The PE Review: It's easy to laugh off Bieber Fever. It only takes a shake of that perfectly side-swept mane to send teenage girls into hysterics. But in Justin Bieber's 3-D movie 'Never Say Never,' even the non-Beliebers among us will appreciate the heart and hard work that's gone into making the 16-year-old heartthrob a worldwide phenomenon.
The could-be-boy-bander's musical aptitude is often glossed over by the media, but in the film we see the real talent that launched his career. Home movies of Justin at age 3, rhythmically keeping the beat and drumming to the delight of his mom's 20-something friends, add some intimacy to the epic production. More family footage showcases his flourishing musical skills, showing a young Bieber performing at local talent shows and picking up a multitude of new instruments at his church. The kid proves he was launched by his voice and musical abilities, and he wasn't another mediocre-sounding youngster put in a pretty package and sold by Disney.
'Never Say Never' leads up to Justin's first headlining performance at Madison Square Garden, and the audience gets to know the wunderkind's real and extended families. We meet Pattie Mallette, the single mother who became pregnant with Justin when she was only 18, and the endearing, small town grandparents who helped raise the Canadian sensation.
We also get to know Scooter Braun, the now 29-year-old manager who happened upon a then-12-year-old Bieber's soulful living room performances on YouTube back in 2007. Scooter clearly cares about Justin on a personal level, and worries about preserving his childhood and helping him grow up to be "a good man." But when it's time to get down to business, Scooter plays disciplinarian and is described by Justin as "the dad" of his multi-person tour company.
It's fascinating to see how much hard work Justin and the seemingly down-to-earth cast of characters working with the teen idol put into making and maintaining him as a star. Sure, now the kid can bat his eyelashes and shut down Times Square, but he sang for all the tiny town DJs who would listen, break danced for any water parks that would have him and broke hearts in middle school auditoriums across the country long before the world came to know him as a star. And as frustrating as it was for the typically impatient teen, neither he nor his team gave up when things didn't come easy.
'Never Say Never' is really the first feature to really explore fame in the 21st century. It combats the notion that the constant connectivity that comes with the Internet overexposes a star. On the contrary, new technology (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook) is precisely what has made Justin the huge, modern-day celebrity he is today.
So whether you're an avid fan or a cynical non-Belieber, 'Never Say Never' is an insightful, uplifting look at the world's biggest teen phenomenon. The film opens nationwide Feb. 11, just in time for millions of adoring young ladies to spent some quality time with the Biebs in theaters on Valentine's Day.
Sadly, it's beyond envy. There are people out there who hate him because they will never be what he is.
As a parent, I can tell you that Justin seems very genuine. He's a talented kid who has hit the big time. Good for him! I wish him continued success and safety and I pray that he stays on the right track.
OMG!!!!! I saw the movie last night and it was AMAZING!!!! even if u dont like justin bieber u'll stil love the movie! I'm going to see it again :) thts how good it was! and honestly it was almost better than the concert :)
Saw the movie tonight. It was great. Justin Bieber's magic is that he is not only a great performer, he makes you want to KNOW him. He seems like the "real deal" and he's much more talented than many other "stars" out there.
The boy is stuck up, and I don't get why the medie think he's so different. The only thing different about him is that he can sing. But it's not like I haven't seen anything different from musicians before him. He's doing everything that's already been out there. There's a lot of people who can drum too, not just him. The media is know for exaggerating too much. Everything in the music industry now seems so much the same, nothing seems new in my eyes.
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Sadly, it's beyond envy. There are people out there who hate him because they will never be what he is.
As a parent, I can tell you that Justin seems very genuine. He's a talented kid who has hit the big time. Good for him! I wish him continued success and safety and I pray that he stays on the right track.
OMG!!!!! I saw the movie last night and it was AMAZING!!!! even if u dont like justin bieber u'll stil love the movie! I'm going to see it again :) thts how good it was! and honestly it was almost better than the concert :)
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Saw the movie tonight. It was great. Justin Bieber's magic is that he is not only a great performer, he makes you want to KNOW him. He seems like the "real deal" and he's much more talented than many other "stars" out there.
I'm the Mom of a Belieber.
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The boy is stuck up, and I don't get why the medie think he's so different. The only thing different about him is that he can sing. But it's not like I haven't seen anything different from musicians before him. He's doing everything that's already been out there. There's a lot of people who can drum too, not just him. The media is know for exaggerating too much. Everything in the music industry now seems so much the same, nothing seems new in my eyes.
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How much did Justin Bieber pay the author to write this?
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