Directed by Danny Boyle
Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino
Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Hey Jude. A Day in the Life. Yesterday. These are just some of the iconic songs that were written by Lennon-McCartney along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. These four men wrote and preformed some of the most influential songs in music that are still being heard today. The Beatles emerged from the early 60’s and throughout the decade, the group wrote classics after classics. So when “Yesterday” asks the question,”what if the Beatles didn’t exist?” it showcases how one man uses the Beatles classic to reintroduce them to the world.
“Yesterday” is a Danny Boyle directed film that stars Himesh Patel. Patel plays Jack, a musician who is struggling to make it big. After an accident, Jack realizes that no one knows who the Beatles are, therefore he takes their songs and credited it as his songs. “Yesterday” has a very interesting concept as the screenplay is written by Richard Curtis. Curtis wrote a heartwarming love story that features exceptional songs. This is the best way to describe “Yesterday” as a feel good rom-com that is above average.
The film also features Ed Sheeran as himself who does a decent enough job in his acting. It is not exciting but interesting to see him act than more just a cameo. We also get Kate McKinnon, who is know for playing zany, goofy characters. But the character McKinnon plays is a villain like manager of Jack who is just wanting money. I suppose the character is supposed to be an allegory of actual music managers who are in it for money but it is odd to see McKinnon play a character that is not the protagonist. McKinnon does get multiple laughs every once in a while but in short, I feel like she was miscast.
The screenplay written by Richard Curtis is unfortunately a tad bit predictable. “Yesterday” is a love story that we have seen in multiple films prior but credit due to the intriguing question of “what if the Beatles never existed?” that follows the film throughout. There are also many questionable decisions that are written into the film. For instance, no one also knows who Oasis are. I can accept that as if the Beatles were never formed or never gotten big as they were, then a band such as Oasis never got inspired by the Fab Four, therefore Oasis never became a band. But no one in the world also knows what Coke or Harry Potter are. Were the Beatles influential to the soft drink and the book series? Although it gets a laugh when presented on screen, it is very odd to have this inclusion. It leaves more questions than answers.
“Yesterday” may be predictable but in the end it is a very lovable, heartwarming love story that revolves around one of the most influential musical acts of all time. If you are a big fan of the Beatles, there is much enjoyment to be had due to the Easter eggs and references to the Beatles. “Yesterday” has a few laughs and numerous unforgettable songs that are featured, “Yesterday” a good time that audiences will certainly enjoy.
3/4
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