Across the Universe

"Music's the only thing that makes sense anymore, man. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay. "

This is one of those films that you either love it--- or you hate it. If psychedelic, musicals that have problems making sense to anyone not on drugs, and are purely there for stunning visuals are your cup of tea... Then I gladly welcome you into Mr. Kite's tent.

The story tells of a dock worker named Jude (Jim Sturgess), who travels to America to find his estranged father. What he really finds is love in an American girl named Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), and a friend in her brother Max (Joe Anderson). After dropping out of school, they all move to New York where they shag up with a singer (Dana Fuchs) her guitarist (Martin Luther McCoy) and an outcast (T.V. Carpio) to live the American Dream. When Vietnam hits they are torn apart: Max is drafted into the war, Lucy has a passion for riots, and Jude is left to his arts.

The film also features cameos by Bono ( playing a "hippie" who leads the youngsters on a psychedilc bus trip across the US), Eddie Izzard (playing a carnival performer, or is he just a figmnent of a hallucination?), and by Salma Hayek (as multiple nurse dancing about in a hospital)

The film does what it pleases artistically, lots and lots of colors. Sometimes the scenes float about in a dreamlike setting, while other times going for a more normal look much like a scene out of Big Fish would.

Personally, I wish the story was more coherent. I wish the plot would have delved more into Max's time in Vietnam, or into why Lucy was so passionate about rioting. The plot would start moving forward just to be squashed by a goofy dance number...Then again, nobody went to see this movie for the plot.

I had a guy come into Blockbuster the other day and tell me that he was gonna go home and watch this movie and get high. Ok buddy, we also have The Yellow Submarine over there as well.

Directed by Julie Taymor (Frida, Titus) this film isn't for everyone, but it certainly is a different experience from any other film out there. So trip out/groove back/reminisce back to the days of love, war, and classic Beatles' Songs.

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8 out of 10 stars