The very idea of John Lennon making it to 78 brought tears to my eyes. It was my favorite scene in the movie. It would be a lessor movie without it.

Ed Sheeran having his own song as his ring tone was pretty hilarious.

Quirky premise + a bunch of funny gags + charming actors + great soundtrack = Yesterday. It’s got enough going for it that you enjoy it despite its shortcomings. Criticizing this film would be like dissecting your best friend’s sweet old grandmother’s home cooking. So what if it doesn’t deserve a Michelin Star? Just shut up and eat your comfort food.

Were you referring to the Robert Carlyle scene? If so, I must, most strenuously disagree. For me that scene was brilliant. Very emotional!

The scene that isn’t mentioned is the most powerful in the entire film. It gives us a wonderful closure and a moment of real peace. I gasped as it started. It puts the entire film into context for me.

One of those films you and your mates come up with in the pub and then say nah it’s cheesy no one would ever make that. No one except Richard Curtis.

I didn't like the use of the 'girl offers guy an arbitrary ultimatum' trope, or the 'girl leaves backup guy, backup guy is fine with it because he's so nice' trope. There was also a weird, clunky piece of very unnatural dialogue at one point (might have been the cafe scene). Aside from that, I thought the whole film was thoroughly enjoyable. I'm not a massive fan of Richard Curtis, because I find his depiction of relationships and friendships to be a little bit wet, and they always seem to be based in some kind of weird middle-class happy place, but this genuinely made me laugh and I actually liked the characters.

This film is the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold winters night.

Hasn`t every musician had a variation on this story as a daydream?

The "play summer song" sign at the big album gig was hilarious

That 'one scene' you spoke about, for me, sums up the Beatles emotion in a way. Yes, it was cheesy and potentially made no difference to the overall arc but I had a lump in my throat while watching. It's risky to put something like that in but in the universe of The Beatles fandom, it's a glory moment.

I grew up during the British (band) Invasion and wasn't a fan of The Beatles. However, this movie made me remember what Beatlemania was all about: Songs that were/are a perfect fit for the times. Yes, the scene with an elderly John Lennon made me wish it was possible in real life. It's not a fave of critics or the public, but "Yesterday" (2019) works for me.;)

With regard to "the scene", the other side of the "world without the Beatles" coin is definitely "what did the band do instead?", so I think there's an argument to be made for it. I didn't think it interrupted the film all that much, and it was a nice way to remind Jack of his "normal bloke" origins. In fact, that John Lennon was probably what Jack would have been but for the "event".

‘Hey dude’ 😑

"The best directed Richard Curtis movie I've ever seen" ouuuuuch, I felt that

I LOVE that since Beatles didnt exist, it means Oasis didnt exist either because they stole a lot of their chord progressions from the Beatles.

That scene he's talking about was my favorite in the whole film.

I've seen the movie twice and I feel like I want to go see it again. It's such a feel-good movie and each time I get more out of it. I end up laughing crying and then walking out singing

I have to admit that the gag he's referring to at 1:10 had me cackling with laughter - it's a throwaway gag but brilliantly set up.

It was a "New Day Yesterday," but it's an old day now... ;) Gotta say though, Lily James was so adorable in this. She's so cute! Loved the little twist that I'm guessing what Mark alluded to... something to do with Robert Carlyle?!

Really wanted to see this. So saw it today before seeing the review. Lily James acts everyone else off the screen, the lead actor has one expression all the way through the film and I do not believe this is a star making turn at all. James Corden plays himself brilliantly, Ed Sheeran is ok, not bad. The film has some interesting moments but I feel more could have been done with the story. -B.

I love these what if type of films. Wish more were made. Very simple but very gripping premise.

He's right, that Special Scene didn't really belong in the movie, but it was perfectly done and I loved every second. I'm not crying, you're crying. I have zero difficulty recalling the day I heard the terrible news, and it was 4 decades ago.

listen, how about "hey dude" :D brilliant. I confess I don't like Sheeran's songs, but he really is a funny mate and with a brilliant sense of humor - I think most music stars take themselves too seriously. Good for you Ed - you were a blast to watch.

The film left me baffled. No resolution or explanation. I really wasn’t sure what point it was trying to make or what the audience was supposed to take away. FWIW if I’m right about which Scene Mark refers to it was probably my favourite scene because it highlighted a possible positive about a world without The Beatles.

Well Mark, for my money that scene was beautiful.

Finally saw this film. Decided to wait because it didn't sound great. And it wasn't. Kermode's enthusiasm for this film is hard to fathom. His description of himself (twice!) as a sucker for Richard Curtis films is obviously accurate. This movie exploits interest in the music of The Beatles--and our curiosity about a world where they don't exist--but doesn't pay it off in any kind of satisfactory way. It's a rom-com and not a very good one.

I actually loved that scene. I gasped.

Does anyone know what scene he is talking about at 06:24???

The scene he is talking about . I’ve seen it twice ,and the first time I thought this part was a bit odd, but the on second viewing I loved it . I felt it was in Jack Malik s head he wanted to believe JL. Had not died , and he did ask J.L. How old he was ,answer 78 ,which would have been correct this year 2019. Great film .

If he’s talking about the John Lennon scene that was my favourite!

I remember this from a Future Shock in 2000AD when I was a kid - it was Shakespeare in that, though.

This guy's good! He really kept his childhood spirit.

No Beatles, no Life of Brian either!

Saw the film last night - not sure what bit Mark is referring to that could have been left out. Anyone?

Can we live in a world where Ed sheeran music doesn't exist

Never really knew where the movie was going to end up even till 5 minutes before the end of the film. The sudden realisation from lilly james that he didn’t write the songs even know he had been saying that throughout the film didn’t make sense. None of the characters were particularly likeable and the ignorance of things like cigarettes and Coca Cola wasn’t used enough. Good film, but nothing special by any means.

It's a very flawed movie, but the light and fluffy well-meaning Curtis-happy sweep of it compels you to run with it in a matinee way. The music is Paul-heavy and karaoke Beatles, with an admirable 00's cartoon punk Help. But it needed more Lennon songs and the standard set can be seen in Rocketman. The scene Mark mentions is in fact perhaps the reason Boyle was convinced to do it? For Beatles fans we were expecting something else, so it was a shock, but it did bring up many what if? philosophical questions.

Looking forward to seeing this.

I loved it, I think in years to come it will be a classic

I was just waiting for the Exorcist comparisons... 🙂

I utterly agree with every word. Found it on Netflix tonight and it has enhanced my day. The one scene could have been cut! However looking on KZfaq there were deleted scenes that should have been in there.

I fully agree with Mark..... it was an awesome feelgood film👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Good God, was that Robert Carlisle? Didn't mind that scene. The one I thought was superfluous was the yellow submarine one with Sarah Lancashire and the Russian. I have no idea what that was all about.

Loved the film. If it's the scene I'm thinking of, it made me gasp and I found it incredibly moving.

One more point - as the names of the Beatles were announced as the original songwriters - wouldn't the press not try to track them down. And if they were found would they have the same musical ability as those on the alternative reality? If not might they not believe Jack's announcement

anyone kno what scene mark thought could have been removed? struggling to think of what it would be!

Some fine comical moments, romantic interest and a great reminder of The Beatles music catalogue.The panoramic cinematography of the crowds watching the star's performance on Gorleston Beach was excellent. I was nevertheless least comfortable accepting how so many people from various generations from both sides of the Atlantic could have believed our hero was the author of those great Beatles songs. The tendency for him to keep up with this pretence for so long was an unfortunate and frustrating distraction from what could have been a more memorable movie experience.

That "beach house scene" (no spoiler) actually made me eyes wet.

First film I have enjoyed in a long time. Brilliant, quirky, very funny, and quite British. Loved it!

I like the idea of this and tempted to see it. What I don’t get is how Ed Sheeran is a big pop artist in this world without the Beatles, they invented modern pop structure as we know it and Ed’s been know to riff of old pop songs. Surely half his back catalogue would vanish too?

the plot = goodnight sweetheart......look it up

Maybe just me, but Lily James as a maths teacher gave me Meg Ryan helicopter pilot feelings.

WoW a glowing review and I'm sold. Probably tonight.

Due to the sunny climate, did Mark have a McDonald’s strawberry milkshake before the show and dribble a bit down his tie? 🧐

Glad you liked it, we all worked bloody hard on it. It will make you laugh, it might make you cry but it will definitely entertain.

Wonderful review!

Which scene is Mark talking about?...the one that should've been lifted out...personally i thought it was perfect!

I was waiting for a conclusion like the life on Mars series but it never came. To me it just didn't make sense & I didn't think it was something to recommend but it had some nice scenes!

What’s the scene he’s talking about that he feels would have been better left out?

I quite enjoyed it - there was a moment near the end where I did ponder the premise of the story (what the world would have been like if John and Paul had never met). Loved the Yellow Submarine references.

As soon as I saw the preview I said “this is going to be movie of the year”

Enjoyed this review. Have seen the film and loved it. Wish I knew which scene it was that you thought didn't work? I came home puzzled by one thing..... There's a trailer online of the scene invloving the Chat Show. In the trailer, Jack is challenged to 'write something on the spot'. He picks up the guitar and bursts into 'Something' (George Harrison) to the delight of a beautiful fellow guest...... I'd mentioned this scene to several people before the film's release..... but...... It wasn't in the film!!!!!! Why? I can't be the only one who remembers it?

Which scene is he talking about?

It sounds great thanks 👌

Are you going to review Misommer Mark??? Plesse

can't wait.

Just watched it today for the first time - really enjoyed I can sing and play the piano quite well - so I'm just waiting for all the lights to suddenly go out.... .....but as the Beatles have already been done - perhaps Elton John. Oh well I can dream.

I've had the Elvis Costello dream...

saw this Yesterday - whats the scene that should have been cut...?

If you love great music, then you are going to love the Beatles. This film is about the power of that music. If you love British Rom Com movies by Richard Curtis, such as 'Love Actually' and 'Four Weddings and A Funeral', then you are going to love this film. IT is a trip out of reality. However, imagine a world without the Beatles. The magic of their music charms us as much today as it did over half a century ago. There is one scene in the film that made me very emotional. I will not spoil this for you. This film is worth your money.

How about if this movie had a rival musician doing exactly the same thing as the protagonist? Or even Jack thinking there was another guy who was doing the same thing. That would've added more conflict than the movie we got.

Does anyone else dream they could have been on stage rockin' these songs ?

Anyone know what scene he's talking about?

Is there a film that doesn’t make Mark cry?

I absolutely love the Beatles and I am surprised this film is being praised so much. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good movie but I honestly came out thinking - not a bad first draft would love to see the fully developed script, story etc. Something didn’t chime with me. I don’t know why. I didn’t like the character played by Kate McKinnon. She’s utterly brilliant in SNL but the slapstick, keystone cops, elements just didn’t fit the film. I think the movie has a genre identity issue. There was something missing in the film to explain what the Beatles meant to the world back in the day. If you are under 45 you possibly heard most of those songs for the first time. Three out of 5 stars. Look forward to the 2nd draft re-release. It was close to being utterly brilliant but there lots of elements that just missed the mark for me. Sorry! Oh and yes it did suffer from the normal Curtis issue of unnecessary Americanisms in an English story. Like Bevis and Butthead ref in Notting Hill or West Wing in Love Actually. *sigh*

Have I just woke in a reality where people like this film?

Saw it today it's hilarious I was surprised to learn Jack was played by Anwar from eastenders

Watched the trailer and thought, isn't this "the invention of lying" but switch in the Beatles for lying?

6:28 what was the scene?

So it's Goodnight Sweetheart the movie?

The scene you are talking about and said could have been removed and film wouldn’t change, is very important for filmmaker I think. His decision at the end was inspired by that scene and what the person told him about what success means for that person. But I can understand why you would think that film would have been fine without that scene. It had very subtle impact on Jake and it wasn’t shown in the movie visually, like flashback or repetition of his words or anything. Spoiler. It felt out of place for me as it introduced new rule in that universe which, dead people can be alive for the first and only time. Which was not needed but it felt like it was kept to get reaction out of audience.

Loved it. Very entertaining.

to which scene does he refer?

'The scene' was superb ! Made the film even better !! Literally made me gasp out loud !

i had this idea years ago, my names danny as well...

I'm surprised Mark loved this film. I love Danny Boyle films and I'm a Beatlemaniac and thought this idea sounded great. But I did not like this film at all aside from the one scene which I think Mark is referring to being the one that should be removed. I just can't see a song like I Want to Hold Your Hand being a hit in the age of songs like WAP. Also how come Oasis don't exist because they're heavily influenced by The Beatles and yet Cokdplay exist. Patels character also has a Radiohead poster on his wall so they still exist and they took clear inspiration on Karma Police from The Beatles Sexy Sadie. I found the comic relief guy just irritating. But there was so much potential with this story line that just wasn't fulfilled. And in a film about how great it is to have The Beatles music, one key scene is soundtracked by a bland Ed Sheeran song.

Despite all the criticism i loved this movie and it certainly had me laughing in places. MK is talking about the scene towards the end and not wanting to be a SPOILER ALERT, it is the John Lennon scene that does not need to be there, the film would be better without it! Love the Pier Hotel scene where Rocky shows Jack the door only for it to be the wrong door into nowhere, then shows the correct door to the waiting crowd, loved it! The music of The Beatles was great and i agree with MK i thought Ed Sheeran was superb in his first acting role. This is a typical Danny Boyle film and i love his modernist style, probably one of the UK's finest film directors right now.

Richard Curtis?

This felt like a TV movie

The intention was to have all four appear, so maybe that's why the scene in question felt clunky

Saw it 'yesterday' ironically haha it was OK. OK is the most I can say about it. Very charming and the leads were well written and acted. I'd agree it was much more of a Richard Curtis project with Danny sort of just making it all happen. Some of the jokes hit, ALOT of them didn't. all in all sweet, sentimental but not gonna blow your mind.

So, this is like Life on Mars, without the cop drama, or the psychological thriller element, but WITH James Corden AND Ed Sheeren? Nope!

I'll see it on Sunday.

Yeah, that "scene" didn't work for me, either. Patel was fine. But a "star-making" turn? I just did not see that at all. Now, Lily James - that's another story! I love her. It's a "B"....

Why did I cry too? Still don’t know!

One thing that confused me..if Oasis didn't exist (which they don't when he looks them up...great joke btw) how did Ellie first see Jack playing Wonderwall at the school concert?

If anyone ever asks what pretentious means, point them in the direction of Kermode. I've never met anyone yet whose seen the film and didn't find the John Lennon scene moving and uplifting.

I knew he'd love it because I found it sort of meh,and I never seem to be on the same page as Mark in terms of taste in films,although I respect him as a film critic...

I enjoyed it 👍👍