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Across the Universe Review

Movies.com Critics

1.0

Dave White Profile

Like, it's actually going to be endless. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    56

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    Here is a bold, beautiful, visually enchanting musical where we walk INTO the theater humming the songs.

    Read Full Review

  • 42

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    Goofy, pompous, annoyingly boomer-myopic Fab Four musical.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Julie Taymor's visual gifts are very much in evidence in Across the Universe, an ambitious, only partly successful attempt to reinvigorate the musical genre.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    While style trumps substance, something in the way this '60s tribute moves attracts us.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety Justin Chang

    All you need is love -- for the Beatles, for psychedelic visuals, for ideas about being young in the '60s -- to fully enjoy Across the Universe.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    Somewhere around its midpoint, Across the Universe captured my heart, and I realized that falling in love with a movie is like falling in love with another person. Imperfections, however glaring, become endearing quirks once you've tumbled.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Across the Universe reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

Beatles musical hits strong notes amid sex, drugs.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that although there's much to like about this Beatles-inspired musical -- it's visionary, it introduces young audiences to iconic songs, and it addresses important social issues -- some of the content is iffy for teens. Characters drink and take drugs without any negative consequences, and there are a few nude scenes (though they're artfully staged and echo the deep love between main characters Lucy and Jude). Still, teens are likely to relate to the film's powerful messages about the importance of friendships and the need to question authority when lives are at stake.

  • Families can talk about how the Beatles' music defined a generation. Are the songs as relevant today as when they first became famous? What about their music makes it so universal? Families can also discuss the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and '70s. Are young people as involved with politics today as they were then? Or does that kind of passion only happen in movies anymore? Do you think that era tends to get idealized today? Why or why not?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Characters plot ways to dodge the draft, sneak into the country illegally, and question the government (though all for reasons they deem noble -- i.e. to stop the Vietnam War). There's kindness between Lucy and Jude, even when they're at odds, and Jude and Max form a very strong and loyal friendship.

What to watch for
  • violence false3

    Violence: Soldiers shoot at others during the Vietnam War; cops shoot at looters and beat protesters (one main character is bloodied); anti-war extremists build bombs; a quarrel between two men turns physical.

  • sex false3

    Sex: Artistic scenes show two lovers floating in water, naked and kissing; they're also shown in bed (under the covers), waking up together, and locked in passionate embraces a handful of times (deep French kissing). Two scenes show bare breasts, and men's backsides are visible as well. Passing references to promiscuity.

  • language false3

    Language: Runs the gamut from "bastard" to "s--t" and "f--k."

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: The film is inspired by Beatles music. Some labels of alcoholic beverages get screen time.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke pot and use psychedelic drugs. They also drink quite a bit, from beer to hard liquor.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.082
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

It will blow your mind... by Punk_Kanellis
Across the Universe is not your typical musical. Set to more than 25 Beatles songs, Across the Universe will blow your mind like it did mine. The songs that were sung were not done in a way that mimics the classics of the Beatles, but done in their own original way which was very cool. Each character was named after a Beatles song or song reference. (i.e Jude, Maxwell, Lucy, Prudence, Sadie, Mr. Roberts) Not to mention, the voices of some of these actors are tremendous! Across the Universe is set in the savvy 70's, as you can probably tell from the picture above, smack-dab in the middle of the Vietnam war. The plot involves every aspect of the 70's that was important; war drafts, colorful protests, sex, and of course drugs. Though some of the drug scenes are not quite realistic, I think everything else is put in to place very well. Like I said above, there are 25 Beatles hits that outline Across the Universe, but one of the best by far was Max?s ?Hey Jude?.

5


3

by filmfly82

3

by StacyWirth

4

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