Unimaginative

Rating: 4/10 (15 May 2020)

What if the Beatles never existed? The film could have explored such a world, showing how great their impact has been. But that would entail alternative history writing and creativity, Back to the Future style. But the film offers none of that. Ok, but at least the film gives the opportunity to explore the question: What if The Beatles' music was released in today's world?
But alas, Jack's reintroduction of Beatles tunes to a modern public goes way to smooth to be interesting. The music is great, but its success is probably inseparable from the sociopolitical context of the '60s and the mythology surrounding the band. It would simply not have made the same impact in today's popculturally oversaturated world. By the film lazily presupposes the same success, because that's what the rags-to-riches plot needs.
So The Beatles is just used as a plot device to give a mediocre protagonist what's essentially super powers. Finally, he have to choose whether to reveal the truth about himself. It's a story we've seen countless times, and the film brings nothing new to the table. I think The Beatles' music is too important to be reduced to a mere plot device.
The only redeeming thing about the film is the Lennon scene. It's very powerful in several ways. But hey, why wouldn't searching for the Fab Four be the first thing you'd do in this alternative timeline? (Like Marty searched for Doc when sent back in time.) Why isn't the film all about Jack trying to "get the band together"?
That would be a completely different story, but much more entertaining (think School of Rock) and perhaps a bit emotional and thought-provoking as well. The message could be something like "it's never to late to fulfill your potential". And after Jack had orchestrated the Beatles late success, the "spell" would be broken and he would be transported back to his own timeline again (think Groundhog Day). And we would get to see an imaginary reunion of the Beatles. Why didn't we get a film like that instead?
Well, at least we got The Beatles.