Warning to anyone with sentiment for the Beatles music: this movie metaphorically defecates on the Lennon memorial. I felt like an Orthodox Catholic watching Jesus Christ Superstar. What'll Taymor do next? Heart Shaped Box: the musical of Kurt Cobain.

Aside from the fact that this movie isn't totally broken, it's totally insulting. I love the Beatles, but Taymor makes them her bitch and uses songs that were once important as nothing more than mouthpeices for her characters. Terrible, heart ripping movie that will kill any real Beatles fan that understands that their music is for the fans, not for a hack filmmaker.

Fantastic film-a must see on the big screen. One of the best film I've ever seen actually. Loved the visuals, the symbolism, it was a real "trip".

When we first meet Lucy(Evan Rachel Woods), America is still in the midst of a fifties hangover(read: pre-British Invasion), so rather than link "Hold Me Tight" to such antiquated imagery of the previous decade, it would've made better sense had "Across the Universe" used a non-Beatles song(like "Paul and Paula") that represented the general malaise on the radio airwaves before the foppish Liverpudlians' music distract people from their recently assassinated president and corresponding cynicism towards their government. "Across the Universe" should have used the McCartney/Lennon canon in a more chronological fashion(early-to-mid-period-to-late) to tell the story of how innocent young Americans were transformed by the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Start with "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"; end with "Let it Be". That's what I mean. To the film's credit though, never for a moment did any of the musical numbers remind me of the unfortunate "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". It's good to see this filmmaker taking risks again after the surprisingly routine biopic "Frida". But still, the film squanders its potential. More should be made of the Lucy's first contact with Jude(Jim Sturgess). Something that would remind the audience of how America first reacted to the Fab Four's appearance on our soil, and on our televisions.… Expand

I found this movie often exhilarating and emotionally satisfying. The acting and singing were first rate. And it certainly was a visual feast. I listened and understood many of the Beatle's songs in an altogether different way.

Abortive is the key word here. The movie introduces a bunch of archetypal characters, which are quickly ushered out after some awkward attempts at relevance. After a bit, we're left with the two main characters and a boring, unconvincing, love story that's strictly by-the-numbers. Even the music, surprisingly, is mediocre.

heres a film that you hate yourself for not liking.... Taymor brilliance is lost and reserved for elaborate montages and eccentric scenery that just does not counterbalance a weak story ... lost in translation... musical numbers don't arise with grace they seem forced and heavily drawn out and dependent on its flare .. characters have no soul and aside form prudence no one else takes center stage... total disappointment... FRIDA !!! remember that was beautiful… Expand

worth one viewing. A very little more than mediocre film. The fragile story often pointlessly digressed to include a poorly chosen Beatles song just because it is well-loved.

Julie Taymor hits a home run with her incredibly creative adaptation of the Beatles catalog to the times from which the songs were born. This movie isn't for everyone, clearly that's the case judging by some of the harsh reviews, but if you've a liberal mind, I think it will appeal to you. Remember, these are the flower children days, so pro war supporters will be naturally turned off at having images tied to some songs they may have tolerated listening to in the past. When viewed as a love story set in the turbulent 60's with dashes of historical events or references to those events, and accompanied by Beatles songs, it's hard to see this film not earning a place in the hearts of those open to its nostalgic charm.… Expand

I'm kind of disgusted at what some of your reasons were for not liking this film, negative critics. Someone didn't like it because of a "little Asian lesbo"? Honestly. This film was fantastic in every which way. It brought back the feel of a time when we needed change, rebellion, and heart. Taymor, my hats off to you.

One of the most orginal, imaginative movies I've ever seen. The musical numbers were simply mindblowing. Sure to please Beatles fans, and perhaps make new ones. My only complaint was that sometimes you had to work hard to piece together the jigsaw puzzle of a plot. Overall, a very enjoyable, entertaining film that captured the spirit its subject.

This film moved me at a visceral level. I don't care that we've heard this message before and that the plot lines are cliche. The eye candy is fun to watch and the beautifully simple, catchy Beatles lyrics have been updated for our generation. At its core, this anti-war film wonders why our society has made the same mistakes this decade as we did during the Vietnam War. In an interview Director Julie Taymor asked "Where is the outrage about the Iraq War?" Where indeed.… Expand

Astonishing. The Beatles shared their music with the world - all of us. Their music is inseparable from the soundtrack to so many of our lives. This film is a lush, beautiful and powerful parallel of what is happening RIGHT NOW. One reason the Beatles are so timeless and good is because they convey emotional, social and political messages that are clear eyed, compassionate, strong and also subtle. We have always had to read between the lines. John, Paul, George and Ringo wrote music that asked us to look around and see what is going on in the world in the present, in the now, in the moment. Julie Taymor isn't a historian - she is a talented filmmaker that makes movies communicating with current images, signs and symbols that are the language of our world. This film is a beautiful way of sharing awareness, love and the state of the world today: "Living is easy with eyes closed."… Expand

A strange experience. During the first 20 minutes (aproximately) I was hating this movie. When I was about to live, an extremely imaginatively and well choreographed scene made me stay. Very soon I fell in love with it and I stay during the whole show. I left the theatre with a pleasant feeling, in spite of a naive and almost silly ending. Visually stunning, excellent music background, and with the exception of Evan Rachel Wood, the cast is fine. Julie Taymor is a superficial director that obviously come from a Broadway background, but knows how to deliver her goods. With the exception of "Titus," she has done nothing relevant.… Expand

Across the Universe is definitely an ambitious movie full of ideas however many of the ideas lack a real sense of place and purpose. Pieces seemed to have been thrown in here and there if only to get us more Beatles songs, which were, by the way, butchered beyond credibility. This is a direct result of the difficult concept attempted and lack of solid direction. The movie ended up being extremely cliche and incoherent.… Expand

Absolutely brilliant. Never was it truer that it was the best of times and also the worst of times back in the 60's. The Beatles music comes to life as their lyrics take on a crystal clear meaning. The age of innocence followed by the Viet Nam War, the Civil distress and all the mayhem that followed. The cast is brilliant, the acting and directing superb. This is definitely a movie that is a must see.… Expand

This movie was great in every way! I thought to myself what a perfect time for a movie like this one to expose itself! We need more like it during this time in our world! Awesome movie.

One of the most visually audacious and wildly imaginative movie musicals probably ever filmed. Although its flighty tongue-in-cheekness and psychedelic vision may throw off viewers expecting a more realistic view of the 60s and interpretation of Beatle opus, actually the movie succeeds at capturing the poignancy and beauty of the songs reimagining them in the context of the American youth's cultural and political movements. Drollness and irreverence were some of what the Beatles and the 60s were about and the movie tries this while also portraying the hopes and darkness that surrounded the era in all its youthful exuberance. Despite a goofy story line and lack of chronological order - musical and otherwise - which undoubtedly will enrage purists, the movie its a must see for Beatle fans, boomers, those interested in the 60s and pyschedelia,and those interested in contemporary movie musicals and special effects. Far superior to other rock musicals such as "Tommy" and "The Wall," it should be Oscar-nominated for its music, cinematography and choreography.… Expand

Brilliant.

To say it simply... I fell in love with this movie. Who would've thought upbeat songs like "I want to hold your hand" or "It won't be long" can be a tear jerker.

Back Broadway's brighter days, a musical that never took flight was known as a "turkey." Throw in some stuffing and some gravy and "Across the Universe" would feed a family of ten at Thanksgiving. Pretentious and plodding and, ultimately, just a waste of time, money and talent. Handsome performers with pretty little pop voices are everywhere but there's naught but the thinnest little story on which songs and fragments-of-songs hang. What's supposed to be "cool" and "stylized" has all been done before (see Milos Forman's "Hair" and Ken Russell's "Tommy").… Expand

This was a beautifully made movie. The cinematography was stunning, the effects were creative, and the plotline was moving. Overall, this was my favorite movie so far this year.

The best movie I have ever seen I love that movie I really really really love it a lot.

I have a confession to make: I do not like Julie Taymor. I have never enjoyed her films, I have never found her to be talented or competent when dealing with a cast and I have always had the distinct impression that she simply wants to pat herself on the back for making all those pretty pictures. Well, I'm glad to say that with this movie, Taymor has moved up in my mind from terrible to...meh. Overall, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is nothing special. We've all seen it before: psychedelia in musicals, musicals based on a band's songs, and of course the cross-continental love story. Where Julie Taymor really drops the ball is with the songs that she uses. Despite boasting 31 classic Beatles tracks, it seems like too much of an overload. The story is awful, and it appears to be grafted on to fit the songs, and some songs aren't even relevant to the overall story ("Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!", "I am the Walrus", "I Wanna Hold your Hand" just to name a few). The cast is poorly-directed and it's a shame too, because the dialogue is excellent and could have been even better with some solid performances. Overall, skip this and watch MOULIN ROUGE instead.… Expand

Better than my expectations. This film does something I haven't seen done before, albeit unevenly. The weight (don't read that as depth) of a movie, with the attention to lyric of cabaret, as well a hint of psychedelica. Great for what it was. A little tiring when every song is a ballad, but very enjoyable.

The Beatles are the most over rated rock band in the world. Their music is terrible and makes an excellent match for this craptacular film.

I was moved, swept away, utterly smitten. SEE THIS MOVIE!

Captured the 60's perfectly The dance numbers are wonderfull and what could anyone say about the Bealtes score except brilliant.

I wanted to like this but it was so, so, so disappointing. Should have been so much better. Its pathetic when the best part of the movie is the cracked-out trippy part. Everything felt forced and Wood's acting was atrocious... but the dumbed-down script and 1-dimensional characters did not help. Crap.

I was hesitant to see this movie, having been a huge Beatles fan for so many years. However, I must say that I was absolutely blown away on so many levels. It's a very emotional experience, with the songs used in very creative ways. The choreography and conceptual use of the songs is stunning. I can't recommend it highly enough.

WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT.... I will admit that the directing and the message was great, but you can't have a good movie without a great script. The story is so cliche, we've seen it all before. I wish they could of said something new besides war is bad, artists are selfish egomaniacs, and all we need is love. This movie had a great opportunity to say something, but instead it preached to the choir. I'm their key audience, super liberal artist and I left two hours in. BECAUSE YOU STOP CARING ABOUT THE CHARACTERS BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS ANYTHING BUT TO BE SAD! Should of used some of that money they spent on production design to get a good screenwriter. DON'T SEE IT.… Expand

Amazing!!

Your liking of this movie will be mostly proportional to the love of the Beatles and your interest in the 60s. The movie is really a series of music videos, though the term is somewhat demeaning to these mostly fabulous montages. I personally enjoyed the musical covers. The characters didn't need to be called Lucy, Sadie, Rita, Prudence. It helps to have a little inside knowledge of the 60s and the New York scene. The Cafe Wha for example has been changed to the Cafe Huh. The Village Gate though is still the Village Gate. And the singing from a rooftop is reminiscent of another band's rooftop performance...… Expand

By no means perfect, but I still give it a 10. "Across the Universe" is the most playful and creative American film I've seen since "Boogie Nights." It is passionate, inventive film-making; a welcome bit of fresh air in an industry dominated by stale, predictable, and safe films.

Julie Taymor woke up one day and thought to herself: "Why don't I take a load of beatles songs and turn it into a crappy high-school musical-like Disney movie"? And here it is: terribly acted, poorly written and with the worst singing voices that movie fans heard in the past 10 years. the reason i'm not giving it a zero is the bad teeth joke. that was funny, but almost nobody noticed.

A movie that entertained, informed, and made you think! A great combination in this day and age.

If you're in the mood to sit through two hours of non-stop singing, then this is the right movie for you. Song, after song, after song, every musical number in this film seems to be have crammed in. This is one of those movies in which you can only see once. Although some covers of the Beatles songs are quite enjoyable, most of the over-thirty songs in this film are cut short.

Imagine the post-teen stars of the WB singing the Beatles! Sound good to you? Then you'll love this movie. There's maybe 10 minutes of good sequences, though, which saves it from a 0. Bono lends the film some much-needed weird energy. And it is interesting to hear Beatles songs re-set; they deserve to be, because they hold up so well. But it is horrible to see them re-set to a trite, thin story which somehow manages to thoroughly trivialize the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, and the creative magic of the Beatles' music. It is as if the worst of the Baby Boomer cliches have been given hipper haircuts in an extended iPod commercial. This movie is godawful, but not even "interesting-bad." Just bad.… Expand

A fabulous movie. Some scenes are so cheesy you'll want to barf, but the scenes that give the Beatles songs you've come to love a COMPLETELY new meaning make up for it- really really cool. There are probably one or two songs that will bother you... but when is the last time someone did something like this perfectly?

Don't let the critics fool you. This is a good trip.

A favorite for any Beatles fan. The soundtrack is phenomenal, adding new life to the great Beatles tracks. The story itself is a great love story and really reflective of life in the 1960s and 70s. I think there is a lot of symbolism in the movie. I have watched this over 20 times already, and every time I view it I catch something new.

Not only the best movie of 2007, one of my top ten of all time. Julie Taymor rules!

A fabulous movie!

If you are old enough to have lived when this music was new and the country was definitely on edge from the Vietnam War, you will probably love this movie for all the memories it evokes. And some of the vignettes are musically and visually brilliant - Bono's "I am the Walrus" for example. I can't help but think that it's less than stellar critical reception stems from the fact they did this with a virtually unknown cast (outside the few cameos). That must be a no-no.… Expand

Turned it off after the little Asian lesbo started singing about the blonde cheerleader. Absolute trash. Anyone who can recall listening to the Beatles when they were kids on LP should avoid this film like the plague. This is what HSM would be without a Disney sponsor.

My mouth is permanently open to you small-minded critics. Across The Universe is without a doubt extremely out there and different but that's what makes it so special. When was the last time you saw such a creative and well-thought through film? I must have seen this movie at least 20 times and each time I get something new out of it. Whether it's the outstanding symbolism portrayed or a new connection found through the dialogue, Across The Universe is a one-of-a-kind movie that whether you want to believe or not, is going down in history. If you were true Beatles fans you'd understand the magnitude Julie Taymor has for songs such as "I want you." How brilliant to think of the old Uncle Sam saying in that way? And then to twist it into a "want" of sexual desire. Lighten up, alright? You're too up tight. This is a movie to let loose to and teach you that life's going to have it's up's and down's but you have to just go with it or you won't survive. This movie has a place in my heart, and always will. I hope some of you ignorant fools who think otherwise revise your thoughts and way of life; you must be living a dull, cruel one now.… Expand

No movie could capture the political, cultural and historical events of the late sixties but this one makes an excellent attempt.

I loved this movie! I thought I would completely hate it but I was wrong. I'm a huge Beatles fan and I love watching this movie over and over to catch all the tiny references to Beatles lyrics.

Right away the musical gave off a cheesy vibe. Something about the random selection of Beatles songs that were performed awkwardly may have had something to do with it. There were moments where I said to myself "just stop singing." This is coming from a person who enjoys musicals and thinks the Beatles a diety. However, towards the middle of the film it began to really gain momentum and became uninteresting to an extent. It could have been filmed so much better, but isn't that always the case?… Expand

When Hair opened on Broadway in 1968, it brought "Drugs, Sex and Rock & Roll" and took the theatre world by storm. When Milos Forman made it into a film 11 years later, the impact was gone and the movie seemed dated and without relevance. In Across The Universe, Julie Taymor is telling almost the same story by weaving the songs of The Beatles into the narrative, and as a first generation Hippie I must say, It's Brilliant! The difference here is that Taymor is not trying for relevance, she has made a visual time-capsule not of The Beatles, but of a generation told through the music of the band that defined that generation, and what a visual treat it is. Using all covers of the Beatles catalog, some work better than others, but with those songs, they all start at good! The actors are all very good, especially Jim Sturgess as Jude (who must be a McCartney Clone) and Eddie Izzard as Mr. Kite. And despite what critics have found corny, I loved naming the characters after songs(Lucy, Sadie, Penelope etc) and characters clearly designed to be Janis, Jimi and Timothy Leary. Ms. Taymor again uses her signature animation and puppet design with extraordinary results. Across The Universe is, without a doubt, an old hippies dream and one of the best movie musicals ever! I've read that the studio cut the film to their liking and if that's the case, I can't wait for the director's cut on dvd! Bravo Ms. Taymor, you are a cinematic magician!!… Expand

This movie makes a mockery of the Beatles and their music. The fact that every character is named after a Beatles' song is bad enough. But to use the Beatles' music to drive this insipid plot is criminal. There are some creative visual images in the film and the young actors do a fairly good job singing. But this is a bad movie. I love the Beatles. I remember when they did not allow their music to be used for any commercials, etc. It was hard for me to sit through their songs being made into plot points. This movie is not an homage to the Beatles -- it is an abomination to their legacy.… Expand

This movie was the biggest waste of money ever. The writer must have been high on something more than caffeine. The movie was so random it was scary. I have now found my worst movie of all time.

Dave Z. is onto something: changing the context of these huge hits gives them a new meaning. And Taymor's image of the new inductees, marching in their underwear, carrying a giant Statue of Liberty through the SE Asian jungle landscape was worth the price of my ticket. Taymor may not always hit it out of the park, but she's not afraid to swing for the fences.

This movie was great! I went and saw it with my gf and we both loved it. I would def recommend it to anyone interested in seeing a good movie. Those people who said it was hard to follow and that it is all jumbled together are not intelligent enough to understand what this movie was saying.

I loved this film! Artsy, Musical, Deliciously Beautiful. I think the naysayers are taking it way too seriously. I'm 52 and was thoughly delighted the whole time. Going back to see it again before it goes off the big screen.

This is a film you either love or apparently (seeing the reviews and responses) hate. I thought it was beyond incredible. A great love story, an anti-war statement and wildly creative. It all worked for me, my husband and our sons, 9 and 10 years old. This film makes you also realize that the music of the Beatles is a gift to humanity. Hats off to you Julie Taymor - you are a genius.

First the basics- my friend and I (both late forties) left this movie pumped and happy. To us it was well worth the price of admission and the time. Usually I'm all for rich dialogue and complex storytelling but movie musicals are in a class by themselves. Those're often more experience than story, and this film is no exception. The voices range from pleasing to powerful, and the song renderings are heartfelt, making most of the individual situations believable (however improbable the whole). The visuals are compelling and beautiful, and in some cases stunning. The Beatles are never mentioned and as far as this movie is concerned they aren't relevant except for their wonderfully evocative and layered lyrics that enable the characters to say so much even when they're using very few words. The early scenes are mostly backstory for Jude, Max, Lucy and Prudence- a Cliff’s notes version of where they came from, why they went to NYC, and how they came together with other key characters. The second third covers their time together and the last their seeming unraveling. The final scene shows them coming back together, the group as a whole and the star crossed lovers Jude and Lucy. The lyrics make up much of the dialogue- in traditional movie musical fashion- so it makes sense for the characters' names to be part of the song lyrics. The chosen songs fit well with the scenes they’re used in, with only a couple seeming forced for effect (most notably the hospital scene- stunning dance number, but aside from confirming that Max’s brain doesn’t seem to work like anyone else’s not a good fit for the storyline). Yes there were some sad parts (Vietnam War, consequences and protests) but overall the movie is energetic, even when dealing with heartbreaking or chaotic events. This movie is more intuitive than literal, and works well in that sense. As in many other musicals the plot and characterization are a little thin, but the movie evokes the time, place and emotions so well that it mostly makes up for that lack. We would have been willing to see a song or two cut to add a few more minutes of explicit character development (vs. the intuitive development the songs and visuals wrought together), but that is a mostly minor quibble. When you go see it let go of preconceived notions of the Beatles and of movies and open yourself to the experience. There’s a lot more there than it seems.… Expand

Whoever categorized this movie as a musical probably never saw a musical. In the entire movie, there is probably 20 minutes worth seeing. Besides "I've Just Seen a Face" and "Come Together" all songs felt clumsily tacked on. After the first 50 minutes, the characters meander around pointlessly. The story twists and contorts itself for the inclusion of a few more poorly done songs.

The fitting dialogue are excellent, the picture magnificent.

I Loved This Movie I Mean Come On Love Is All You Need!

It was vaguely kitschy, but that was the point. It was cartoonish and iconicized for a reason. It was a perfect film representation of The Beatles, and as with the Beatles, you can criticize..... but why would you want to?!

I saw this film in Toronto, and I am baffled by the critics response. I think they must feel the need to be even more pretentious than they say this film is. I found Across The Universe moving, well sung and well acted. I think they have missed the point entirely. Anyway...go see it for yourself, and don't fight it...go with it.

the movie was amazingly mixed! original and fanstastic movie. It has humor and charm. a must-see for all

Its an ambitious project and a not-very original idea. Excellent element in order to analyze our semiotic world.

an exciting thriller of music, romance, violence, and so on. It is the best musical since School of rock, because most musical's suck.

Intelligent, moving, original and incredibly enjoyable.

Loved it. Visually stunning, great cast and fantastic covers. I usually hate it when people try to recreate these classic songs, but there are several instances in the film when I was just blown away by their quality. Everyone, especially Sturgess, is quite charismatic; the entire cast has a wonderful chemistry. I can see it getting some Oscar nods for sound, art direction and make costumes or make-up. I can forgive that the film is lacking in story and character development. It's a miracle that the film was as good as it was. Taymor had almost everything working against her, and I really don't mind that these songs and lyrics take centre-stage instead of a brilliant screenplay.… Expand

Contrived, shallow, and the worst cinematic use of good music ever... someones definitely dropping acid if this is their impression of the 60's.

I kept thinking this would get better. It didn't. I went because I'm a big fan of Julie Taymor. Someone should have held her genius feet to the fire on this one, though. This is embarrassing..to watch, to listen to, to think money had been spent to make this enlarged Coke commercial.

Brilliant film; like a cross of Hair and The Wall, and coming out better!

Can't wait to buy the CD, DVD and watch again the the theater. Lots of talent - the entire audience enjoyed this move.

Amazing movie. Moving and epic. I think people of ALL ages will enjoy it! It has a message for every person!

This is the best movie I have ever seen in my life. The acting was so REAL, unlike any other typically Hollywood movie. The Beatles are the best musicians ever, and watching this movie gives me new respect for the messages in their music that I never thought of. Anyone who gives this movie a rating under 50 must be mentally incapable of seeing outside the tiny little American-bred boxes their minds are locked inside of. It was a beautiful movie with a beautiful message. A must see classic!… Expand

The sensation after watching this movie is akin to being run over by a bus and then it backed up and ran over you again. This movies utterly predictable and quite frankly at time a bit irritable. If there ever was a case of a musical having too many songs, it was this one. By 3rd song, one is praying that the power just cuts out. If there is one star in this movie its Jim Sturgess who plays Jude. Managing to somewhat carry the viewer along with him, he's possibly the only good thing to come out of this movie Overall, this movie represents a bad acid trip.… Expand

Any movie that could so successfully polarize an audience must be on to something. It's pretty apparent from the start of the film that this is pure emotion in cinematic form - definitely not one for the "intellectual" crowd (and by intellectuals I mean people who are good at over-analyzing things they can't understand on an intuitive level.) But for those who are willing to just "let go" and ride the wave, well, you're in for a visually arresting treat set to some wonderful interpretations of classic Beatles songs. A good majority of the performances were sung live during the actual filming, lending them an intimacy that just seems to flow off the screen and into your heart. And as for the large number of violently negative criticisms which this film has garnered - well Bono puts it best in the movie when he says "You're either on the bus or you're off the bus." Thank you Julie Taymor for slipping one past the man and into our theatres.… Expand

Those who hate this movie are nothing but cheap McCartneyites who throw around the Lennon name just like ultra-patriots play the Un-American card. This movie shocked me by not being a corporate-friendly McCartney fest, no, it showed how America was falling apart at its seams then because the people realized something was wrong. With great covers such as "Helter Skelter", "Revolution", and "Hey Jude", you will not want to miss it.… Expand

What a horrid movie. Its like a nonstop interwoven Christian rock video. I could see if you were 50 something and really out of touch and were a hippy for one summer before you went to college and got a job that just maybe you might get sentimental and actually fall for this dreck but come on! Theres not even any Beatles songs in it!!! Yes there are people singing Beatles songs... but they nor this film doesn't even come close to a smidgen of creative force that was and is the Beatles. The only good scene was Eddie Izzard doing Tim Leary, that was good! Bloated Bono doing Kesey and the Merry Pranksters... wow that was embarrassing. Horrible movie.… Expand

This was a great audio/visual experience. I can only guess the movie was not supposed to pay just tribute to the Beatles, nor explain sufficiently the suffering of the Vietnam war, nor explain the social revolution of the 1960 extensively but instead bring us an entertaining, movie full of great music, cinematography, fun characters and smiles. I loved it for what it is and think it will be watched for years. Lighten up people.… Expand

This is a great approach to the 60's / 70's, the story is nice and the music is very consistent with those times. Some portions of the movie seems to extend the time of the film without adding much to the tale. Good for those that did not live those times, this is a naif way to see what happened, those fans of The Beatles and specially Lennon may love or hate the score but the songs where well selected and the performances are acceptable.… Expand

This was the best movie ever. the best. anyone who gave it under 7 on this rating site is a very shallow person. this movie sent a great message, and it was very deep and powerful. a must-see!

Everything was so forced and put on, the film was nearly impossible to watch. Oh, and the music...well, if you like good music then this film is not for you. If you like very sappy, ridiculous, embarrassingly awful renditions of some of the best songs ever written, then this film is for you. I don't like to be so harsh, but this movie did nothing but piss me off. Every time they seemed like they were going to do something worth watching, somebody would start singing and would bury my head and pray for it to be over. Avoid at all costs.… Expand

Wow the 60s! It's exactly as everyone said it was. I mean exactly: Vietnam, protest, drugs, sex. But watered down from Hair, the musical it copies. There is nothing original or thought provoking here at all. Just a bunch of tired cliches. Poor Beatles songs!

Really bad Beatles karaoke movie with possibly the flimsiest plot and characters i have ever seen.

this movie is one of the best films I have ever seen in my whole life!! I really love films and I know about the film industry and this film is so special!! Its awsome how julie Taylor creates a completely new world when love appears!! Every little detail is included and every character has its own personality ! I have to say that julie has a lot of imagination and we can also see her abilities on the lion king on broadway .... All the songs in the movie are extraordinary and some of them are better in the film than the real songs!! That is really difficult to do but they did it creating one of the best musicals ever!!! Its incredible how love converts everything into a dream and then how everything becomes sad and normal when love I'd in pause! I really loved this film and it is now one of my favourite movies!! Congratulations!!!… Expand

Taymor confronted the screaming infidelities within her characters but demanded appreciation for their imperfection within the audience. The characters provided a window of expansion in the plot which brilliantly flattered the Beatles' songs. As a frame compliments a breathtaking painting, this story created an outline for the infamous songs. Or at least thats what I wrote in my evaluation essay.… Expand

Pretty amazing. The most creative film I've ever seen, but never indulgently, never just for its own sake.

I absolutely love this movie!!!

A wonderful movie with some of the Beatles' best hits. It was all put together really well, with a dynamic storyline encompassing all of the seemingly random characters of the movie into one, moving plot. I loved this movie and even sang along to some of my favourite songs. Plus the cameos were pretty cool (Look out for Bono and Selma Hayek).

This looks like, and has about as much depth as, a (bad) film-school music-video. It lacks depth and heart, and tries so hard to fit Beatles lyrics in as dialogue that everything comes across as stilted and painful. Bono's cameo is almost unbearably dreadful. The three rating is given only because hey, it's the Beatles, and it does have its (very occasional) moments of being actually quite visuall arresting, and Jim Sturgess is, quite surprisingly, a pleasure to watch. Otherwise, to be avoided/to be run away from.… Expand

Let me put it this way: some reviewers in my opinion have expectations of movies that are beyond normal people like me. So, this movie is sheer brilliance quite simply put. if on top of that you love the Beatles, don't hesitate and watch this movie, it's beautiful, will move you, is very well played and sung. If you're 74 years old and you've been reviewing movies for 50 years you will think it's shallow... otherwise you will simply love this movie.… Expand

Brilliant movie - spectacular imagery; wonderful, insightful song interpretations, lovely love story and more. Joyous and provocative at the same time.

If you grew up with the Beatles in the 60's and understood the times as one who actually lived in it, you may find this movie utter drival. I'm sorry, but whoever wrote this movie doesn't have a clue. Yes, some nice visuals, but just too hokey and out of date.

Thank you Julie Taymor. You are the most creative mind alive today. This was a visual feast that had my heard dancing and anticipating the next incredible song to take over the screen. This is the best movie I have seen this year.

Astonishingly misconceived. The arrangements are awful, the plot is non-existent, the actors are asleep and the vision of the sixties seems to be derived from - to rob a Simpsons gag - Bob Hope parodies of that decade. I am ASTONISHED the critics have been so tolerant.

This movie was not only a "tear-jerker" but it was musically phenomenal, and all in all fantastic, I would love to thank Julie Taymor, Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, T.V. Carpio and Martin Luther McCoy for making this movie an instant success, i look forward to more films from this "era" and artistic styling...kudos!

As all the 10's out there realize, art is for arts sake and this was true art. The arrangement and integration of each seen to the subject matter blending music to storyline was truly masterful. Riddance to the naysayers!

Amazing movie, awesomely arranged songs of The Beatles and perfect matching with the songs and scenes. Crazy, out-there, over the top and astounding.

Just got back from seeing this, with a totally open mind. What a horrible, insufferable film, what a cheesy embarrassment. Definitely in the Top Ten of the Worst Movies I've Ever Seen. And I love musicals.