Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D
- Year:2011
- Rating:G
- Director:Jon Chu
- Cast:Justin Bieber
- Release Date:April 07, 2011
- Distributor:Paramount
- Running time:104 minutes
- Film Worth:$8.00
- FILMINK rates movies out of $20 - the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
While expertly compiled and well paced, the problem here is the absence of any narrative tension, but those with Bieber Fever will find much to enjoy.
No matter what anyone says about this film, crowds are going to flock to see it. Such is the phenomenon of Justin Bieber who has managed to have a film made about him after only a year long career. It took Michael Jackson forty-plus years and an untimely death to get such treatment...
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never follows Bieber as he prepares for his "historic" sold out show at the prestigious Madison Square Garden, whilst splicing in footage of the show itself and documenting his life so far (this section is unsurprisingly brief).
The film is well put together, as it introduces you to his world and all the people in it, but there isn't much to source from. There's no story in his life yet. The title "Never Say Never" implies some kind of struggle through adversity to get where he is, but for the teenage sensation, his early rise to fame from a loving family contains zero narrative tension. A minor throat problem a few days before the big concert is consequently blown out of proportion on film in an attempt to create drama.
The film's structure is choppy, comprising of many elements, but this serves to keep the pace alive and as a result the energy never lags. The film is framed by someone sharing a YouTube link of the young pop star with friends, a theme that runs throughout the film highlighting the important role social networking sites have played in his career. He's definitely a 21st century star.
Home footage of Baby Bieb's is sure to create "awwwws..." from audiences, and whilst the clips show his musical talent from a young age, its content is limited and doesn't reveal much. This is another major problem; there is little insight into his life, with the boy himself sharing few words with the camera, and the interviews with others merely skimming the surface.
A large bulk of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is the concert itself. The film also looks into the Bieber phenomenon itself, with deranged fans providing many entertaining moments as they weep themselves into a state of dehydration.
There is also a non-stop procession of celebrity cameos highlighting how huge Bieber really is, namely Usher, Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith, Snoop Dog, and Ludacris.
Ultimately, the film is for the fans and they'll find plenty to love here. If you're not a fan, it's going to be painful.
