So, the movie musical isn't dead. The Beatles will be forever.

Rating: 9/10 (29 August 2008)

The hardest thing about writing about "Across The Universe" is figuring out where to start. There are just so many things that, for me, make this movie such a great experience, and an experience that can, and should be enjoyed over and over. I'm not going to say that if you like The Beatles, you'll like Across The Universe. Many people will, a few won't.
Before I go any further, a confession: I was born in 1963, some of the first music I remember hearing was The Beatles, I've been listening, intently, to The Beatles since then.
When I first heard of a musical, with nothing but Beatles songs, I was both intrigued and concerned. The idea really appealed to me, but the horror story that became "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1978) came to mind.
Happy to say that Julie Taymor and her creative team didn't disappoint. "Across The Universe" fast became one of my favorite films. This is a smart film, that respects it's audience and has great respect for The Beatles. It also gives us a small, and somewhat safe window on the 60's. It's not "Easy Rider", and that's okay. It still tells it's story, and does it sometimes against a lovely psychedelic canvas.
Watching T.V. Carpio (Prudence) singing "I Want To Hold You hand" surprised and moved me in ways I would have never imagined. I loved "I Want To Hold Your Hand" as a great song, and as Classic Beatles, T.V. Carpio made me love it all over again, in a completely different way. Amazing!! I'm watching it again, as I write these words. It's worth it.