5 minutes in, I loved this movie.

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2007)

There's only one reason to not give this movie a "10:" the story is fairly pedestrian. And yet, the music, cinematography, visual effects (spare and well-employed), and direction completely overcome that minor issue.
I first heard of this movie in March 2007, when the trailer hit Apple's iTunes website. I was mesmerized. I next caught the trailer in a theater prior to "Stardust" (another great and under-appreciated movie.) My girlfriend really couldn't grasp my love-at-first-sight passion for this movie. Until, that is, we went and saw it this past weekend.
First of all, Julie Taymor and her team are a bunch of geniuses. To take thirty songs from the Beatles, rearrange the music and re-task the songs into situations they might not have fit into at first glance, is an amazing accomplishment. Evan Rachel Wood, it turns out, is a fine singer, and shines in her role as "Lucy." Dana Fuchs' "Sadie" (Sexy Sadie, indeed!) can feel free to join Janis Joplin and Etta James in the land of women with powerful, gut-wrenching voices. Martin Luther's soulful vocals are a great counterpoint to Fuchs' raw energy. Truth is, all these kids can sing, and sing well.
Bono, as Dr. Robert, and Eddie Izzard, as Mr. Kite, are wonderful additions to this cast. Bono, especially, does not play his role "as Bono," which I wholeheartedly appreciated. The cameo by Joe Cocker was great fun for me, as well.
As a fan of the Beatles, I loved this movie. It's a love letter to the band's fans as much as a love letter to the band itself. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone. It won't be getting any Oscar nods (with the exception of Best Song, perhaps), but awards are not why we see the movies. We see them for enjoyment, and this film delivers enjoyment at a high level throughout.