Come for The Beatles music stay for a fun ride, Yesterday is available now on digital and coming to 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 24, 2019. I've got a giveaway for you so you can rock on to Yesterday, Let It Be, and more! Keep reading for my Yesterday movie review and why this one won my cynical heart over.
Thank you to Universal Pictures for this review copy. All opinions are my own.
Yesterday Movie Review
I'll fully admit it, Yesterday looked like it would be an okay movie but not one that I would actually enjoy watching. I thought it would follow the typical amnesia, dream sequence-type films meaning Yesterday would be predictable and without something special to set it apart from all the other films.
I was wrong. Yesterday is a playful, fun, heart-felt, musical ride that despite the fantastical elements of the story, is relatable. Plus it doesn't hurt that the soundtrack is heavy on The Beatles with a side of Ed Sheeran.
Himesh Patel stars as Jack Malik, an aspiring singer-songwriter, whom despite the support of childhood best friend Ellie Appleton (Lily James), decides it's time to quit on his dream. The night he decides this however, he gets hit by a bus during a blackout that is worldwide. After waking up in the hospital, he realizes he is the only person in the world who remembers The Beatles, coke, and Harry Potter.
Jack starts playing the band's songs, passing them off as his own, and the fame comes quickly. But when Ellie reveals her true feelings for him, Jack comes to realize that he's now in danger of losing the only person who's always had his back and doesn't care if his songs are Beatles level amazing.
My favorite moment of the film came when Jack speaks to John Lennon.
“Have you had a happy life?” – Jack
“Very.” – John
“But not successful?” – Jack
“I just said, very happy. That means successful.”- John
John goes on to explain he had a job he liked, a wife, essentially a good life that he fought for. The message here was that living a life worth living doesn't mean you're famous or rich. It means that you pursued what makes you happy and in the end that fulfills you more than money or fame ever could.
The chemistry of the cast and the visuals of Danny Boyle help to propel the story and engage the audience. While there are unexplained questions if you're looking for a romantic comedy sprinkled with some magic, Yesterday is the film for you.
Yesterday Movie Bonus Features on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, & Digital
Alternate Opening*
Alternate Ending
Deleted Scenes
- Corden & Roxanne – Includes deleted performance by Himesh Patel of “Something”
- Late for School
- Nutters Italian Ice Cream
- Sortisimus
- Moscow Audience
- Alexa
- A Gonk
- W Hotel
- Jack Calls Ellie
- Hilary in the Mirror
- Nick and Carol
- Hazel's Selfie
Gag Reel*
Live at Abbey Road Studios – Watch Himesh Patel perform “Yesterday”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, and “Let it Be” at Abbey Road Studios.
Ed Sheeran: From Stadium to Screen* – Acting in his first major role, Ed Sheeran reflects on his experiences making the movie.
Agent of Comedy: Kate McKinnon* – Kate McKinnon shares how eager she was to play the role of “Debra Hammer” while the cast and crew reflect on the fun and energy that the queen of improvisational comedy brought to the set.
A Talented Duo* – Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle, two of the most successful British filmmakers, team up for the first time.
Playing for Real* – The re-interpreting of the Beatles songs was a huge undertaking for newcomer Himesh Patel. Learn how he spent months learning to play the songs perfectly as the production decided to take the more challenging route of recording the musical numbers live on set.
Soul Mates* – Beyond the music and the laughs, the film is, of course, a love story. This piece looks at the relationship between Jack & Ellie and the actors playing them.
A Conversation with Richard & Ed* – Long-term friends Richard Curtis and Ed Sheeran have a funny and informal chat about the making of YESTERDAY.
Feature Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Writer/Producer Richard Curtis
*Exclusive to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, & Digital
Yesterday Movie Giveaway
One lucky fan will win a Blu-ray combo pack of Yesterday!
Sounds like a really cute movie. This is an awesome review and giveaway, too!
I saw this movie with my mom and kids and we loved it! We’ve always been a huge fan of music from The Beatles. I thought this movie was well done!
This was a very interesting and complicated movie. I loved learning all the background aspects.
This was definitely a movie on my hit list that I did not get to. I still want to see it. I like reviews like this because it helps me to make an informed decision on if I should see it in the theater or on video.
I really want to see this movie but didnt get to in the theaters. I love so many of the beatles songs like Yesterday, eleanor Rigby, etc
I just saw this movie with my daughter. We loved it! We’ll be going back with my other daughter so she can see it too.
I have to admit I’ve stayed away from anything about this movie but actually I think I might have to check it out after reading this it does sound interesting.
There are so many movies coming out or out already that I have never even heard of! INCLUDING this one, ha!
Husband and I saw it too! He’s a huge BEATLES fan. Great review. Thanks for sharing!
I Want to Hold Your Hand
When I saw the previews, I knew I would love this movie. I am enjoying all the rock and roll movies this year. I just saw Rocketman and loved it too.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie! Although I love all the Beatles songs, my favorite is probably Yellow Submarine because it was important to me as a child.
This sounds like an interesting movie and I kinda want to check it out now. My life hasn’t turned out anything like I expected it to but I have no regrets. The cards weren’t always in my favor but one thing I hope that my kids see is a strong mom who never gives up even when I was at my lowest point. I’ve also told them that my goal was to raise kind, caring kids. I want them to know people make sense, to be empathetic to others, and to try their hardest to be a good person. I’ve hoped I have modeled this for them.
There are so many ways to measure success but to me I would rather be broke and happy.
wow! This movie sounds like a lot of fun! We should organize a movie night to watch it together!
This movie looks awesome with all the life lessons! This is a great giveaway!
Yesterday sounds like a great movie! Can you imagine us as a world all losing our collective memory? That sounds like something that could actually have happened were there an Atlantis or Lemuria! I look forward to seeing this new movie.
This sounds like such an awesome movie. I totally can’t wait to check out this movie. I have heard amazing things about it!
I want to see this movie soon! I love the Beatles! It looks such a fun idea to explore. Can you really imagine!
First time to hear about this movie and it sounds like a great movie to watch, will definitely get a copy of it and watch it with my husband.
Across the Universe
My favorite is Here Comes the Sun.
My favorite Beattle’s song is I want to hold your hand.
I love Hard Days Night!
I like Hey Jude!
Hey Jude
Eleanor Rigby is my favorite Beatles song.
favorite is I want to hold your hand
My favorite Beatles song is Eleanor Rigby.
My favorite Beatles song is Hey Jude.
My favorite is Norwegian Wood. I liked their early stuff much better.
I actually learned Yesterday in grade school choir so I’m rather partial to that song.
Hey Jude is my favorite. Sound like a great movie. Thank you
strawberry fields