2008 Woodie Awards
"Across the Universe" brings Beatles' songs to life
Jimmy Faseler
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Gallery
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If you ever imagined a rock musical movie with music solely from one of the greatest bands brought to this world by the grace of God, then you don't have to look too hard. During the month of October, one of the greatest movies of our lifetime, "Across the Universe," hit the theatres all over the world.
"Across the Universe" is a movie / musical that only features music by one of the greatest bands known to man, The Beatles. In fact, the entire movie is Beatles themed, starting with the obvious Beatle exclusive music, moving to all the characters names coming from Beatle's songs and ending with little Easter eggs of Beatles references that only a true Beatles fan could catch.
Beyond the fact that the movie revolves around one of the greatest bands ever, it has an incredible story and is shown in the most unique way.
The story takes place in America during the Vietnam War and revolves around those most involved in the anti-war movement and injustice itself.
The story specifically focuses on a young man, named Jude, who came to America from England after jumping ship.
He ends up at Princeton to meet his father which leads to serious disappointment. He realizes that his father is only a janitor and not too excited to see a son he created during a time he wants to forget.
Then he meets a rebellious and rambunctious individual named Max (no he doesn't have a silver hammer) who is a student at Princeton but not for too long.
Over Thanksgiving he meets Max's sister and quickly falls in love, she does not feel the same at first because she has a boyfriend, but thanks to the American draft, he doesn't last long in Vietnam, and she is available once again.
Beyond the little love story, there are many characters who represent a person who influenced the Beatles in some way, When Jude and Max live in New York, they move in with a singer that should remind you of Janis Joplin, and she is dating a guitarist who resembles Jimi Hendrix.
At times, the movie could remind a viewer of the 2001 movie "Moulin Rouge," with the circus tent and Army recruiting scene. But at other times the movie has its own style that is almost impossible to categorize by the typical movie-goer.
The most noticeable uniqueness was the odd transitions from songs to dialogue and transitions from different characters. The whole time the viewer is just in awe of what is happening in front of the viewer's face, and it feels like the viewer is watching something entirely different from any other movie.
"Across the Universe" leaves the viewer wanting to be a revolutionary and protest all the injustices of our time all while singing loudly, "All You Need is Love" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Despite the small and brief nudity and the hint of drug use, there is little-to-no foul language and is suitable for most audiences.
However, if you hate the Beatles and feel like war is a good thing, then you may want to consider not spending your money to see it. If unique films, Beatles music and a cameo of U2's Bono entices your movie-going pallet, consider "Across the Universe" as a great option to quench your thirst.
"Across the Universe" is a movie / musical that only features music by one of the greatest bands known to man, The Beatles. In fact, the entire movie is Beatles themed, starting with the obvious Beatle exclusive music, moving to all the characters names coming from Beatle's songs and ending with little Easter eggs of Beatles references that only a true Beatles fan could catch.
Beyond the fact that the movie revolves around one of the greatest bands ever, it has an incredible story and is shown in the most unique way.
The story takes place in America during the Vietnam War and revolves around those most involved in the anti-war movement and injustice itself.
The story specifically focuses on a young man, named Jude, who came to America from England after jumping ship.
He ends up at Princeton to meet his father which leads to serious disappointment. He realizes that his father is only a janitor and not too excited to see a son he created during a time he wants to forget.
Then he meets a rebellious and rambunctious individual named Max (no he doesn't have a silver hammer) who is a student at Princeton but not for too long.
Over Thanksgiving he meets Max's sister and quickly falls in love, she does not feel the same at first because she has a boyfriend, but thanks to the American draft, he doesn't last long in Vietnam, and she is available once again.
Beyond the little love story, there are many characters who represent a person who influenced the Beatles in some way, When Jude and Max live in New York, they move in with a singer that should remind you of Janis Joplin, and she is dating a guitarist who resembles Jimi Hendrix.
At times, the movie could remind a viewer of the 2001 movie "Moulin Rouge," with the circus tent and Army recruiting scene. But at other times the movie has its own style that is almost impossible to categorize by the typical movie-goer.
The most noticeable uniqueness was the odd transitions from songs to dialogue and transitions from different characters. The whole time the viewer is just in awe of what is happening in front of the viewer's face, and it feels like the viewer is watching something entirely different from any other movie.
"Across the Universe" leaves the viewer wanting to be a revolutionary and protest all the injustices of our time all while singing loudly, "All You Need is Love" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Despite the small and brief nudity and the hint of drug use, there is little-to-no foul language and is suitable for most audiences.
However, if you hate the Beatles and feel like war is a good thing, then you may want to consider not spending your money to see it. If unique films, Beatles music and a cameo of U2's Bono entices your movie-going pallet, consider "Across the Universe" as a great option to quench your thirst.
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