Glee: The 3D Concert Movie
CAST
Cory Monteith, Lea Michele
RATING
PG
RELEASE
August 12, 2011
DIRECTOR
Kevin Tancharoen
STUDIO
20th Century Fox
RUNNING TIME
1 hour 24 minutes
STARS
***3/4
REVIEW:
Let me just start out by saying that I am a 100% "gleek." I watch the show every week, I even have some "Gleek"ed up songs on my iPod. However I was a bit disappointed that the series had to be made into a 3D concert movie. I was iffy about seeing it from the first trailer that came out, even though I am a fan of the show. Luckily, I made the right decision to go with my younger sister to a 6:45 show on a Monday night, and see for myself if 'Glee' pulled of "The 3D Concert Experience." Luckily, they did. Glee is for the underdog in all of us, and this movie, despite being a concert documentary gives the audience exactly what the TV show does on every episode: inspiration. Whether you're gay, handicapped, or even overweight, 'Glee' makes you feel like you're a part of something, that you can relate to everyday life. The show gives you hope, and sends the message that you are not alone in this world, that there are plenty of kids like you who feel like outsiders. That's why this movie may possibly be the best concert documentary that I've ever seen. For those who bash on Glee lovers, calling guys who like the show "gay" or "weird" might just be considered one of the football bullies at McKinley High School who constantly pick on Kurt.
Despite being a concert movie, the film has three different stories running at the same time. They are true stories about kids who are different that have had their lives restored because of the TV show. The first kid has aspergers, and has made many friends because of the show. She considers herself to be like Brittany, a kid on the show who also has the disorder. For those who don't know what Aspergers Syndrome is, it is a disorder that makes them socially awkward with others around them. I know this because I know somebody very close who has it. The second kid is a man who was humiliated in eighth grade because he was exposed as being gay by a few jerks around him, which embarrassed him and scarred him. Because of the show's gay character Kurt, this man has learned to express himself and show his gay pride without having to suffer from bullies. The third person is a high school cheerleader who happens to be a short person. Despite this, she comes to express herself and be the captain of the cheerleading team. Think of her as a nicer Quinn Fabray, who is the popular yet self centered head cheerleader on the show. There is a fourth kid, but he isn't much more than a cast member. Still, the 'Young Warbler,' as he is listed in the credits may be the best part of the movie.
Despite having the main high school characters in the concert, and a very surprising cameo that I won't spoil for those who haven't seen the film yet, the concert missed the presence of Matthew Morrison, who plays the head teacher Will on the show, and Jane Lynch, who plays the snooty cheerleading coach Sue. I can understand Morrison not being there, because he has other commitments, but Jane Lynch was surprising because she was shown in all of the trailers, not just in her office, but IN the concert as well. Disappointing on my behalf, but that's why there's always a DVD release. The rest of the characters are fantastic singers, and not too bad of actors on the show, or even during the backstage segments where you see them in character getting ready for the show. I don't know why the filmmakers decided to do that, but it was still humorous overall.
I know someone who thinks that 'Glee' is basically 'Kidz Bop' for teens, but let me tell him that he is wrong. He is insulting a show that he's never watched in his life before. The worst thing about that is the fact that he was in the same singing group as I was in 8th grade, where we sing songs from other source materials. I'm not trying to stand him out over others who are just like him when it comes to this show, but I'm telling him, along with the others to actually watch the first season of the show. I will guarantee that it will make you laugh, and it will shock you in many ways. Inside the songs that they sing are messages that relate to the characters on the show, and many others in everyday life. Music tells a story, but it's just elaborated more in the show. You will hear the kids sing classics such as 'Don't Stop Believin' and Queen's 'Somebody to Love,' but all for the purpose of telling the story of many high school outsiders who finally realize where their purpose in high school lies: glee club. For those who think that this show is "gay," I say shame on you. You might as well be called "gay" if you keep calling others that. For all of the losers or nerds out there who are bullied because they watch the show, ignore it. Show the world who you are, and be proud to be considered a "gleek." I know that I am.
PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:
Johnny English Reborn
Arthur Christmas
The Adventures of Tintin
Alvin & The Chipmunks:
Chipwrecked
Restless
