Overrated

An action-packed slog

A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

The Beatles have delighted and enchanted audiences ever since their long lasting run in the 1960s and early 70s, so it's no wonder they would have some movies based off their success: one great (A Hard Day's Night), one sub par (Help!), and then this flick. Requested by producer Al Brodax to be animated, this feature was put into an 11 month production with a shoe string budget and animator George Dunning helming the director's chair. Upon the film's release, not only was it both a big commercial hit and a critical darling, but to this day, many consider it to be one of the greatest animated films ever made, and I couldn't agree more.The basic plot summary revolves around the Blue Meanies terrorizing the peaceful Pepperland, causing a captain named Young Fred to recruit the Beatles to help save it. That's the best way to describe the "story", because believe me, this movie lacks a lot of coherency in its narrative. However, the basic goal of the film is not what this movie is actually about; instead, the crazy surreal environments that the Beatles go around are the film's true center of attention. Whether it'd be a land of monsters, a strange psychological creature named Jeremy Hillary Boob, or even a sea of time, the film embraces all the zany worlds that the fab four go to. With all the illogical logic that comes afloat, it helps give the movie an unpredictable edge where everything psychedelic always flows at an enjoyable/breathtaking pace, rather than becoming obnoxiously tiresome.Now the characters aren't fully dimensional, but they don't need to be; they just need to be as strange as the movie itself. The Beatles themselves are very basic in terms of characteristics, although Ringo exhibits a kind hearted nature that helps carry the film, while also having great chemistry with John, Paul, and George. As for the rest, Young Fred is the abnormal sailor trying to guide the Beatles to Pepperland, Jeremy is very knowledgeable but lacks a proper point of view, and the Blue Meanies are fantastic representations of nasty people who hate everything peaceful and happy. The leader himself is very tumultuous, mainly by how he can switch from being calm and subtle to very loud and pompous. Given the film's themes of love over hatred, we could always try spreading peace and harmony to those who can't stand it, and that's what makes the characters so endearing albeit straightforwardGiven that this is a Beatles film, there are plenty of songs that appear, and despite the large amount, they actually help construct the story to feel relatively complete. Some are used as plot elements like All You Need is Love, others describe a certain character like Nowhere Man, or are based on a specific scenario like When I'm 64 and Eleanor Rigby. That being said, each musical number works perfectly as its own separate music video, particularly Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds for its versatile usage of styles and harmonious lyrics that fit perfectly with the film's surreal nature. In addition, there are a few songs that debuted in this film such as All Together Now, Only a Northern Song, Hey Bulldog (which was initially cut from the film's U.S. release), and It's All Too Much, so I'm sure die hard fans were as ecstatic to these new songs as much as everyone else. The songs in the film have already been deemed classics, and they emulate the film's psychedelic nature and joyous tone to amazing heights. Besides, they're Beatles songs, who could ask for more?As for the animation, the biggest form of art that this film embraces is pop art, which makes it arguably the most colorful animated feature ever made. While the designs are relatively simple, there are several artistic touches and details that make them stand out well on their own. The character animation can be choppy at times, but it works for the film's surrealistic reality that gets away with everything. The backgrounds all feel like surreal paintings come to life, and I'm sure every artist has looked at some of them at one point. Also, every song featured in the film displays at least one iconic visual highlight, such as the usage of rotoscoping in Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, the experimental usage of bizarre artistic visuals in Nowhere Man, and even a distinct pop art style in Only a Northern Song. It's not everyday where you see an animated film embrace the artform as much as this.Sure, this movie makes no sense, but that's what makes it so special, and I love every minute of it. Yellow Submarine not only embodies the Beatles superbly, but is one of the several animated features that treats itself as a legitimate work of art, complete with its luscious animation, charming characters, and timeless songs. If you're a huge fan of the Beatles, you're into the psychedelic age, or you just love animation and art house films, this film is a must watch for all of you, if not everyone in general. There has never been a surrealistic film like this where practically everything flows on screen at an unforeseeable flow, and even if you don't get it at first, it'll still be one hell of an entertaining ride. As a monument to both the history of animation and the Beatles' legacy, it still remains a dated/timeless classic for all the right reasons.

The Beatles star (and sing) in this endlessly watchable and extremely bizarre odyssey through time, space, and music. Filled with wit and humor, this is among the most feel good films I have ever seen, and it is also among the very finest. While watching it, I could not believe how utterly enjoyable and exciting such a viewing experience is. this is a film like few others, this is a film that transports the viewer to a new world, entirely different from our own. Its atmosphere is one of positivity, but that positivity does not get in the way of the possibilities of conflict and melancholy.The weird, almost boundless voyage one takes while experiencing "Yellow Submarine" is one matched by few other films (Lynch, Svankmajer and Jodorowsky come to mind as filmmakers who can reach this film's level of surrealist mastery). This is one of the trippiest and most boundless works of all animation as it grabs a hold of its viewer, shoving an everlasting series of visually stunning imagery, masterful music, and lighthearted comedy. By the end of the film, most viewers will be left not only entertained and amused, but also inspired. this is a classic example of a "love conquers all"-type film, and it is constructed brilliantly. It is not a preachy movie, but a positive one. The message is one of universal worth and is conveyed in the most likable, comical, surreal, and utterly insane(ly entertaining) way possible!

This is an animated film built around songs by the Beatles. There will be mild spoilers ahead:The plot here is really kind of basic. In a far off land called Pepperland, the Blue Meanies have attacked because they hate music and happiness. They imprison Sgt. Pepper and his Lonely Hearts Club Band in a globe and subjugate the people to their rule. One man, Old Fred, flees in the Yellow Submarine to find help (as the Lord Mayor says, "H is for Hurry, E is for Ergent, L is for Love me and P is for Please!").Fred takes the sub to Liverpool and more Beatles music, "Eleanor Rigby" next, coming upon Ringo walking alone and feeling unappreciated. Fred jabbers incoherently, but Ringo agrees to help and off we go to get the other three, each making an entrance amidst rater whimsical surroundings (lots of strangeness in the house they're in, with things playing with toys and odd things going on behind doors).Paul is last to arrive, completely up to speed on things and referring to Blue Meanies as though he knows what they are. The Beatles join Fred in the sub and proceed though various Seas which serve as musical cues as well as introducing the character of Jeremy Hillary Boob, a rather endearing if bombastic little man.En route to Pepperland, we meet monsters, Indians, the cavalry, a Sea of Holes (where Ringo winds up with "a hole in me pocket" literally. Jeremy is kidnapped by the Blue Meanies in the Sea of Holes, which gives way to the Sea of Green and Pepperland.Pepperland has lost all color and is now a sad, drab and gray place. The Beatles manage to make it to where the other band is imprisoned and Ringo uses the "hole" from his pocket to free them from the globe. Some of the best stuff happens in here, like a conversation between the head Blue Meanie and his toady Max. Max has some great lines here, mostly replies to questions. Jeremy, of all people, neutralizes the head Blue Meanie and the day is saved.There's a short live action bit with the real Beatles cutting up for the camera and ending the film by singing "All Together Now". It's a very fun, if somewhat lightweight film.This is available on DVD and Blu Ray and looks great. It's well worth getting. Recommended.

The otherworldly Pepperland has been taken over by the ruthless music hating Blue Meanies. The people are immobilized and the colors drained. Old Fred escapes on the Yellow Submarine and recruits the members of The Beatles to bring back the music. They meet a strange creature named Jeremy Hillary Boob Ph.D. They arrive in Pepperland and revive the mayor. The guys go off to battle the Blue Meanies and their minions with music.This is most noted for its psychedelic colors and imagery. The story is pretty basic with some great Beatles tones. It has the Blue Meanies and all the rest. The first hour is a meandering adventure in various crazy locations. The guys finally meet the Blue Meanies in the last half hour. It has some of the most imaginative vibrant visuals.