A strange take on plagiarism in “Yesterday”

The new romantic comedy offers two musical superstars — but only Ed Sheeran is a real-life plagiarist

There’s a lot to like in “Yesterday,” the new film directed by Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis, although mere likability may be its greatest saving grace. The cast is likable. The tone is quiet. And, of course, the music is some of the greatest around. It seems carefully crafted to avoid offense, and yet that blank quality, while perfect for summer escape, is also problematic.