I only found out that he’s a Canadian and a YouTube-created pop star the day before I watched the screening of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. Prior to that, all I know is that he’s a mysterious global phenomenon of a blonde-helmet-hair catering to the 16-year-old-and-below demographic with his “Baby, baby, baby noooo”—a song that always sends shivers through my jaws but is actually the anthem of tweens wordlwide . And, yes, I recently heard that he’s Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Beatles combined, and I was flabbergasted. Who does this Bieber think he is? This androgynous baby-faced teen that spews the kind of songs that have the annoying power to stick to your head? Is this Justin Bieber the Manny Pacquiao of Pop Culture? And he’s only 17 and still alive—and already he's got a biopic? In 3D?
Screening Day. I snapped on my 3D glasses, the “unbelieber” that I was, while the rest of the teen-filled cinema cheered wildly. And on the screen came this incredibly cute little boy, his round eyes so visible and adorable without the patented hair. Then my jaw dropped when the toddler began beating the drums. And instantly, you realize that behind the bubblegum exterior that frightens away the alternative music-loving people is a seriously musically gifted boy. And with that kind of talent, comes respect. And you watch the rest of the film with respect for the boy.
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is a documentary of the teen heartthrob; a biographic timeline of his instant rise to fame, interspersed with concert clips, and a countdown to his sold-out concert at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” the Madison Square Garden, where superstars like U2, Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson have performed—proof that Bieber has reached the pinnacle of success.
The ultimate Bieber fans, of course, already know by heart the history of the child star. But be assured that the movie is not just some Bio episode in full-length. “Beliebers” will be treated with a bunch of concert performances, mostly 3D images of Bieber floating out of the screen, so close that you can relive your dream and pretend to touch his hand; intimate behind-the-scenes footages; home videos where you can get a glimpse of the homelife of the boy wonder; and like sprinkles to your chocolate ice cream, you will be treated with guest performances from Boyz II Men, Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith, and of course, The Mentor: Usher. Also, there are life-sized Bieber 3D scenes solely created for this movie that I’m sure the fans would delightfully indulge in—Oh, and of course, scenes of a shirtless Bieber.
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, directed by Jon Chu (Step-Up), threads together Bieber’s short history in an engaging and clear fashion. The transitions between interviews and home videos and the wild concerts were swift and smooth right until the culminating scene. Bieber’s life story is not exactly unique and awesome, but Chu succeeded in producing a streamlined storytelling of the Bieber Fever phenomenon that will tickle your funny bone and will warm your heart. And he reveals the human being behind the pop-packaging. After watching the movie, fans would definitely want a real Bieber concert experience more than ever, as the 3D makes them one step closer to the real thing. “Unbeliebers,” on the other hand, will enjoy the cute and funny clips of the obsessed fans, be entertainingly educated on Bieber’s bio, and will realize and admit that the boy actually possesses real talent—if you strip away all that pop overload.
Hearing “Baby baby baby noooo” might still make an “unbelieber” cringe, yes . . . but after watching the movie, you will start caring about Justin Bieber. Never say never!
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