Yesterday – 2019
Meet Jack Malik (Hamesh Patel), a lovable,stereotypical swell British guy who is also a struggling, frustrated musician ready to hang up his guitar and trade in his sad crowd-less gigs for a secure teaching job. Cue a global blackout, bus accident, hospitalization, replacement guitar, and coaxed out serenade of perhaps the greatest song of all time,Yesterday, to loyal and loving friends met with “When did you write that?” and the movie sets off to pursue the surreal question: what if a cosmic shudder caused the music of The Beatles to vanish from the planet with nary a trace? It is funny to see the endless insect webpages that pop up from Jack’s frantic Google search of The Beatles. It is fascinating and revealing to check off how many historical and cultural connections are linked to the famous Fab Four. The romantic story line of persistent but unrequited love between Jack and his friend and agent from grade school, Ellie (Lilie James), meanders harmlessly along. All together now, ain’t she sweet! I do admire the creative spirit of this movie. But, I’m a Beatles purist. I cut my teeth on Yellow Submarine, Penny Lane, Yesterday and the complete Beatles songbook. I instinctively balk at karaoke renditions regardless of how passionately played. Help! I can’t stop myself. Jack isn’t John or Paul or George and definitely not Ringo. Tribute performances need not take the stage. So that’s my single issue with this film but it’s a big one given all the songs and concerts Jack belts out. I’m happily stuck in yesterday. For me, let it be. For you, maybe all you need is love. Go see it for yourself and I bet we can work it out.
