YESTERDAY
Okay let me dive on in. This film has not been well received by critics. Probably because hidden in this fantasy Beatles story is a love story. Most critics do not like love stories. Most critics are heartless.
I think this film from Danny Boyle, who is known for Slumdog Millionaire, gives us a sweet story hidden in a fantasy.
Danny Boyle does a lot right:
Casting-
Himesh Patel as Jack is just awesome here. Sometimes saying so much from a look. He can not only act, he is a pretty good singer.
Lily James as Ellie, oh come on, she is always good. One of the best young actresses working today. She does not disappoint.
Kate McKinnon is perfectly cast as agent/manager Debra Hammer. She brilliantly honest in funny way. I laughed at the comments that rolled off her tongue often.
Surprisingly Ed Sheeran is very good. I thought he was just going to have a cameo. However he has a big part in this film. He is funny, often making fun of stardom, or himself. Like having his song as his ringtone.
Story-
I liked the story. It is a fantasy. We never really know why the world does not know about the Beatles. So, you really just have to go with it. If you cannot then this film is not for you. What is interesting here also is how Danny Boyle kind of reminds us, that hidden in that big larger than life name of The Beatles, lets not forget they wrote some very good songs.
Also there is the over riding theme of...To be dishonest and taking shortcuts to reach your dreams, can eat at you over time...there are lessons here for sure.
Unfortunately I do have some negatives:
-Even though Patel and James are really good in this, they really have no chemistry. They both even look uncomfortable. This problem is big, because it is a love story like I noted before hidden in this fantasy. I did not believe for one second they were attracted to each other.
-The writing gets a little messy at the end. There is a scene at Wembley Stadium that often makes no sense, but then again it is a fantasy....so I don't know. Its just the story went over the top, no spoilers here.
Still a fun entertaining film. It is just different.
4 stars out of 5 for Yesterday.
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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