Good movie if you have the right frame of mind

Rating: Null/10 (25 September 2004)

I have read a number of reviews of this film and have to disagree with them on a number of points.
It has been argued that the modern music/lyrics should'nt be in a film set in the early 1900s. However I think, IMO, that this is one of the strengths of the film. The music is excellent, even more so since it is out of context. It allows a modern audience, to appreciate the comedy and lyrical value of these songs. Admittedly some of these songs are not modern ' classics', but Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman do a good job. (though I still think that 'Somewhere Beyond the Sea' is the best MacGregor song on film, but that may be due to Carmen Diaz :) ) However this film is probably aimed at people who were young in the 80s and remember the music of the time.
The film itself is a love story and, to be fair, a classical one at that (poor poet and unattainable woman), and is done pretty well. Nicole and Ewan make a nice couple and their acting is central to what makes this film worthwhile. However there is some classical moments for lovers strange covers of music, the 'Like a Virgin' cover by Jim Broadbent is great as is the 'Roxanne' cover.
In essence,if you remember the music (late 80's/earlyt 90's) and like a good musical then this is one for you.
I should also say that this is one of the most different (original) movies for a long time and allowed movies like Chicago to happen ( don't know if this is a good thing).
Anyway this is just my opinion, watch the movie and make your own mind up, but I dare you not to hum some of the tunes the next day ;)..