YESTERDAY....I saw this movie :P

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2019)

I really enjoyed this film up until the last 10-15 min of the film. I thought it was completely original. I also liked that it wasn't just The Beatles that didnt exist. Theres a bit of running gag where Jack (Himesh Patel) will ask for something or mention something and the others will go "Huh, what are you talking about". It was funny, it was charming, I laughed and had a smile on my face throughout. I even thought there was some really nice cinematography in here too.
The reason why I think the ending dragged my enjoyment down. Besides a cheesy montage thrown in. And this is where a spoiler comes in....is that he finally announces to this huge stadium that he actually hasnt written any of these songs, it was done by The Beatles (which of course no ones know). However, this doesnt really cause him any conflict. Except for his manager but thats mainly because shes money obsessed. The whole crowd that has just learned he's a liar still ooohs and awwws over him. He gets the girl. Even the boyfriend of the girl is basically all "Oh...schucks, you guys are so a cute couple". I mean I get thats not the main lesson he had to learn. It was more about that success doesnt mean dollar bills or being super famous, its about the people you surround yourself with...blah blah blah, but it still just didnt ring true to me. I think I would have been more accepting of him getting away with lying and taking credit for other artists work, if maybe there was another power surge and that kind of reset what happened. He can still retain the knowledge he has learned and he gets a proper do-over.
I also feel like this film suckles Ed Sheeran's dongle a bit. Don't get me wrong, I do like Ed Sheeran. But they make him out to be like he's the biggest and most best artist out there. Like theres a seriously a scene where its like "Can you challenge me, Ed Sheeran, in a song writing competition? Bet you can't". And like after this song writing scene, Ed literally has a line where he's like "Now, I know what its like to be Salieri". And his manager is constantly ragging on Jack for not looking like a star...but have you seen Ed Sheeran...he doesnt look like a star or dress like one either. I dont know why he gets a pass. Im sure Ed was fine with poking a bit of fun at himself...but I dont know. It just made me want to go "Calm down, even in a world without The Beatles, it doesnt make you number 1".
I would also maybe change up the relationship with Ellie (Lily James) and Jack. There was more than one scene where they do the dance of "Why wont you love me...oh its too late". I think I would have maybe cut out the first moment in the bedroom, cause I feel like it cuts out some of the impact later. But I would say those are my main gripes. I otherwise really liked this film, and could see it being in my top 10 later this year.
I'd give it an 8.5