Justin Bieber is probably not the first performer to get his start on YouTube, but this music documentary of his mercurial rise to fame, wants you to believe that he may the one with the most longevity. And it could be right.
This earnest young man has talent, determination, poise and confidence and is a natural entertainer. He knows his audience, he knows what they want, and he gives it to them with his own brand of enthusiasm, cleverness and style. And he has fun with his performances, whether they are in a parking lot, a ballroom, or an amphitheatre: the kind of fun that comes from being young and talented and doing what you love.
Beiber is focused without being obsessed, talented without being conceited, excited without becoming manic. And yes the film is a two-hour love fest, filled with much fan adoration, and more than a small dose of PR, but the kid is easy on the eyes, and his story is a good one. So viewers remain entertained – and inspired.
The film follows his life from birth – to a teenage single mother with the strong support of her parents – through a childhood strengthened by his bonding with his grandfather – to his hanging out with his mom’s musician friends, who gave him a bongo drum one year for Christmas. He graduated from one drum to a beginner drum set and then won a local competition that paid for his first professional Pearl set. From there he began to win competitions, and when family members were not able to attend one of those performances, he posted it on YouTube. And that one step changed everything.
He began to amass hits on YouTube and at the request of on-line fans, recorded and posted more of them. One night a talent recruiter in Atlanta, named Scooter Braun, saw those videos, and realized what an unusual talent Bieber was. It took Braun three days to track down Bieber’s mom Patty, and the rest, as they say is history. Except it was historically hard work: most recording executives thought the kid was too young, and wouldn’t touch him.
So Bieber and Braun began to visit radio stations. Who were also impressed but skeptical. So Bieber began tweeting to his on-line fans, letting him know which radio station he would be at the next day – and hundreds of girls began lining up to catch a glimpse of him. The radio stations took notice and began to play his tunes.
He also forged a friendship with Usher, and that led to introductions to more industry biggies who were suitable impressed as well. Through determination, hard work and great performances, the kid plays Madison Square Garden (where tickets to his concert sold out in 22 minutes) and hits the tour circuit with a variety of well known artists as drop-in duet partners: Usher, Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith (his first professional appearance was on stage with Bieber), Ludacris, Sean Kingston. Bieber is at ease, playful but respectful, with every one of them. He holds his own, on stage, with every one of them. He is 16 years old.
Three and a half out of five stars. An inspirational music documentary of a young man’s journey to stardom, bolstered by his own self-confidence, talent, legions of adoring fans and a stable family life. Highly recommended for the whole family, there is something here for everyone. Note that this film is playing in 3D or IMAX only, so tickets will be a bit more expensive. It is worth the trip.
This film is playing locally at The Rave theatre at Connecticut Post 14, as well as the Bridgeport Showcase Theatre and Bowtie Cinemas in Trumbull.
Other film reviews you may enjoy:
The King’s Speech– outstanding performances by Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter make this unusual but powerful film well worth seeing. It has a high probability to sweep the Oscars, with Firth a shoe-in for Best Actor.
Black Swan– Natalie Portman has won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in this film and I predict she will win the Oscar as well.
Winter's Bone - an astonishing performance by Jennifer Lawrence, for which she has received an Academy award nomination. I look forward to more from this incredible young woman.
Tangled- great Disney flick, full of fun and action; good for the whole family.
Keeping your Sanity this Holiday Season: DVDs for holiday viewing
Love & Other Drugs - best for older teens and adults. Rated R for a reason. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal are naked for most of the film.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - a real treat for HP fans
Taking Chance – an unforgettable performance by Kevin Bacon now available for rental
Hereafter– good performance by Matt Damon
Let Me In– a different kind of vampire tale
A Solitary Man– one of Michael Douglas’ best roles
The Social Network– see what everyone is talking about
Letter to Juliet– a good romance with strong performances
The Back-up Plan– best for JLo fans
City Island– quirky and fun
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