Just saw it last night. As an aside, I ended up seeing it because I went to go see Sufjan Stevens in concert. Trouble was, my ticket was for tonight - oops. ;D
Anyway, I too thought the movie was very good. Even my wife, who's no Beatle geek thought it was good. Certainly the fact that it was about John made it more compelling, but as a coming of age story amid family-breaking drama, it stood on its own.
No review from me, but here are some thoughts:
1. The scene of Julia laying with John on the couch was icky.
2. The part where Paul was offered a beer and he asks for tea was charming and telling.
3. I loved the production of
In Spite of All the Danger. Sure, it was enhanced and synths were laid on the background, but it sounded really good.
4. Interesting how back in the day, issues like manic/depression and bipolar were softly talked about in euphemistic terms.
5. I liked how "The Beatles" were slyly NOT mentioned during John's last conversation with Mimi. But, I liked the homages to Beatle lore. For example, the movie opening with the
A Hard Days Night chord followed by John running and tripping like George did in the AHDN opening sequence. Also, I swear I heard a few
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away (I think) notes while John was mucking around on the harmonica when he first got it.
6. For a person who has never done a mainstream movie before, Taylor-Woods did a great job. Her "art" films did not get in the way in this movie.
7. As a period piece, it was nice seeing things in color that I've only seen in black and white photos.
8. The girl who was felt up by John sure was a comely brunette.
9. Yes, Julia's death was jarring.
10. We on this board and other Beatles geeks are a tough crowd when it comes to accuracy. But, sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. Any "inaccuracies" in this film are incidental and just don't matter. No one is diminished or glorified. Character flaws and qualities are even-handed.