‘Across the Universe’ is a sensory feast that went criminally underappreciated during its run in theaters.

2007 may very well remembered as the year of the musical. From award fodder like “Sweeney Todd” and “Hairspray,” to indie masterpieces like “Once,” and even movies about music icons such as “I’m Not There,” the past 12 months have been chock full of flicks for the music enthusiast in all of us. However, one film stands out as a triumph that truly blends the mediums of film and music into a hybrid piece of art that is transcendent in its beauty.

“Across the Universe” is one part 6th grade history lesson, one part Beatles tribute, and one part psychedelic trip. Director Julie Taymor paints a tapestry of America’s tribulations during the ‘60s using a pallet comprised of the words of the most iconic band in the history of music.

Each scene is a visual feast; a tranquil dream that transcends the world of sleep. Colors are beyond vibrant and tear themselves off of the screen. Taymor constantly amazes with the sheer beauty of her imagination.

Within the first minute of the film, viewers can pretty much tell what their relationship with the entire movie will be. As our tour-guide with the familiar name of Jude sits alone on a beach staring out at the ocean, he morosely begins to croon the words, “Is there anybody going to listen to my story / All about the girl who came to stay?” Viewers will either be disgusted by what they call a bastardization of the lyrics to the song “Girl,” or instantly fall for an amazing visualization of the classic ballad.

The rest of the film is spent explaining to the audience just why this man is so seemingly hopeless. As the opening song alluded to, it all boils down to that one special girl. In this case, it’s the aptly-named Lucy, played with beautiful range by Evan Rachel Wood.

The relationship between the two is a constant clash between the love they feel for each other and the divergent directions that their lives take them in. While Jude is content with spending his days in a blissful bubble, Lucy begins to surround herself with the anti-war movement, creating a rift between the two.

While the film is filled with superb performances, the lead character, Jude, stands out the most. Relative newcomer Jim Sturgess takes on the role of emotional anchor of the film and runs with it. It is truly amazing to see his journey from the shores of England to the lofts of New York City. He succeeds flawlessly as our naïve guide through the events of the decade.

Although the visuals are always astounding, they are enhanced tenfold by the power of the music. Enough can’t be said about the quality of singing. Instead of dubbing over the voices, Taymor chose to have the actors each do their own singing, giving the film a unique and memorable feel.

The movie is filled with iconic songs and scenes that will stick with you long after the DVD goes back in its case. From Max, a protestor-turned-soldier who comes back from Vietnam and goes through a psychedelic lamentation as he sings “Happiness Is a Warm Gun,” to an absolutely heart-wrenching rendition of “Let It Be” set during the 12th Street riot of ’67, each moment of the film is unflinchingly beautiful.

As the film progresses through the ‘60s, Jude and Lucy cross paths with Joplin and Hendrix facsimiles, as well as a whole slew of other archetypes of the era. Herein lies the only major problem with the film - if one were to take away the fantastic visuals and the iconic music, you’d be left with a flat story that has already been told a thousand times.

It’s a bit disappointing that so many characters in the film are little more than stereotypes of the era. However, despite this slight drawback, the sheer beauty of the sights and sounds of the film overwhelm the sometimes shallow story.

“Across the Universe” is a sensory feast that went criminally underappreciated during its run in theaters. Any Beatles fan, from novice to vice president of the Unofficial Ringo Fan Club, owes it to themselves to check this one out.

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