Netflix Review: Across the Universe

This movie has nothing interesting or new to say, but wow, what a beautiful way to say nothing. Sometimes I am just in the mood for a film that's just all aesthetic. Across the Universe tells the story of Jude (Jim Sturgess), a Liverpudlian who crosses the Atlantic in search of his father who he thinks is a Princeton professor, but turns out to be a janitor. Jude ends up settling down in one of Princeton's steam tunnels where he soon falls in with carefree student Max (Joe Anderson) and then enamored of his younger sister Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). Princeton doesn't hold the three for long, and it's off to the Big Apple where they rent a room from Sadie (Dana Fuchs), who, would you know it, is sexy...and also a Janis Joplin knockoff. They are joined by Prudence (TV Carpio), a runaway cheerleader, and a guy whose name I can't remember, but for all intents and purposes is Jimi Hendrix. Together they experience THE SIXTIES.



The problem is, it thinks it's being profound, that by tackling gravitas-laden topics like the Vietnam war, the draft, the civil rights movement, counter-culture, social activism, police brutality, terrorism, AND the kitchen sink it becomes high-minded and serious by association. While all these topics are on Across the Universe's syllabus, not a single issue is explored in a meaningful way. The big ticket historical references simply show up as unexplored allusions. It is just so on the nose: all the characters are named after Beatles songs. Are all of these characters allegories or are we just being clever? It's not clear.

But there are sublime moments: Prudence (TV Carpio) pining for one of her fellow cheerleaders, gliding in slow motion through a field of tackling football players; the harmonies on "Because," such a welcome antidote after the crazy, frenetic energy of Mr. Kite (Eddie Izzard); painting with strawberries; Salma Hayek replicating herself as a sexy nurse during "Happiness is a Warm Gun"; "If I Fell" vulnerably whispered by Wood. It's Juliet Taymor, so expect esoteric, mesmerizing images and a well-curated sixties ambience. Taymor anticipated we were in the midst of a mid-century renaissance.

Across the Universe's greatest strength, unsurprisingly, is the music, so unbelievably wonderful as interpreted by these talented performers. The Beatles' songs are the real stars of the movie. Evan Rachel Wood's and Jim Sturgess's voices are so blissfully pure that it's like you're hearing some of these songs for the first time but stripped down. So, think of it as a two hour music video of Beatles' tunes covered by talented, appealing young people, and you'll just enjoy the ride.