There are no words to describe how much I didn’t want to see this movie and there aren’t enough words to describe how much I actually enjoyed it!
Directed by John Chu, this 3D movie, documenting Justin Bieber’s “rags to riches” story is fun, inspiring and entertaining.
Chu “jumped at the opportunity to tell this story with honesty and heart”, and in my opinion, he has succeed admirably.
The first time I heard the name Justin Bieber was when he was featured as a guest performer on the finale of American Idol, in 2010. I asked my kids who Justin was and why he was considered such a phenomenon and they replied that he was discovered on YouTube. I shrugged and mentally dismissed him until his name, annoyingly, became an on-going global trending topic on Twitter.
Thus, it was with reluctance that I consented to reviewing this movie.
Now, knowing the full story of the 17 year old’ s meteoric rise to fame, I am proud (or embarrassed) to say that I am a mother of a 27 year old daughter and a 19 year old son who think it is hysterically funny that mom has a terminal dose of “Bieber Fever”.
The documentary traces the young Canadian’s life from birth up to his sell out concert at Madison Square Gardens, sharing a stage with legends such as Usher, Boyz II Men and Sean Kingston.
The movie introduces single mom, Patti, who as a teenager, raised him, with the help of her parents. Justin showed musical talent from an early age and some of the old home video footage of Justin singing and playing drums are adorable! Justin is very believable when he says he never wanted to be famous, and only put the videos on YouTube for friends and family because he liked doing it. Fame wasn’t a dream of his because he really didn’t think it would happen.
But it did, and the rest is history! The YouTube videos were viewed millions of times, and when American, Scooter Braun, saw them, he was truly “wowed”! Braun introduced Justin to Usher, which led to a recording contract with Island Def Jam Music Group, under three-times Grammy-winning recording executive, L.A. Reid.
The film includes clips of his “tweenie” fans professing undying love for Justin, fan hysteria, reminiscent of the “Beatle Mania” of the 60’s, preparation for his concert tour, real time banter with his stylist, managers, voice coach etc, and culminates in the concert of concerts at MSG. Following in the footsteps of the world’s greatest entertainers, including Michael Jackson, The Police, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones and U2 Justin sold out the Garden in 22 minutes!
His battle with vocal fatigue, hectic rehearsals, meetings with other performers and leisure time with friends and family were all filmed for this movie, making it a real “behind the scenes” experience.
The music is mind blowing and I still have the “Never Say Never” lyrics going around in my head like a broken recording!
Obviously the Tweenies will go “ape” for this movie, but moms and dads, I defy you not to enjoy it!
Great family fun and proof positive that miracles can happen. Remember, NEVER SAY NEVER!
Note: If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the uniquely detailed free weekly newsletter for parents in Gauteng – Jozikids – or KwaZulu-Natal – Kznkids
One Response
Hey Joy
I couldn’t agree with you more. In fact, as I went in, with my 7 and 11 year old daughters, I asked the guy selling popcorn if he had a gun I could shoot myself with.
And how glad I was that he didn’t have one. It was a stunning movie. It showed the life of a very fortunate young man, who worked very very hard for his fortune. I have a new respect for The Biebernator. I feel very silly for having judged him without knowing his story. I’m so glad my girls got to see what it took for him to achieve what he did. Needless to say Guitar Hero was in full force this morning in my house.
Bieber Fever all over again : )