Tami Horiuchi
User Reviews
Authentic - Rating: 5/5
I rushed out to see this movie when I heard this was its last week in the theatre, which turned out to be nearly empty, probably because picky professional critics had trumpeted flaws in the singing by the unknown actors. I am glad I got to see this on the big screen.
I was only eleven years old when the Beatles first big hit came out, and I wondered if I'd remember the words, and if the songs would be ruined. Some of the faster songs are sung very slowly, for example, and most are sung with very little musical accompaniment. But I was not disappointed. Lyrics long buried under the music in the original songs were easy to understood, and the actors sing beautifully. I heard the spirit of the original tunes, with all the fun, sadness, defiance, introspection, and joy the Beatles expressed so well in the original recordings.
This movie will give people born after the 1960s a good feeling for what life was like in that turbulent period. Across the Universe embodies the spirit of the times and expresses many of the contradictions and social conflicts that are still with us forty years later.
It's really too bad that the professional critics smothered this movie out of the theatres. Apparently their delicate sensibilities are offended by arcane imperfections in the vocals. These critics remind me of people who get all huffy about the flaws of a home music system that doesn't cost a fortune, even though mere mortals cannot sense the imperfections. Folks, don't worry, the singing is just fine, so get the movie and enjoy the soundtrack.
In the Mel Brooks classic History of the World, Part I, the "world's first art critic" aims yellow body fluid at the "world's first painting" on the wall of a cave. Fortunately today the internet liberates us from these sophisticated arbiters of good taste. I am one ordinary Beatles fan who enthusiastically recommends this movie.
Across The Universe and Back Again...... - Rating: 5/5
Across the Universe
Having seen the movie 5 times does not make me an expert, nor does being a Beatles fan for 45 years but I have to say this movie is better than I'd hoped it'd be. If you go by the critics reviews you probably wouldn't go see it, but if you trust your own instincts, love a good musical, great acting, Beatles music and some visuals best described as a mild acid trip, then this is the movie for you. I'd classify it in the same genre as The Who's rock opera "Tommy" and even though it's not the Beatles performing the songs (kinda hard when there are only 2 of them left) the actors and on occasion musicians who sing the songs do an outstanding job. Some of the songs are changed slightly to keep more in tune with the movie, but there's not a one that won't get stuck in your head. Naturally I rushed straight to my nearest CD store right after I saw the movie the first time and bought the deluxe edition. Now while I wait for the DVD to be released I can listen to it and relive the movie in my mind. I think I'd better get 2 copies of the DVD because I'm sure I will wear out one. And since the movie is no longer in the theaters, the only way to get to see it now is to buy it once it's available. Reserve yourself a copy now....you won't be sorry
An uplifting experience - Rating: 5/5
When I saw the previews in the theatres I thought.Ok Looks good,songs you already know.And they tell a story.That put this on my to see list.However I had to wait 3-4 extra weeks for it to be shown in my town.But was worth it,the songs stuck in my head and had to get the soundtrack.I can't wait for this to come out on DVD.With cameos by Eddie Izzard,Bono (of U2),Joe Cocker,and Salma Hayak(sp).It is an amazing story of two young lovers who meet during the Vietnam War. Jude (Hey Jude) comes from England to find his real father who was stationed there in WW2. Lucy (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds) in America already waits for her boyfriend to come back from the war. Prudence (Dear Prudence) is a Cheerleader from Ohio,who happens to be a lesbian and decides to leave for the big city.Jude meets Max (Maxwell's Silver Hammer) when he goes to the University where his father is.Max just happens to like the new guy and takes him back home for Thanksgiving.Max is Lucy's brother and decides at the table to drop out of collage.Therefore making him eligible for the draft. Since Max has decided to drop out,him and Jude take off for New York. Once there they meet their "Sexy" landlord Sadie (Sexy Sadie),who just happens to be the lead singer of a band.Lucy on her bike,sees 2 soldiers come to her botfriends house as they tell her the sorrowful news.Lucy unable to cope at home decides to go to New York to stay with Max and Jude for a while.At the same timeframe riots break out in Detroit [I think] and enter JoJo (mentioned in the "Get Back" song.)who we meet at a child's funeral as well.These 5 people (Jude,Lucy,Max,Sadie,and JoJo) experience their lives in their own ways set to the Beatles music.With Bono (YAY!!!!!) as Dr. Robert (Yes like the song),and Eddie Izzard as Mr. Kite (Benefit of Mr Kite)guiding them through trips,losing and then finding what really matters most to them.
Would also recommend the Deluxe Soundtrack since it has all the songs on it.Which will conjure images again and again.
A movie to see more than once - Rating: 5/5
This is one of the most creative and interesting films that I've seen this year! I've seen it 5 times already and hoping that I get to see it more before it goes on to DVD.
Great movie - Rating: 5/5
Easily one of the best movies I've seen in years and naturally, it is currently my favorite movie and I can't wait for it to be released.
