Fridae

Inspired by the Beatles' best songs, Across the Universe should have been a terrific film. But tragically, it isn't.

Set during the turbulent days of anti-war protests and the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, it tells the story of two young lovers, Lucy (Rachel Evan Wood) and Jude (Jim Sturgess), who must overcome parental objections and socio-political turmoil to be together.

More than 30 of the best Beatles' songs including Hey Jude, Strawberry Fields and I Wanna Hold Your Hand have been re-recorded by the actor-singers and woven into the plot, making this the first film in cinematic history to have an all-Beatles soundtrack without actually starring any of the band members.

Now you might think that this would make for an amazing, ground-breaking, extraordinarily entertaining film. But it's none of those things.

The problem lies with Julie Taymor's haphazard and messy direction. Across the Universe crosses genres, moods and film techniques without ever really knowing where it wants to go and what it wants to tell. It's all one big lump of creative spurts and confused intentions.

Despite the fantastic cover versions of some Beatle's classics, this film is a dud. How it got nominated for Best Picture (Musical/Comedy) at the Golden Globes is anyone's guess. Even though it stars the terrific and sexy Asian actress T.V. Carpio in a role as a lesbian, we still can't recommend this film to you.

Skip the movie but buy the soundtrack. Some of the cover versions are excellent.