Across the Universe: Better Than Moulin Rouge

    Across the Universe (2007) is yet another musical full of unoriginal songs. Fortunately, director Julie Taymor, of Lion King fame, managed to put a refreshing twist on 30+ songs from those moptops from England, The Beatles. The story is set, appropriately, in 1966 and follows a once disparate group of strangers who all converge upon New York City, seeking fame, love and freedom...and finding so much more.
   I almost did not make it through this film. Like Moulin Rouge, I was put-off by the oh-so familiar songs in such an unfamiliar setting. Then, I heard a voice. She was singing one of my least favorite Beatles' songs ("I Wanna Hold Your Hand") but her voice was the voice of an angel of rock! T.V. Carpio as Prudence (the main characters all have Beatles' song related names) saved me from missing this visually stimulating and emotionally satisfying musical love letter to not only a highly influential band but a hugely important decade.
   Come for the songs, stay for the stagings. Taymor has envisioned and manifested a feast for anyone who appreciates choreography and massive movie undertakings. Salma Hayek, Bono, Eddie Izzard, and Joe Cocker all make cameo appearances.

Across the Universe is on FXM at 9P tonight.