Romantic Longings In YESTERDAY

A fanciful, ‘what if’ tale that is a kinder, gentler Twilight Zone, Yesterday is a valentine to dreamers and fans waxing nostalgic for The Beatles.  As directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) from a screenplay by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually), it’s an entertaining fantasy with some amusing moments.

Struggling musician/songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel in an endearing performance) is ready to give up on his singing career when fate intervenes, and he awakens to a world where no one has ever heard of the Beatles.  When he sings their songs, the public responds until he becomes a global phenomenon. As fame and fortune reach fever pitch and strains his relationship with his lifelong friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James), Jack makes a life altering choice.

The film is an excuse to cover a treasure trove of Fab Four classics, and to hear these songs anew is to rediscover their charm and magic. It’s also about the creative spirit and the price of stardom, and as with most of Curtis’ best work, they are about the special relationship between a man and a woman.  There are subplot wrinkles along the way including a momentous meeting that shakes up the narrative, and the Google search engine is used to great, comedic effect.  Strong support is provided by Kate McKinnon as a ruthless music manager, Ed Sheeran as himself, and Joel Fry as a lovable roadie.  

Despite its fascinating premise that is not quite fully developed, it represents a growing genre of films where alternate realities are possible.  It’s a feel good experience with a winning cast and an endearing romance.  Time to pull out those Beatles albums!

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Beatles fans)

ROCKETMAN and the Search for Love

Told in a stream of consciousness format, Rocketman takes off as a personal biography of rock music legend, Elton John, and showcases a rich, transformative performance by Taron Egerton (Kingsman:The Secret Service). Director Dexter Fletcher (who finished Bohemian Rhapsody,) has an eye for recreating pop icons, and this film presents John’s life as not only a musical fantasy, but one grounded in a gritty reality with its unflinching portrait of his sexuality and personal demons.

Flashing back and forth from his lonely childhood to key moments in his life, Reginald Dwight demonstrates an ear for music and playing the piano. Renaming himself Elton John, he exploits his musical acumen during a chance meeting with songwriter Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and so  begins a remarkable run of hit songs (and increasingly flamboyant stage presence) and worldwide fame. Yet plagued by distant parents and questioning his sexual identity, he yearns for real love and sinks further into a life of excess and addiction to alcohol, drugs, and destructive relationships. At a crossroads in his life, his search for his authentic self begins a long road to recovery and triumph.   

It’s fascinating to experience so many of John’s catalogue of classic songs, which anchor the narrative, brought to the screen imaginatively. Egerton actually sings these himself, and it works beautifully; it’s an Oscar worthy performance. Special mention should go to Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard in effective, supporting roles.

While it has a more fanciful approach than a standard drama, it compares favorably to Bohemian Rhapsody particularly in the end where it culminates with powerful, emotional heft. It leaves you wanting a bit more and compelled to go out and listen to all those tunes again.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Elton John fans)