Review (Sort Of): Enchanted Across The Universe

Lately, Gy and I seem to have been bitten by the TGV bug. Now that the hieroglyph-encrusted flyover to Sunway Pyramid parking is officially open (thereby bypassing the eon-long wait at the LDP/Sunway U-turn), we once again reenter the modern world of shopping.

While I still have 2 free passes to Mr Margorium's Magical Emporium (starring the very cleavacious Natalie Portman), I simple couldn't resist musicals. *Sigh* Clockwork. That's me.

Enchanted and Across The Universe are total opposites of a musical movie.

Enchanted excels in self-jibes and over-the-top acting (which is called for). Very predictable story - with a lot of fun. Belief is to be suspended (what, a deranged witch transforms to a megalomonster in front of hundreds of people and no one talks about it later?? And a cartoon character can stay happily ever after in NYC - no immigration problems??). Glorious songs by Alan Menken (welcome back!). Fun-filled fantasy meant for a fun-filled time. I liked it.

Across The Universe has love at its core too, but told in a much darker vein. Very raw and realistic. At times, Julie Taymor (in all her genius) draws us into a swirl of colours and motifs and cartoon-ification, which heightens the story a tad more. It's like an amalgam of MTVs, as we walk the rocky path of conformity, racism, Vietnam war and individuality. Its message hits home. And I'm definitely getting myself a Beatles' CD after this. Amazing stuff.

Musicals. Wouldn't the world be a touch sadder without them?