Yesterday

Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Kate McKinnon

Year: 2019

I was never a big fan of the Beatles growing up. So, truth be told, I wasn't really interested in seeing this movie at all. Because I didn't even own any Beatles albums or even think I knew many of their songs, I figured I wouldn't enjoy it as much as, let's say "Bohemian Rhapsody" (huge Queen fan!). But wow, was I wrong. I loved the movie! Loved the storyline. And not only did I recognize all of the songs, but I actually knew the words and sang along. I love when you have no expectations in a movie and then get hugely, hugely surprised.

"Yesterday" is the story of Jack Malik (Patel) and Ellie (James). Yes, the main premise of the movie is about Jack (a struggling musician trying to make a go of it) but I think the relationship between Jack and Ellie is just as strong of a component to the film. Jack, the struggling musician, and Ellie, his best friend, and manager. Ellie is and always has been, right there beside him. Supporting him. Believing in him. Even when nobody else does, including his own parents. Ellie is Jack's rock. Which Jack knows. What he doesn't know, is that she is also deeply in love with him. One evening, on his way home after one of his gigs at the local pub, there is an unexplained blackout across the entire globe, lasting only a mere few moments. But in those few moments, not only is Jack in an accident; but also any memory of the Beatles is erased in everyone worldwide. Everyone, except Jack. Once Jack realizes nobody knows who the Beatles are, he begins to sing and sell the songs as his own. Soon he is no longer a struggling musician, but rather an over-night sensation. And while he definitely gets everything he has every wished for, and possibly more; he also begins to realize that with stardom and fame also come sacrifice and loss. He just needs to decide which would make him happier. And which life he needs to let go of.

Fun Facts: #1 This is Himesh Patel's first film! What a start! #2 Within two months, Patel learned to play the piano and guitar. #3 Patel sings all the songs himself and all songs are recorded live (not prerecorded in a studio). If he's singing outside at a table with friends, he is actually singing outside at a table with friends. All of his performances are genuine and real. #4 Patel is in pretty much every scene. #5 When Jack is performing at Wembley Stadium, he is actually performing to Ed Sheeran's audience (during an Ed Sheeran concert). #6 It's another Richard Curtis film!!

This movie is funny, heart-warming and up-lifting. If you're a huge Beatles fan, there is no way you won't love it. If you're not a Beatles fan, the music will still have you tapping your toes and humming along. Either way. It's impossible to hate. And so very, very possible to want to watch over and over again.

Favourite Lines:

*The world is full of miracles. Like what? Benedict Cumberbatch becoming a sex symbol.

*Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm sixty-four? I'll think about it. Why sixty-four?

*Is this the best you can look?

*You're not very attractive. No. You're out of shape. Yes. You are skinny, yet somehow round. Uh-huh.

*Have you had a happy life? Very. But not successful? I just said very happy. That means successful.

From one movie "buff" to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling.