myfingershavetheflu Jack Barth had written his first draft before the Australian ebook came out. However the film is definitely a Richard Curtis rip off of Jack Barth. Barely credited or rewarded. And the Curtis train rolls on 🙄
Totally with you Cliff Lewis. I've seen this film twice now and whilst I do agree that it is in total about 20 - 30 minutes too long, the scene that most people seem to surmise is being referred to, is absolutely essential to the whole concept of "A World without The Beatles." To me that was the scene that made the film a thoroughly delightful respite form 28°C in London. Twice!
Quirky premise + a bunch of funny gags + charming actors + great soundtrack = Yesterday. It’s got enough going for it that you enjoy it despite its shortcomings. Criticizing this film would be like dissecting your best friend’s sweet old grandmother’s home cooking. So what if it doesn’t deserve a Michelin Star? Just shut up and eat your comfort food.
I didn't like the use of the 'girl offers guy an arbitrary ultimatum' trope, or the 'girl leaves backup guy, backup guy is fine with it because he's so nice' trope. There was also a weird, clunky piece of very unnatural dialogue at one point (might have been the cafe scene). Aside from that, I thought the whole film was thoroughly enjoyable. I'm not a massive fan of Richard Curtis, because I find his depiction of relationships and friendships to be a little bit wet, and they always seem to be based in some kind of weird middle-class happy place, but this genuinely made me laugh and I actually liked the characters.
I thought there was some serious potential for another half hour or so of story when the other two Beatles fans showed up, where they could have gotten together and worked together to brainstorm and get all the lyrics for some of the harder to remember Beatles songs, like "I am the Walrus", "Glass Onion", and so on.
Beautifully summed up! The only thing missing was seeing what a great productive life Yoko might have had if there wasn't a Beatles for her to split up.
my thoughts exactly. it's not realistic that someone who loved jack that much would wish him to give up the successful career he'd always dreamed of. to do as much is simply toxic. you'd just go with him right? or agree to be apart for a while... it's like the ending of friends where ross guilt trips rachel into giving up her dream career in paris... or in the devil wears prada where the boring boyfriend makes andy quit her highflying publishing job. but yeah aside forom that it was great
I'm not sure she gave him ultimatum. I think she wanted him to express his feelings towards her. Then going with him would have been taken into account. he had invited her to go with him as 'roadie'. And he was seating in front of her in that cafe like he didn't really care.
The scene that isn’t mentioned is the most powerful in the entire film. It gives us a wonderful closure and a moment of real peace. I gasped as it started. It puts the entire film into context for me.
With regard to "the scene", the other side of the "world without the Beatles" coin is definitely "what did the band do instead?", so I think there's an argument to be made for it. I didn't think it interrupted the film all that much, and it was a nice way to remind Jack of his "normal bloke" origins. In fact, that John Lennon was probably what Jack would have been but for the "event".
That 'one scene' you spoke about, for me, sums up the Beatles emotion in a way. Yes, it was cheesy and potentially made no difference to the overall arc but I had a lump in my throat while watching. It's risky to put something like that in but in the universe of The Beatles fandom, it's a glory moment.
Are you talking about the John Lennon scene? If so, you're right, I thought it was really weird and unnecessary and not a particularly good scene in general... still enjoyed the movie though
The film left me baffled. No resolution or explanation. I really wasn’t sure what point it was trying to make or what the audience was supposed to take away. FWIW if I’m right about which Scene Mark refers to it was probably my favourite scene because it highlighted a possible positive about a world without The Beatles.
Really wanted to see this. So saw it today before seeing the review. Lily James acts everyone else off the screen, the lead actor has one expression all the way through the film and I do not believe this is a star making turn at all. James Corden plays himself brilliantly, Ed Sheeran is ok, not bad. The film has some interesting moments but I feel more could have been done with the story. -B.
Finally saw this film. Decided to wait because it didn't sound great. And it wasn't. Kermode's enthusiasm for this film is hard to fathom. His description of himself (twice!) as a sucker for Richard Curtis films is obviously accurate. This movie exploits interest in the music of The Beatles--and our curiosity about a world where they don't exist--but doesn't pay it off in any kind of satisfactory way. It's a rom-com and not a very good one.
Basically the scene is lennon on the island to resemble Mull of Kintrye with the Land Rover that Macca had at the time, alternate universe. It gave me shivers to picture what lennon may or could of looked like.
He's right, that Special Scene didn't really belong in the movie, but it was perfectly done and I loved every second. I'm not crying, you're crying. I have zero difficulty recalling the day I heard the terrible news, and it was 4 decades ago.
I've seen the movie twice and I feel like I want to go see it again. It's such a feel-good movie and each time I get more out of it. I end up laughing crying and then walking out singing
Never really knew where the movie was going to end up even till 5 minutes before the end of the film. The sudden realisation from lilly james that he didn’t write the songs even know he had been saying that throughout the film didn’t make sense. None of the characters were particularly likeable and the ignorance of things like cigarettes and Coca Cola wasn’t used enough. Good film, but nothing special by any means.
listen, how about "hey dude" :D brilliant. I confess I don't like Sheeran's songs, but he really is a funny mate and with a brilliant sense of humor - I think most music stars take themselves too seriously. Good for you Ed - you were a blast to watch.
It's a very flawed movie, but the light and fluffy well-meaning Curtis-happy sweep of it compels you to run with it in a matinee way. The music is Paul-heavy and karaoke Beatles, with an admirable 00's cartoon punk Help. But it needed more Lennon songs and the standard set can be seen in Rocketman. The scene Mark mentions is in fact perhaps the reason Boyle was convinced to do it? For Beatles fans we were expecting something else, so it was a shock, but it did bring up many what if? philosophical questions.
It was a "New Day Yesterday," but it's an old day now... ;) Gotta say though, Lily James was so adorable in this. She's so cute! Loved the little twist that I'm guessing what Mark alluded to... something to do with Robert Carlyle?!
I like the idea of this and tempted to see it. What I don’t get is how Ed Sheeran is a big pop artist in this world without the Beatles, they invented modern pop structure as we know it and Ed’s been know to riff of old pop songs. Surely half his back catalogue would vanish too?
Kahless you might have to elaborate. I don’t think there’s any argument that The Beatles established the modern pop template and inspired generations to pick up the guitar and write their own songs! The foundation that lies behind that is another matter!
I absolutely love the Beatles and I am surprised this film is being praised so much. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good movie but I honestly came out thinking - not a bad first draft would love to see the fully developed script, story etc. Something didn’t chime with me. I don’t know why. I didn’t like the character played by Kate McKinnon. She’s utterly brilliant in SNL but the slapstick, keystone cops, elements just didn’t fit the film. I think the movie has a genre identity issue. There was something missing in the film to explain what the Beatles meant to the world back in the day. If you are under 45 you possibly heard most of those songs for the first time. Three out of 5 stars. Look forward to the 2nd draft re-release. It was close to being utterly brilliant but there lots of elements that just missed the mark for me. Sorry! Oh and yes it did suffer from the normal Curtis issue of unnecessary Americanisms in an English story. Like Bevis and Butthead ref in Notting Hill or West Wing in Love Actually. *sigh*
trinityj1 there is a difference between knowing the music of the Beatles and knowing the change they brought about in popular culture. The impact on groups that followed. Whilst you clearly know them, and as we are living in the same world so do I, the more time that passes the less of the details surrounding the songs will be remembered. That doesn’t just apply to the Beatles, that’s everything in life.
Spot on. I don’t think the whole concept of a world without the Beatles was played to properly or enough. I agree with you about it having a genre identity crisis. That was my main problem with About Time, it was just a bit all over the place.
The scene he is talking about . I’ve seen it twice ,and the first time I thought this part was a bit odd, but the on second viewing I loved it . I felt it was in Jack Malik s head he wanted to believe JL. Had not died , and he did ask J.L. How old he was ,answer 78 ,which would have been correct this year 2019. Great film .
If you love great music, then you are going to love the Beatles. This film is about the power of that music. If you love British Rom Com movies by Richard Curtis, such as 'Love Actually' and 'Four Weddings and A Funeral', then you are going to love this film. IT is a trip out of reality. However, imagine a world without the Beatles. The magic of their music charms us as much today as it did over half a century ago. There is one scene in the film that made me very emotional. I will not spoil this for you. This film is worth your money.
One more point - as the names of the Beatles were announced as the original songwriters - wouldn't the press not try to track them down. And if they were found would they have the same musical ability as those on the alternative reality? If not might they not believe Jack's announcement
Some fine comical moments, romantic interest and a great reminder of The Beatles music catalogue.The panoramic cinematography of the crowds watching the star's performance on Gorleston Beach was excellent. I was nevertheless least comfortable accepting how so many people from various generations from both sides of the Atlantic could have believed our hero was the author of those great Beatles songs. The tendency for him to keep up with this pretence for so long was an unfortunate and frustrating distraction from what could have been a more memorable movie experience.
I grew up during the British (band) Invasion and wasn't a fan of The Beatles. However, this movie made me remember what Beatlemania was all about: Songs that were/are a perfect fit for the times. Yes, the scene with an elderly John Lennon made me wish it was possible in real life. It's not a fave of critics or the public, but "Yesterday" (2019) works for me.;)
Enjoyed this review. Have seen the film and loved it. Wish I knew which scene it was that you thought didn't work? I came home puzzled by one thing..... There's a trailer online of the scene invloving the Chat Show. In the trailer, Jack is challenged to 'write something on the spot'. He picks up the guitar and bursts into 'Something' (George Harrison) to the delight of a beautiful fellow guest...... I'd mentioned this scene to several people before the film's release..... but...... It wasn't in the film!!!!!! Why? I can't be the only one who remembers it?
Yes, it's in a trailer but not the film, I realized this aswell. probably cut out for time, I think Kemonde is talking about John lennon turning up, if that scene was taken out it wouldn't matter but I thought it was a good touch
It was in the movie and Ed Sherren was the other guest. Ed challenged Jack to each write a song on the spot and then come back and see who comes up with the best song. Watch it again. I never saw any of the trailers before I saw the whole movie so I know I’m not “misremembering”. Check it out.
@@davidjames579 Thanks for that.... just checked the Wicki entry for her. Yesterday is listed in her filmography, which notes all her scenes were cut as it would have changed the plot. I do hope she got paid!
Despite setting my expectations to expect a light-hearted piece of fluff, this film still disappointed me. Not for the direction or performances or editing, but for the script. We were tied to a protagonist who spent most of the film being a wet blanket, and was so oblivious that literally every friend of his in turn had to spell out to him how oblivious he was. More character growth and more obstacles to overcome would have helped.
Tim Morton amen buddy! They make zero effort to explain anything. I was expecting it to be that he was still in a coma or some cheap answer but not even that.... yet John Lennon lives and yet Paul George and ringo don’t somehow? Again with no explanation! 🤷♂️ this was such a cop out I expected so much more
@@IMOReviews yep, I was fully expecting him to wake up from a coma by the end. I thought that the tall bearded guy who was in the Moscow gig scene (then appeared later with the Liverpool lass) was going to be a doctor who had been watching over him. But that script though...
Despite all the criticism i loved this movie and it certainly had me laughing in places. MK is talking about the scene towards the end and not wanting to be a SPOILER ALERT, it is the John Lennon scene that does not need to be there, the film would be better without it! Love the Pier Hotel scene where Rocky shows Jack the door only for it to be the wrong door into nowhere, then shows the correct door to the waiting crowd, loved it! The music of The Beatles was great and i agree with MK i thought Ed Sheeran was superb in his first acting role. This is a typical Danny Boyle film and i love his modernist style, probably one of the UK's finest film directors right now.
I guess he means the scene where Jack goes to an address he has been given and is surprised to meet someone he didn't expect - whose life has also been inversely changed by what happened! I liked that twist. While it does rather spell out the message, for those who haven't got it already (he's fine with his alternate life in which he found true love), I liked the idea.
Doesn't the conceit for this film entirely hinge on the extremely flawed idea of The Beatles' music (which is heavily rooted in 1960's hippy protests, psychedelia, etc.) gaining *mainstream* appeal with modern audiences, who've never heard it before? I just don't buy it. I could see the guy gaining a small success on the Indie music scene (the same way _Wolfmother_ have a certain retro appeal for sounding like 1970-80's heavy metal), but even then people would be puzzled by how hopelessly dated his lyrics were.
Yeah I’m curious about the movie to an extent but the premise is SO flawed and nonsensical. Like they mention Coldplay but most if not all modern bands, particularly rock bands, would not exist without The Beatles so immediately the premise just doesn’t work. I’m sure the movie is decent and watchable but that issue will probably bug me the whole time.
Agreed. From a British music perspective, it would be more meaningful to consider what would have happened if Tommy Steele, Lonnie Donnegan, or even Cliff Richard didn't exist. But I don't think this is a film for serious followers of popular music. Richard Curtis may be talented, but I will always have the "Richard Curtis land" sketch from Monkey Dust in my mind, as the final word on his oeuvre.
I utterly agree with every word. Found it on Netflix tonight and it has enhanced my day. The one scene could have been cut! However looking on RU-vid there were deleted scenes that should have been in there.
I knew he'd love it because I found it sort of meh,and I never seem to be on the same page as Mark in terms of taste in films,although I respect him as a film critic...
Saw it 'yesterday' ironically haha it was OK. OK is the most I can say about it. Very charming and the leads were well written and acted. I'd agree it was much more of a Richard Curtis project with Danny sort of just making it all happen. Some of the jokes hit, ALOT of them didn't. all in all sweet, sentimental but not gonna blow your mind.
I quite enjoyed it - there was a moment near the end where I did ponder the premise of the story (what the world would have been like if John and Paul had never met). Loved the Yellow Submarine references.
I regret going to see that movie in a movie theater with my dad. There was drama because he wasn’t happy with the seat I chose for him. They should get rid of reserved seating in all movie theaters. I’m done watching movies in the theaters.
I am glad I live in a universe where the Beatles existed but I wish I lived in one where they all lived into old age . I wonder what would have happened had they got back together in the 1980's would they have been able to come up with anything to rival their 60's output or would it have been a disappointment . Personally I think it would have been almost impossible to put those four lads together into a studio together and for them not to come up with something timeless and amazing .
I think if they had managed to get back together it would have been a pretty brief and strained affair. There was a hell of a lot pushing them apart before they broke up. They might have done an album but sort of as a formality before going their separate ways again.
The scene you are talking about and said could have been removed and film wouldn’t change, is very important for filmmaker I think. His decision at the end was inspired by that scene and what the person told him about what success means for that person. But I can understand why you would think that film would have been fine without that scene. It had very subtle impact on Jake and it wasn’t shown in the movie visually, like flashback or repetition of his words or anything. Spoiler. It felt out of place for me as it introduced new rule in that universe which, dead people can be alive for the first and only time. Which was not needed but it felt like it was kept to get reaction out of audience.
How about if this movie had a rival musician doing exactly the same thing as the protagonist? Or even Jack thinking there was another guy who was doing the same thing. That would've added more conflict than the movie we got.
If anyone ever asks what pretentious means, point them in the direction of Kermode. I've never met anyone yet whose seen the film and didn't find the John Lennon scene moving and uplifting.
I've been looking forward to watching this film for ages. I must say it was a huge disappointment for me. I absolutely hated the ending. To me the scene Mark is talking about as being a misstep is one of if not my favourite scenes in the movie and is the set up for the ending, although I did hate the ending I love the scene to which Mark refers, see what I did there? The premise for the film is a great one. However, there are 2 massive leaps of faith you have to take 1: The Beatles songs , if released for the first time today, would be received as they were in the 50s and 60s, I doubt they would to be honest and 2: Hemash Patel (sorry for my spelling) is really a pretty poor singer and wouldn't have got the cut through or acclaim he did. I went along with the songs being worshipped, I love The Beatles, but I couldn't go along with Patel's singing being worshipped... For me this film was a wasted opportunity...
I was waiting for a conclusion like the life on Mars series but it never came. To me it just didn't make sense & I didn't think it was something to recommend but it had some nice scenes!
Yeah, that "scene" didn't work for me, either. Patel was fine. But a "star-making" turn? I just did not see that at all. Now, Lily James - that's another story! I love her. It's a "B"....
@@mansnotbot4160 What I can say is that it does't hurt. There are A LOT of "fit" women in Hollywood, the movies, etc., but they don't have her talent and charisma...
I'm surprised Mark loved this film. I love Danny Boyle films and I'm a Beatlemaniac and thought this idea sounded great. But I did not like this film at all aside from the one scene which I think Mark is referring to being the one that should be removed. I just can't see a song like I Want to Hold Your Hand being a hit in the age of songs like WAP. Also how come Oasis don't exist because they're heavily influenced by The Beatles and yet Cokdplay exist. Patels character also has a Radiohead poster on his wall so they still exist and they took clear inspiration on Karma Police from The Beatles Sexy Sadie. I found the comic relief guy just irritating. But there was so much potential with this story line that just wasn't fulfilled. And in a film about how great it is to have The Beatles music, one key scene is soundtracked by a bland Ed Sheeran song.
Loved the film but I disliked the fact that they didn't explain/explore the actual disappearance of the Beatles amongst other things. The main character very much goes with the flow of what happens without questioning his sanity or what the hell has happened and to enjoy the film you have to do the same. Would have loved for the film to delve deeper into the reason this happened and what the original Beatles members felt. The scene where Paul and Ringo were going to go on the James Corden show because they claimed they wrote the songs never even happened and it was just ignored. Great idea, funny film, likeable cast and very enjoyable plot but there is this elephant in the room throughout the whole film of "is he in a coma?" and if not, why on earth did this happen. Also the film ended very abruptly for my liking.
The James Corden scene was in the film; it was a nightmare Jack had. I wasn't bothered by the lack of explanation about the disappearance of The Beatles, etc. because that wasn't really the point of the film. This was a whimsical romantic comedy, not a science fiction movie.
@@drawingconclusions3489 oh right that makes sense then. As far as it being a whimsical romantic comedy I agree it's just it was always in the back of my head throughout the film as to where did the memorabilia go, the albums, the statues etc I know that it doesn't/shouldn't matter but I just wish there was even a tiny explanation. Not even one that makes a lot of sense. It's probably just me though. Really enjoyed the film non the less
@@Henryguitar95 To me the idea is that the memorabilia, the music, the whole thing didn't disappear -- it never happened in the first place. This is echoed by the discussion about how if he hadn't recorded the music the world wouldn't have it at all, and the way that the scene that must not be named plays out. And that's why it was important to include that scene -- it lets you know that the alternate reality you're in is really one where none of this happened, for some unexplained reason, at the time of the, for want of a better word, "reboot" that occurred during the black out, things were altered at some earlier point in time. I have mixed feelings about the film-- it could have done more with the premise, but I enjoyed it, felt the acting was engaging and it held my interest.
One thing that confused me..if Oasis didn't exist (which they don't when he looks them up...great joke btw) how did Ellie first see Jack playing Wonderwall at the school concert?
Good God, was that Robert Carlisle? Didn't mind that scene. The one I thought was superfluous was the yellow submarine one with Sarah Lancashire and the Russian. I have no idea what that was all about.
Just watched it today for the first time - really enjoyed I can sing and play the piano quite well - so I'm just waiting for all the lights to suddenly go out.... .....but as the Beatles have already been done - perhaps Elton John. Oh well I can dream.
I don't see how. In Goodnight Sweetheart he travels in time and that doesn't happen in this this, as far as I know. I haven't seen it yet but nobody has mentioned time travel once. I think you may be reaching a bit or thinking of the wrong show.
@@lwaves Obviously not a 100% copy, but the main premise of the movie, passing The Beatles songs off as your own, is exactly the same, and, surely, that's the main thrust of the storyline.
SPOILER. Cigarettes did not exist, meaning that George Harrison would still be alive. I wonder if they thought about giving Patel two addresses instead of just one.
I guess the scene you were talking about was the Lennon scene but Jack needed that to feel ok about what he had done. However......The naming the album meeting scene. Absolute nonsense! Not needed at all. Also.....Corden could have been cut without any lost sleep!
that corden scene was definitely just there to build suspense in the trailer. i went into the cinema after seeing the corden scene in the trailer, fully expecting jack to be in trouble for stealing at some point
@@katyjohnston979 Defo. Just trailer hype. Naughty really because it was a great film.......can't believe it took me this long to get to see it when my wife is a HUGE Beatles fan
Saw it and it was dissapointing. The film could have been more than just a casual romance that isnt consistent. It had so much to work with, like how the music would appeal to older audiences, have sequences of the characters from the songs, how the main character connects with the beatles and the songs, how their merch and influence vanished. It touches on some concepts but seems to be interested on being a love story rather than celebrate the music that's timeless. And almost nothing is memorable or teaches the audience something new about the music and its importance. I was looking forward to this movie because of the amazong concept, but the movie plays it safe and doesnt do anything interesting. Plus the characters are bland or unlikable and its like nothing change. But the third act is worth a watch even though it is a bit confusing.
I don't like her voice but it wasn't only Yoko that broke up the Beatles . There were loads of reasons . I think though had it not been for Yoko Lennon and McCartney would have started writing music together again by the late 70's or early 80's and John would have never moved to New York .
@@GarethE94 right...i realised thats the one he meant. gotta say, i really think it makes the film in some way. it lifts it from being a standard romantic comedy by reflecting on the underlying meta-physical premise of the story which is otherwise not at all adressed. as a huge Beatles fan i did find it quite a shocking scene, but also well played and quite brilliant. made me think too how the closing credits disclaimer "all characters are fictional...any resemblance to real life is coincidental" can apply... :)
Wonderful premise, but Himesh Patel essentially has one expression for every emotion - a total personality vacuum and completely miscast. Such a shame!
@@davidbroughall3782 I think the reason that scene WAS in the movie was to show that John could have lived a happy, full life had he not been the huge celebrity that he was...
@@mikesmith1579 Yes except that this movie was about Jack Malik, not John Lennon. I think we'd already figured by that point that Jack would have a fulfilled life without the fame. I think by that point Jack had already figured it out as well. Showing an aged John Lennon was really just a sop to the fans.
@@ruaidhri777 That totally belonged as part of a running gag. It wasn't just the Beatles that never existed. It was Coke, cigarettes, and Harry Potter. All those things changed the world in some fundamental way, but now it's as if they never existed. Also, they are alternative money makers for Jack to fall back on if the Beatles thing didn't work out. Personally, I would choose Harry Potter.
Spoiler alert!!! He misses the point about the scene. JL is depicted as Christ. This is after Paul arrives on cordons show with his bare feet like on abbey road cover which furthered the rumour Paul is dead. So if everyone is dead. It must be set in heaven.
