This stiff likeness of the 1968 animated film recaps the original's flimsy script, surreal illustrations and iconic lyrics, earnestly insisting that "All you need is Love
." Yet it lacks the kaleidoscopic mobility and sound that make Yellow Submarine
such a groovy period piece, and it can't match the Peter Maxed–out psychedelia that let audiences overlook the plot's non-sequiturs. The uninitiated will puzzle at the offbeat story, in which the authoritarian Blue Meanies flash-freeze the music-loving people of Pepperland, and Yellow Submarine Captain Fred summons John, Paul, George and Ringo to save the day. The lads gamely brave a Sea of Monsters, a nasty blue Glove and a four-headed bulldog, making Beatlesque wisecracks while restoring music and peace. The banter, which once set up art director Heinz Edelmann's designs and established the Beatles' personalities, now just alludes to oldfangled technology and Sixties music; the sub's propellers turn "at a steady 33 1/3 rpm" (" 'Do we need a ticket to ride?' asked George./ 'Only if we're taking the mystery tour,' Ringo joked"). Fans will enjoy the musical references, but may be hard-pressed to glean much excitement from this picture-book package. For Beatles fanatics only. All ages. (Aug.)
