I need to make it clear, right from the start, that I do not have “Bieber Fever”. But could I (and you) develop a case after seeing the pop mega-superstar’s new movie? Well, as the title says, “Never Say Never”.
The film chronicles Bieber’s life, from the time he was a “Baby, Baby, Baby” – singing for his family and banging on drums – to performing in front of sold-out crowds across the globe. We get a lot of home movies, enough songs to make even the most diehard fans happy and backstage, behind-the-scenes video. The movie is part biography – part concert film.
I didn’t know much about Bieber’s background before I saw the film, and his story is interesting. One of the strengths of the movie are all the interviews with fans, who simply LOVE this guy. The film does a great job showing the joy that Bieber and his music bring to millions of (mostly) young girls around the world.
And that includes the 200 or so screaming fans I was surrounded by in the theater where I saw the movie. I do wish I had brought some earplugs – not because of what was happening on the screen, but what was happening in the audience. But I do have to give credit to the girl who was sitting next to me: She knew every word of every song. Chances are you may have one or two of those fans around you when you watch the DVD (or you may be one). Bieber is joined on stage by Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith and Usher, who is part of “Team Bieber” and appears throughout the film.
One of my big problems with “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” is that we never hear, directly, from Justin Bieber. We hear a lot from his manager, his voice coach, his mother (though we don’t get enough from her, either), his grandfather. But there’s hardly any input from Bieber himself on his life, his songs, his future. Everyone else tells his life story.
In theaters, “Never Say Never” was promoted as a 3D film, but actually only the concert scenes were in 3D. Director Jon M. Chu also did last summer’s “Step-Up 3D”, and once again, he provided the unnecessary in-your-face 3D effects, such as the singer pointing directly at the camera or tossing his cap straight at the audience, just to remind parents why they spent the extra money for 3D tickets.
And, there are too many goofy, backstage scenes and a dramatic element concerning the big, upcoming concert at Madison Square Garden that’s very predictable.
“Never Say Never” is Rated G. There is absolutely nothing for parents to worry about. “Beliebers” will think it’s the best movie they’ve ever seen, but even if you’re not a follower and you’re being forced to sit through the movie because a young, female family member does have The Fever, there’s enough here to keep you interested.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” gets a C+.