By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Sept. 24, unless otherwise noted: Yesterday (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, suggestive content, language The lowdown: A delightful and imaginative premise that is sustained through the finale will make you believe in “Yesterday.” The plot is simple: An unsuccessful musician injured in an accident awakens to discover that no one has ever heard of The Beatles — the band never existed — and that he is the only person who remembers their songs. The Fab Four’s music merely serves as a backdrop to a story that — comically — examines the traps — and trappings — of celebrity. “Yesterday” succeeds because the movie — cowritten by Richard Curtis (“Love Actually,” “Notting Hill” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral”) and directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Trainspotting” and “127 Hours”) — defies expectations. The movie does not travel the path of least resistance. It does not offer easy or cliched resolutions. A major factor for “Yesterday’s” appeal rests on the performance of Himish Patel. He basks in his newfound fame, but, privately, he feels like a fraud and uncomfortable in his own skin. Patel’s Jack is more interested in sharing the music of the Beatles with the world than using it to gain riches. Curtis and Boyle are not reproachful of riches and fame; the moral of their story is that for a fulfilling life — all you need is love. A majority of critics agreed, awarding the movie a 63 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.
New to View: Sept. 24
New to View: Sept. 24
New to View: Sept. 24
By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Sept. 24, unless otherwise noted: Yesterday (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, suggestive content, language The lowdown: A delightful and imaginative premise that is sustained through the finale will make you believe in “Yesterday.” The plot is simple: An unsuccessful musician injured in an accident awakens to discover that no one has ever heard of The Beatles — the band never existed — and that he is the only person who remembers their songs. The Fab Four’s music merely serves as a backdrop to a story that — comically — examines the traps — and trappings — of celebrity. “Yesterday” succeeds because the movie — cowritten by Richard Curtis (“Love Actually,” “Notting Hill” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral”) and directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Trainspotting” and “127 Hours”) — defies expectations. The movie does not travel the path of least resistance. It does not offer easy or cliched resolutions. A major factor for “Yesterday’s” appeal rests on the performance of Himish Patel. He basks in his newfound fame, but, privately, he feels like a fraud and uncomfortable in his own skin. Patel’s Jack is more interested in sharing the music of the Beatles with the world than using it to gain riches. Curtis and Boyle are not reproachful of riches and fame; the moral of their story is that for a fulfilling life — all you need is love. A majority of critics agreed, awarding the movie a 63 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.