Really torn

Rating: 3/10 (25 May 2020)

I'm just not sure what I really feel from this film. It is a great idea; and the train of thought, and side issues it brings up are very fascinating. I finally decided to view the film as an exercise. A long drawn out 'what if' scenario. The big obvious question is "would the Beatles songs stand up again? Was it just a matter of the times and fashion? Was it the four guys?" And the clear reply is 'No'. Those songs are so universal, so exuberant and timeless, that the genius shines through in all settings, on every level. If anything it showed up today's age; how vapid the pop machine has become. And to what denominator the machine appeals. The only Beatles song that comes up short IMO is "All you need is Love". I was imagining someone coming up with that song today, and how it would be used, and pushed, and I could easily feel how much I would hate the song. The Beatles did everything right. It was genius. The film does try to show what we expect now. There is little to no subtlety allowed in music anymore. People have to, or want to, be hit over the head with any message or sentiment. otherwise it doesn't count. So "USSR" is done Ramones style; John's real meaning of "Help" gets exagerated to the point of the singer screaming in a deranged manner. whereas Lennon knew that singing "Help" or "I'm a Loser" straight was powerful enough. The whole extended cameo of Ed Sheeran was ....confusing. I guess it made sense plot-wise. Someone needed to 'discover' him. And it also underscored this idea of the masses needing to be told. The room does not erupt in applause until Ed gives the OK, the first clap. Personally I don't think too much of his music, and he is IMO very unlikable, but it has to commended that he offered himself up to be 'sacrificed'. Someone needed to lose out to the Beatles songs. And someone needed to come up with the idiotic line "Hey Dude" LOL. Once again it is just so amazing to realize how those songs are in a completely different league. Untouchable. For reviewers who say "interesting concept; should have been developed more", I have to wonder how that could be done. Because I initially thought the same thing. But then I ask myself how exactly? Don't know how many stars to put here. As love story, and supporting cast, production values etc go, it is all run of the mill, very average. From a musician's POV it is fascinating, and also insanely annoying. Watching those cutesy recording sessions with those idiotic grins,and those rubber gloves was a chore. But re a storyline, or any kind of drama I think the two people who "know" - that whole angle could have been done with more flair. And then the 'confession' is kind of a joke. Yes, the audiences love a story of redemption; especially if there is love involved, but it all plays out in under 2 minutes LOL. I mean Milli Vanilli are still pariahs today LOL.