DM's Beatles forums
Beatles forums => Films, TV Shows, Interviews => Topic started by: Sondra on September 07, 2006, 02:18:04 AM
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Okay, so check this out:
An original musical film, Across The Universe is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, the story moves from high schools and universities in Massachusetts, Princeton and Ohio to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Detroit riots, the killing fields of Vietnam and the dockyards of Liverpool. A combination of live action and painted and three-dimensional animation, the film is paired with many Beatles songs that defined the time.
Here are some of the characters:
Jim Sturgess .... Jude
Evan Rachel Wood .... Lucy
Joe Anderson .... Max
Dana Fuchs .... Sadie
Cynthia Loebe .... Diner Waitress
Martin Luther .... Jo-Jo
T.V. Carpio .... Prudence
Eddie Izzard .... Ringmaster
So are images of the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton popping into anyone elses head??
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i will watch it with you....
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I have heard of most of these actors, ecept T.V. Carpio. This movie will either be a disaster or a total success. There will be no middle ground.
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I just saw the commercial for this and BONO is in it!!! He was doing I Am the Walrus. I wasn't expecting that. Now I have to see it. Anyway, here's a clip from it:
P35WWj0DSKY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P35WWj0DSKY)
I love Eddie Izzard, but what the hell?
A review from Variety:
All you need is love -- for the Beatles, for psychedelic visuals, for ideas about being young in the
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Ouch.
:o
[size=9]Yes, I'll be seeing it, too.[/size]
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Some trailers. It's reminding me of a cross between Hair and Moulin Rouge. Maybe it wont suck? Dunno.
bQ6d3m-GFyw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ6d3m-GFyw)
DbpVvr17q0A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbpVvr17q0A) (I've Just Seen a Face)
NWVDB6IQD20 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWVDB6IQD20) It Won't Be Long
otNoyxycMfE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otNoyxycMfE) (Girl/Helter Skelter)
Okay, you get the idea. There's tons of them on YouTube.
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Okay, a couple more. But just because it's Bono!!
BONO as Dr. Robert. He's interviewed too.
MmHyJFIbKBI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmHyJFIbKBI)
bzrytzuLdwQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzrytzuLdwQ)
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Now that's bettah!
:)
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(http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/acrosstheuniverseposter.thumbnail.jpg)
That version of It Won't Be Long is terrible!
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On Friday, Julie Taymor (the director and the one who thought the whole thing up) was on Oprah Winfrey. Oprah was obviously very impressed by the movie, I didn't realize that she was a big Beatles fan.
Anyways, Julie said that she herself got to SIT NEXT TO PAUL MCCARTNEY while showing him the movie. And Oprah's like "Oh my god, did you really? I always thought I was gonna marry him!" She was really blown away by that, she should just have him on her show! And then Oprah asked her how it felt. And Julie says that it was the most terrifying moment ever! All of us ladies can imagine how she felt, 'cause it seems like even at his age Paul still attracts females, and she didn't want to make a fool out of herself or whatever. I know that if I was put in that situation I would be sooooo nervous! And I thought it was really cute that when the movie was playing All My Loving, Paul was singing along to it under his breath! And Julie asked him what he thought of it when it was over and he said "What's not to like?" (And Oprah was flipping out meanwhile, she even had tears in her eyes at one point 'cause it brings back Beatle memories...)
So, I hope this is a good movie, I really think that it will be. Everyone seemed to be very excited about it, and Paul seemed like he loved it. And at the end of the Oprah show, four of the actors/actresses from the movie came out and sang first Blackbird, then All My Loving, Don't Let Me Down, and All You Need Is Love. I'm going to see it when it comes out this weekend, so let's hope it's a good one!
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Oprah is a BIG Beatles fan. I read her magazine (yes, I fail at life. whatevs) and she's ALWAYS making Beatles references in the article titles or whatever.
Anyway, I still really want to see this movie. Damn my parents for not settling down near a movie theatre.
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I just saw it tonight...it is amazing! ;D
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Alright, I FINALLY saw this movie with my sister on Friday night, the opening day, at least in my area! Wow, it was amazing! The actors all did a great job, and sang very well, too. Definitly go see this movie, any Beatles fan will love it! I'm probably gonna see it again with my parents. ;D
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I saw it tonight. It was very well done. I loved the way they portrayed what was going on at that time and how people were feeling. The Let It Be sequence made me cry! Very good how they included the Detroit riots with the death of the Vietnam vet which kind of began the whole end of the American dream. But they did gloss over the whole Civil Rights movement for the rest of the movie. Guess that wasn't the focus of the characters though. The Uncle Sam part was a bit too heavy on the propaganda I thought, but still very cool. I LOVED Bono's Ken Kesey type character. He was PERFECT!!! He nailed it. His mock California American accent was great. He needs to do more acting. I swear. The other part that I thought was hysterical was Joe Cocker showing up in the subway as a bum! That was so funny and perfect! He did a great version of Come Together. Very, very cool. Anyway, I think you all should see it. Beatles music or not it was a great film. Salma Hyeck was out of place though and the Eddie Izzard part wasn't really needed. Made the movie too long. The Jude character was great. He sang his songs perfectly. Although he sang with more of an accent than the Beatles ever did! I found that interesting. I mean, I wonder if the Beatles tried to sing without the accent or if it just happened that way. I know early on they immitated American singers, but I don't think they did it later on. But I digress. My point is: SEE IT!
Hey, was it Bono singing Lucy in the Sky at the end? If so I thought he did a great job. Better than his version of I am the Walrus. If it was him doing Lucy. Whoever it was it was great.
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Oprah is a BIG Beatles fan. I read her magazine (yes, I fail at life. whatevs) and she's ALWAYS making Beatles references in the article titles or whatever.
Anyway, I still really want to see this movie. Damn my parents for not settling down near a movie theatre.
You HAVE to see it Mairi. You would love it. How far could a movie theater be from you? I can't imagine.
At one point in the movie the characters are talking about ways to get out of the draft. I thought it was funny that the guy decided he would rather go to Vietnam than Canada! They go: "Montreal's cool" and he goes, "they speak French!" Cute.
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I live about an hour away from the nearest movie theatre, and it only plays one movie at a time. I've been thinking about making the trip, though. If it's as good as you say it is- and I suspect it will be.
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It will be well worth the trip. Trust me. It's a movie you have to see on the big screen. DVD won't do it justice. Talk a friend that drives into taking you!
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I never get to see these things. We never have these venues in the UK! >:(
I want to see Love & Across the Universe, but that means i have to travel to the
US. sorry, i'm i moaning! :P :)
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Yeah but Across the Universe is a movie. Isn't it already playing in the UK? LOVE is another thing altogether. I mean, even people in the US have trouble getting to Vegas sometimes. Maybe they'll do a LOVE tour eventually. They really should because it was f-ing amazing. As was Across the Universe. I can't believe quality Beatles related stuff is being put out lately. Maybe it's time for a new biopic. Or maybe we'd be pushing our luck.
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I read this review. Not everybody seems to be happy with this film:
Out of all the legendary bands you can choose from to design a soundtrack for a movie, director Julie Taymor sided with The Beatles. Therein lies a problem. Only half of the members of The Beatles are still alive today. How do you score a movie when half of the band can't even play?
In Julie Taymor's eyes, the answer was simple. Her latest film, "Across the Universe," tells a love story much like a musical does, but to the tunes of The Beatles. The combination seems fascinatingly original, but the content may be too simple and tiresome.
Everyone, meet Jude, your main character. Now, say "Hey Jude". Congratulations, you've just had your first lesson in one of the many references to The Beatles lore in "Across the Universe." Sounds a little easy doesn't it? Well, the most fun you will get out of "Across the Universe" is exactly that.
The story, hidden underneath all of the psychedelic musical scenes, is disappointingly cliched and simple. Jude falls in love with Lucy as the nationwide happenings of the 60s tears them apart. Along the way, as if to heighten the dullness of the story, Taymor laces the scenes with lyrics that play mistakenly as coincidence to the story. Needless to say, it's easy to lose interest without the music.
For an aesthetic art form, this film is experimentally brilliant. It is doubtful, though, these images will replace or even be remembered when hearing a Beatles' song replayed on the radio. The bottom line is, "Across the Universe," brings nothing new to the table other than a unique visual interpretation of an original soundtrack from some of the greatest songwriters of all time. If The Beatles catch your fancy, this film a sure fire enjoyment. If nothing else, just "Let it Be".
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of coursethe film doesn't come out anywhere but London here, otherwise I would have seen it! I downloaded the soundtrack though, it's quite good! I've just seen a face is great!
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I read this review. Not everybody seems to be happy with this film:
That reviewer has a very negative way of looking at it. It was all in good fun the little jokes and references. Meant to be obvious. The actors did a great job. They were all charismatic and fun to watch. The images ring true to what was going on back then, and of course to sum up the sixties in a 2+ hour movie isn't going to be easy but I'd say Taymor did a pretty good job. It's better than most of the stuff I've seen lately. And I'm not easily impressed with anything involving Beatles. I thought for sure I'd hate it, but I didn't. But then everyone's different.
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I thought for sure I'd hate it, but I didn't. But then everyone's different.
I thought for sure I'd like it, but I ended up hating it. The ONLY thing that made the movie worthwhile for me was the nice eye candy (Jim Sturgess), and even that got old 20 minutes into it. I read one review when the movie came out that mentioned that you would have to have experienced the 60s to really appreciate the movie, so maybe that's why I couldn't really get it into it. But I will say that the imagery was fascinating at times. The "Because" scene sticks out in my memory.
I took my friend with me in hopes that it would turn her on to the Beatles, and while she did love the songs, she is only interested in the soundtrack versions... so that completely backfired. She has no Beatles albums but regularly jams out to Evan Rachel Wood. Go figure. >:( I wonder how many other people in the younger generation went and bought the soundtrack without bothering to explore further.
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Try not to worry too much, nothing_is_real. You never know when the seed will blossom. I don't know when my interest blossomed into mania, but it certainly lay fallow a while. :)
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I thought for sure I'd like it, but I ended up hating it. The ONLY thing that made the movie worthwhile for me was the nice eye candy (Jim Sturgess), and even that got old 20 minutes into it. I read one review when the movie came out that mentioned that you would have to have experienced the 60s to really appreciate the movie, so maybe that's why I couldn't really get it into it. .
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Uh, I didn't experience the sixties just so you know. I enjoyed it because it was pretty well done. They didn't completely ruin the songs and I thought the storyline was interesting. Maybe the fact that I had really low expectations helped too. Anyway, I don't think you would have to have experienced the sixties to enjoy this. I mean, the events they portray are pretty much common knowledge to most people.
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Uh, I didn't experience the sixties just so you know. I enjoyed it because it was pretty well done. They didn't completely ruin the songs and I thought the storyline was interesting. Maybe the fact that I had really low expectations helped too. Anyway, I don't think you would have to have experienced the sixties to enjoy this. I mean, the events they portray are pretty much common knowledge to most people.
;D I didn't mean to imply that you were older than you are. And I realize that you don't have to be of that generation to understand the movie, just maybe to fully embrace it. For some people.
I happen to think the storyline was nothing but a giant cliche - which would have been okay if the musical performances had been decent. But most of them, particularly anything that was sung by Evan Rachel Wood, just made me cringe. That's just me though.
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...I happen to think the storyline was nothing but a giant cliche...
Could anything better really be expected?
:P
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Most movies based on the sixties are cliche. I wasn't looking for this movie to be art of any kind. Anyway, I think it helped that I thought it would suck and that I'd be tortured throughout. I was surprised that I was actually entertained. I liked Sturgess and the other guy. I loved Bono's Kesey character and the Joe Cocker part completey surprised me. I had no idea he was in it. I thought he was awesome. So that was enough for me to be entertained. The worst part was Evan Rachel Wood. She's kind of dull. Most movies are crap anymore anyway but at least this one had decent songs. :)
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Could anything better really be expected?
:P
totally agree, Klang.
I was THERE in the sixties, so naturally I revere my tangible and substantial memories of that era. I'm extremely proud of growing up in that period. I depise all these recent superficial attempts to "cash in" on the Fab . I find "Love" and "Across The Universe" prime examples of this.
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totally agree, Klang.
I was THERE in the sixties, so naturally I revere my tangible and substantial memories of that era. I'm extremely proud of growing up in that period. I depise all these recent superficial attempts to "cash in" on the Fab . I find "Love" and "Across The Universe" prime examples of this.
We've had the conversation before. I really can't see either of your examples as being "superficial attempts to 'cash in'", One is just a movie containing a soundtrack of Beatles covers. So what. Like someone else said, one thing that might come out of that is new, younger Beatles fans. I know you didn't like the movie, but that shouldn't make a difference. And unless you want to accuse The Beatles of cashing in on themselves you can't really refer to Love in that way either. It was, after all, George Harrison's idea. And there doesn't seem to be anything superficial about it.
And Btw, I was also there in the 60's, but I don't see what difference that makes.
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We've had the conversation before.
yeah, we did...but as you notice, my comment was addressed to Klang, if I'm not mistaken. I reserve the right--as you do--to reiterate any of my formerly held opinions--since the subject was rehashed NOT by me, but by another poster.
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yeah, we did...but as you notice, my comment was addressed to Klang, if I'm not mistaken. I reserve the right--as you do--to reiterate any of my formerly held opinions--since the subject was rehashed NOT by me, but by another poster.
Blimey, excuse me for posting! So I'm allowed an opinion of what you said only if it's addressed to me? You made a statement on a public forum. PM Klang if you don't want anyone else to comment.
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"ATU" & "LOVE" are sore spots w/ me
(me, I'll just sit patiently waiting for LET IT BE to make it's "official" dvd debut rather than endure this god-aweful drek from Beatle parasites (directors & "producers")
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I just saw this movie Sunday night and I loved it!
Warning: Minor spoilers.
I really had no idea what to expect. I knew that there were Beatles covers in the film, and that the story line seemed to be your standard boy-meets-and-loses-girl one, with the sixties as a backdrop. What I didn't realize is that it was a musical, and had all these inventive dance and imagery routines for the songs. For the first ten minutes I wondered what I had got myself into (and my innocent friend, who knew less about the film than I did).
Then they did the "With a Little Help from my Friends" number, and it was so playful and fun. THEN they did "It Won't Be Long" as a girl group. SOLD. I was completely onboard from that moment. We were both laughing as our heroine and her friends come in, answering "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" in their high voices. The Beatles totally should have been a girl group. My love blossomed from that point on.
From the selection of songs and the sequencing, it was clear to me that this movie was a labor of love. The way certain vocal embellishments in these well-known songs were given to a character to express his or her emotion at a particular moment was brilliant; nobody who didn't pore over their Beatles catalog could have come up with it. ("Come Together," "Hey Jude" and "All You Need is Love" spring to mind). I enjoyed all the various cover versions; hearing these songs performed afresh with such different voices and arrangements gave me a whole new appreciation for the songs.
I thought the idea of using Beatles songs to tell the story of the late sixties was clever. The point was not to come up with a dramatic plot. The whole film was an exercise to illustrate that the Beatles catalog could be used as soundtrack of the times. I think it succeeded brilliantly.
I don't know if this film is still playing where most of you are, but I wanted to share my delighted response with you. Cheers!
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I really enjoyed it. I think much of the criticism is because people are taking it too seriously. I mean, even the Beatles didn't take themselves too seriously all the time. Its a great escape with tasteful covers of the finest songs ever written. And if you want to see a really bad movie with Beatles covers, go no further than the Sgt. Peppers movie in the '70s. I think a little perspective is required here.
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Its a great escape with tasteful covers of the finest songs ever written.
indeed that is how it should be taken and if you can t bring yourself to it then just don't watch it.
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two reel geezers with their review of "Across the Universe" ;D
FySiMiHCGUo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FySiMiHCGUo)
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two reel geezers with their review of "Across the Universe" ;D
FySiMiHCGUo ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FySiMiHCGUo[/url])
lmao very funny and entertaining
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I think it's a good movie:)
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I really wanted to see it but....I never got around to it. it comes out I think Feb.2
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I love love LOVE Across the Universe.
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Hello, Harlena McStarkney! Welcome back. :)
I loved it, too. I wrote a couple of bouncy reviews for it somewhere on this site. I hope you enjoy your return!
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I just saw this movie Sunday night and I loved it!
Warning: Minor spoilers.
I really had no idea what to expect. I knew that there were Beatles covers in the film, and that the story line seemed to be your standard boy-meets-and-loses-girl one, with the sixties as a backdrop. What I didn't realize is that it was a musical, and had all these inventive dance and imagery routines for the songs. For the first ten minutes I wondered what I had got myself into (and my innocent friend, who knew less about the film than I did).
Then they did the "With a Little Help from my Friends" number, and it was so playful and fun. THEN they did "It Won't Be Long" as a girl group. SOLD. I was completely onboard from that moment. We were both laughing as our heroine and her friends come in, answering "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" in their high voices. The Beatles totally should have been a girl group. My love blossomed from that point on.
From the selection of songs and the sequencing, it was clear to me that this movie was a labor of love. The way certain vocal embellishments in these well-known songs were given to a character to express his or her emotion at a particular moment was brilliant; nobody who didn't pore over their Beatles catalog could have come up with it. ("Come Together," "Hey Jude" and "All You Need is Love" spring to mind). I enjoyed all the various cover versions; hearing these songs performed afresh with such different voices and arrangements gave me a whole new appreciation for the songs.
I thought the idea of using Beatles songs to tell the story of the late sixties was clever. The point was not to come up with a dramatic plot. The whole film was an exercise to illustrate that the Beatles catalog could be used as soundtrack of the times. I think it succeeded brilliantly.
I don't know if this film is still playing where most of you are, but I wanted to share my delighted response with you. Cheers!
I LOVE IT TO. not only because of the songs, and I admit I was born in the 90's so I can't really say that there were no "cliches". but I think that the songs were well sung and well placed. it made sense. (except I didn't really care for ERW/Lucy)
however some of the songs were to...changed.
other than that I couldn't really disagree with it. some parts brought a tear to my eye I must admit. :'( ;D
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I loved it when I saw it, but I don't know if I could watch it again. Other than the parts with Joe Cocker and Bono that is. I DO want to see LOVE again. I might have to talk someone into taking me again for my birthday. It was just so awesome.
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I loved it when I saw it, but I don't know if I could watch it again. Other than the parts with Joe Cocker and Bono that is. I DO want to see LOVE again. I might have to talk someone into taking me again for my birthday. It was just so awesome.
you mean for Cirque Du Soliel?
that's still going on?
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you mean for Cirque Du Soliel?
that's still going on?
Yeah. The Mirage has invested a lot of money into it. The theater, the Beatles store, the Revolution lounge. They've got a whole Beatles theme going on there. Plus I think it's doing VERY well. Those Beatles are good for business!
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I also enjoyed it quite a bit, and like some people I also didn't know what to expect but I thought it was well "put" if you know what I mean.
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I thought i'd weigh in...
When i heard this was happening i was apprehensive about the whole thing. and i can at least say i didn't HATE the film..
I was rather indifferent... the covers were hit or miss but when they hit they were great.. really the best part of the film... my problem with the whole thing was it didn't seem to warrant an entire film.. i didn't care at all for these characters or the story they were commiting to film so it begged the question as to why do it in the first place.. the performances were fine.. but most of my reservations seem to be more an aversion to musicals than this film... i just didn't think this film was very good despite some great art direction and music.
I was pleased in a way that this film left me so indifferent, had it been better i might have been conflicted hahahahah :P rather i'm left with something that pales in it's execution, message, and power and only seemingly matches some of the style without the real substance of the work and time that inspired it.. a superficial homage that was a guilty pleasure to watch but will be forgotten just as quick.. some highlights of things i would have loved to see is more of the imagery in relation to the story... on "I Want You" when they used Uncle Sam i thought that was excellent... but using song titles like 'she came in through the bathroom window" when she does just that made me ill...
Overall i was glad i didn't see this film in theatres.. a poor film using great music in a different and fairly tasteful way.. but lacking some of the "cool" factor.. that The Beatles would have had... the film was slick and stylish.. but wasn't hip in the way that even LOVE was.. or any of the beatles releases.. it just shows that the Beatles are sooo much cooler than anything out there.
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I didn't see it in the theater because when I saw the commercials for it, it irritated me that other people were singing the Beatle songs. I was thinking "Why would I want to go pay money to hear other people sing Beatle songs when I know they won't do a good job?" However, after reading this thread, I think I will go ahead and get the DVD. I will post back with my thoughts and opinions.
I will be going next month to the Love show in Las Vegas and I will also report back on that. I don't think that show is going anywhere, Mirage is making way too much money. The tickets are still crazy high years later. And im still crazy enought pay it 8)
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I liked this song because they got the music to fit. For me it wasn't really about how they portrayed the time period but the characters felt real like it could really happen. Plus the music Rocked!!
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I liked this song because they got the music to fit. For me it wasn't really about how they portrayed the time period but the characters felt real like it could really happen. Plus the music Rocked!!
^^^^^^^I finally saw the movie last night and I LOVED IT!!!! Excellent job with the songs and the songs fit into the story lines. I was, too, kinda apprehensive about seeing it, since I'm a Beatles' "puriest" and can't even imagine anyone else singing their music. But this movie changed my mind. Very well done. I rented it thru Netflixs and I'm gonna buy the DVD tomorrow to add to my collection.
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same for me, but I fell in love too. I refuse to buy all the Beatles "tribute" cds, but I honestly had to rush out and get this soundtrack. My boyfriend bought me the special edition dvd for our anniversary, and I watch is as often as he'll let me!!! (hate to admit it, but my bf isn't big on the Beatles, he doesn't even like them :-( !)
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Good for you!!! I don't buy the Beatles' "tribute band" stuff either, but I do like to see some tribute bands when they roll into town. The best one I've ever seen is when we went to Branson, MO, and saw "Liverpool Legends"..........and they're managed by George's sister, Louise..........great band. We had a blast. My husband even got up on stage with them to sing "Birthday" because it was November and his birthday is that month.....
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sweet, do they tour or just stay Brandson?
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Go to their website, LiverpoolLegends.com, and check out the dates they play. They mostly play Spring thru November in Branson, and then maybe play some private gigs elsewhere. The guys that "play" Paul and George are too cute!!!!
Oh............and I bought "Across the Universe" today. I'm gonna make the hubby watch it this weekend.
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I had very mixed feelings about whether to see this movie or not. For one thing I just don't like people redoing Beatle songs, especially women. But I had so many people ask me if I saw it yet and I'm like no, then they react shocked so I might just see it. Pluse, Jim Sturgess is a very handsome man! So if all else fails, he'll keep me interested!
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^^^^You got to watch it. I had the exact same feelings you did until I braved it and watched it. It's a great movie................and the actors/singers do give justice to the Beatles' songs. You won't be disappointed.
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Yes, Jim Sturgess has a nice face factor going. The story is just an excuse to play a lot of Beatles songs. I for one loved the way they did most of these covers. They sounded so fresh. It made me feel happy that these songs have got a future; they can appeal to each generation going forward.
In fact, in my YouTube journeys today I just read a comment from a schoolgirl saying how the movie led her to the Beatles, because she got curious and wanted to hear the originals. Now she's hooked! That's the fantastic thing about a new adaptation; it can bring new fans in to the source, and help them discover the richness there. For me, the movie helped me hear the songs in a new way, which made them seem all the more alive and well.
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Believe me, that is the best way to get today's younger generation interested in the Beatles. At my son's school, the 6th grade class are going to put on a performance of the song "Yesterday" for a talent competition next week. And their "Beatle Lady"...me...will be there to see it.
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I want to rent it, I think I'm going to.
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I just watched the extras off this DVD last night. Amazing stuff. I particularly liked the choreography guy-- astounding dancing.
Regarding the Beatles' tunes, the director made the decision early on to deliberately not try to imitate the Beatles, because they'd only come up short. So they looked for ways to reinvent the tunes to make them fresh and unexpected-- like leaving out one of Paul's well-known basslines because "the brain knows it's there and we'll hear it anyway". The music director was so cute. At the end he says, "Paul, if you're out there, we know that you did it better, but please understand that our hearts are in the right place." (Or words to that effect.)
The more I see the creative effort that went on to produce this, the more I stand by my first impression that this was a labor of love. Yes, they wanted to make a commerically viable movie, but they really did want to bring the Beatles catalog to life in a new way. But then, I also thought Love was terrific, so you can tell where I'm coming from. I happen to think the reinventions only reveal more of the strength and flexibility of the music, while in no way challenging the original catalog.
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I tried watching it on demand a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't get through it. I still love the Joe Cocker and Let It Be parts though. And the Bono part, but I turned it off before he showed up! The rest of it is kind of corny. I found myself cringing more than a couple of times this time.
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I just watched the extras off this DVD last night. Amazing stuff. I particularly liked the choreography guy-- astounding dancing.
Regarding the Beatles' tunes, the director made the decision early on to deliberately not try to imitate the Beatles, because they'd only come up short. So they looked for ways to reinvent the tunes to make them fresh and unexpected-- like leaving out one of Paul's well-known basslines because "the brain knows it's there and we'll hear it anyway". The music director was so cute. At the end he says, "Paul, if you're out there, we know that you did it better, but please understand that our hearts are in the right place." (Or words to that effect.)
The more I see the creative effort that went on to produce this, the more I stand by my first impression that this was a labor of love. Yes, they wanted to make a commerically viable movie, but they really did want to bring the Beatles catalog to life in a new way. But then, I also thought Love was terrific, so you can tell where I'm coming from. I happen to think the reinventions only reveal more of the strength and flexibility of the music, while in no way challenging the original catalog.
^^^^^I haven't watched the "extras" on the second disc yet. I just bought it yesterday upon me watching it rented the night before. I've got to check this out. Thanks for the "thumbsup"!!!
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I will buy it on dvd but from what i've seen... :-/
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I didn't like the previews either, I wasn't sure what it was about, or what point they were trying to get across, I went into the theater all ready to trash it, but I ended up becoming obsessed.
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I like it up to when it starts getting trippy. For some reason I really despise the "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite"
After Because you kind of lose me...
I really hate the ending though, just too much. All of the song references -Maxwell's Silver Hammer and She Came in Through the Bathroom Window- and the rooftop concert.
I was sitting here with my sister watching it and the part where the Jo Jo character plays ADITL and tears came to my eyes. it was just so beautiful without words, but the real song is so much more.
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I have already mentioned the fact that here the audience applauded when the film was over, which I liked, cause there were different kinds of people in the cinema and a lot of young people. I enjoyed the film and the acting.
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I still think it's a great movie..........especially to get the youngsters involved in the Beatles' music.
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Oh.........on another note............I still can't believe pretty little Evan Rachel Woods is dating Marilyn Manson........you figure............ ??)
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Appearances are deceptive
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You know the old saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." :P
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But Marilyn Manson???????? Duh...............
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I know xD I was kind of being sarcastic there. He creeps me out basically.
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Slightly "off" the subject............it's Halloween everyday for Marilyn Manson........
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^ That made me LOL
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He grew up idolizing the Boogie Man/ Casper
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By the way, all his girls have been beautiful. The man has perfect taste. This blonde is very beautiful to me. And he is not bad-looking, i should say...
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I was only kidding...
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I was only kidding...
Are you in love...??? ;)
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what?
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Who are we talking about?
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..all i heard was some blonde chick, he looks good, are you in love, and yeahh...
hah i'm a wee bit confused.
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We are talking about him!!! The great and horrible Marilyn Manson! So what? That was a private conversation, by the way... But you are allowed to enter... Step in now...
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We are talking about him!!! The great and horrible Marilyn Manson! So what? That was a private conversation, by the way... But you are allowed to enter... Step in now... 8)
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-Sorry.
Didn't know it was that "private!", considering it is on a public message board.
But I'm good, thanks.
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Good lord............Marilyn Manson............any woman who finds him attractive needs to have her head exammed....
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hah
I agree with you aspinall_lover.
He is a horrid man.
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I concur
;D
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I finally saw this movie last night. It was alright, the songs were great of course. Jim Sturgess did a great job.
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For the record I love this film. Of course I much prefer the Beatles renditions but there were some great stand out moments. Come Together and Oh! Darling in particular for me. Dana Fuchs can really wail, if you'll forgive the Wayne's World terminology. She's also a babe (okay, I'll stop it now)....
I was also dumbstruck as to what Rachel Evan Wood sees in Marilyn Manson. Maybe it's the different coloured eyeballs.
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Rachel loves Bad guys, like most or all women do. Their magnetic power is irresistable!
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I still think this is a great movie. It's in my collection.........
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I thought it was a great movie!
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It's ok the songs are good but didn't care much of the film I prefer I am Sam
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I'm listening to the Across the Universe soundtrack now :) I really want to watch it now!!!!
Euan - I take it I Am Sam is a good movie? I've seen bits and parts but not the whole thing...
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Across the Universe is nice and sweet, it`s a musical and the actors are good. I`ve seen it 4 times. You won`t regret it.
And what is I Am Sam?
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FNU and I were supposed to have a movie night and we were gonna watch Across The Universe, but we couldn't find it On Demand, so we ended up doing the most random things.
Those things include:
Playing with old lipstick.
Watching TV.
Drinking orange soda.
Tattooing each other.
And saying the word "What-EEEHHHHH-ver".
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Okay, so FNU and I finally watched Across The Universe. I thought it wasn't bad. I didn't like some of the covered songs, or the people, but it was a cute movie.
And now, FNU with her thoughts. FNU?
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I love the film but I`ve seen too much of it, :(
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Across the Universe is nice and sweet, it`s a musical and the actors are good. I`ve seen it 4 times. You won`t regret it.
And what is I Am Sam?
It's a film about a fathe taking custoty of his daughter the soundtrack has Beatles songs in it and the film has lots of Beatles references in it.
Heres the trailor
[http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EROTbDCr5ag
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i'm not crazy on this movie, not my cup of tea. :-/
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i thought the movie was ok, but some of the covers drive me crazy! i mean, people hear those songs, and suddenly they're Beatles fans, but those arent the way that the songs were intended to be, necessarily. like one of my friends who's always been a casual Beatles fan is now crazy about some of their songs, but for the cover verisons, not the originals.
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It's a film about a fathe taking custoty of his daughter the soundtrack has Beatles songs in it and the film has lots of Beatles references in it.
Heres the trailor
[http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EROTbDCr5ag
Thank you very much!
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I Am Sam is incomparable with this movie. I Am Sam is just amazing. The acting, the scenes and the plot. Breathtaking. As for the covers, I really can't stand people covering Beatles songs. It's never as good as the original so why bother?
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I don`t mind other singers covering the Beatles songs. Another thing is whether I am going to listen to them or not. Actually I always feel pleased when I hear somebody singing one of the songs.
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I've just picked up a copy of "Across The Universe" in the bargain bin in the supermarket , it only cost 2.99
So i will watch it this weekend and tell you what i think of the film , as i've not seen it .
I love a bargain and it's the two disc edition (thumbsup)
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Just got through watching "Across The Universe" and i must say i quite liked it on the whole , but i do have some quibbles i thought the first 25 mins was a bit to High School Musical especially when Jude got to America , infact i would have cut a good fifteen minutes from the scenes it kind of Americanized the film a bit to much ?
I think that was a mistake , more of the film should have been set in England , they could have come to England to escape Max's draft for a bit , it would have been good to see swinging London ?
Infact they could have moved around the world a lot more the title suggests that ? i just feel it could have been opend up more as a film and become more universal , Liverpool ,New York , India , London a bit more of a travelogue more real locations in keeping with some of the songs ?
I liked the visuals quite trippy in places which i liked , especially when Max went for his draft medical , the stripping of the men down to their underwear and putting them on a conveyor belt and into little boxes was a great visual touch from the female director , it was quite brutal and dehumanizing ?
Loved Joe Cocker he stole the show on the celebrity cameo front , Bono was sh*te he really is getting on my nerves these days , not sure Eddie Izzard was well cast either as Mr Kite , Johnny Deep would have been better ?
The Let It Be part was very moving got a lump in my throat at that bit and it was very well sang , it made the power of the song stand out ?
Jim Sturgess was very good as Jude nice voice and i liked Lucy and Sadie .
My only other qubbile was the hair on the guys it looked more 90's than 60's and they had some crap wigs at various points ?
But overall i quite liked it and will watch it again , 7 out of 10 (smile)(thumbsup)
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I Am Sam is incomparable with this movie. I Am Sam is just amazing. The acting, the scenes and the plot. Breathtaking. As for the covers, I really can't stand people covering Beatles songs. It's never as good as the original so why bother?
Even Paul & George liked it not sure if Ringo saw it
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As for the covers, I really can't stand people covering Beatles songs. It's never as good as the original so why bother?
Depends in what context...there are a lot of lame covers out there. Personally, I do it because, A) I love The Beatles B} Theres a lot of poo covers out there C} I like to get in to the Abbey Road spirit. D} From both a recording and performing perspective, it is a great exercise. :)