Film Reviews

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Chris Colfer
• Details: US/83mins PG

To some Glee is a cheesy, middle of the road American network television series with badly covered versions of recent and classic chart hits. To others (often self-referred to as "Gleeks") it's an empowering show about social acceptance and embracing being different. Fans of the, actually entertaining, series will utterly adore this - while others will predictably write it off as overblown karaoke. Either way, it brightened up my Monday morning.
Shot in 3D, so they can charge you extra clams at your local multiplex, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie does exactly what it says on the tin. It sees our heroes in character, belting out your favourite tunes at a sold out gig. Fans of Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison will be disappointed at their lack of involvement, but there is still a showy cameo from a popular guest star.
Staying in character for the swift 80 odd minute duration, this is leagues above the more niche likes of Hannah Montana or The Jonas Brothers. These kids have star quality, and while some have better voices than others, the show always had its tongue firmly pressed against its cheek. The back stage footage in concert films is generally awkward, but that isn't a problem here; they focus on three "super gleeks" who wax lyrical about the way the show changed their lives for the better - and that's where the majority of the 'cringe' comes from.
The message is undeniably positive, and the whole point of this concert film seems to revolve around bringing the tour to theatres for folk who couldn't get to their local arena to see it. Each star gets their chance to shine, and some have undoubtedly got a set of pipes on them. They are cover versions, though, so if you're a Journey purist, or simply adverse to twenty something's masquerading as teens whilst frolicking and singing on stage, then this is best avoided.
Infectious and fun, I enjoyed it and fans will absolutely adore it. Unfortunately you can only see it in 3D, which ups the price considerably, but its still cheaper than a live concert.

Review by Mike Sheridan