Glee: The 3D Concert Movie Review

Title: Glee: The 3D Concert Movie

Starring: Dianna Argon, Lea Michele, Darren Criss, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale, Chord Overstreet, Mark Salling, Naya Rivera, Harry Shum Jr., Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz

“Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” is bursting with energy. For those that have yet to experience this phenomenon (like me), that will be the thought ringing in your head the entire way through.

This is a true concert movie, spliced with testimonials from real-life high school peeps (a dwarf, a homosexual, and a depressed alternative girl); that open up on how the uber-popular television show has had a positive affect on how they view themselves with regards to dealing with their social hang-ups. As for the rest of the 85 minutes or so, all the known characters (save for Jane Lynch) perform the coveted cover tunes that have been showcased on the high-school show in high-octane fashion.

It really doesn’t make sense to go through and list the cast of “unknowns” for those who are just being introduced to this Glee world. All one really needs to know is that they can all sing and perform on stage in a sound professional manner. Surprisingly, their stage presence isn’t too shabby either, for it is lively and entertaining to watch. Their vibrant persona’s are briefly on display in quick backstage clips as they sit in the make-up chairs and/or roam around the IZOD arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. And they’re always in character for the most part.

Songs that are belted out on a stage that is usually reserved for people such as Lady Gaga or U2, range from Cee Lo Green to Barbara Streisand; Michael Jackson to Journey; and they also work in T.V. Caprio’s slow version of John Lennon & Paul McCartney’s “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (the best number for this guy’s money – that wasn’t spent). Even a Britney Spears’ over-produced track is appealing to watch (and almost hear) thanks to the visually appealing and charismatic twenty-four year old, Heather Morris. In fact, all the featured stars and their backing performers will keep most of your senses entertained. Not saying that this will rope one into watching this show, but at least the spectacle is solid and the message is true.

Only real knock on this production is reserved for the behind-the-camera folks. The editing is all over the place and it wasn’t until about the halfway point that director Kevin Tancharoen learned the importance of staying with one camera longer than two seconds; to project and/or capture an emotional moment in a performance. Frankly, his editing technique suggests he could be a poster boy for A.D.D. as he constantly switches to several cameras like dudes watching NFL ticket. Despite having 3D – which is once again worthless – the constant “channel-surfing” failed to give the performances any scope. Only during Katy Perry’s Fireworks cover – sung and executed brilliantly by Lea Michele – did the camera slow down and let the audience bask in the moment that the arena crowd was privy to. A couple other tunes avoided the Paul Greengrass (Bourne Identity flicks) style of camera-cutting, as Tancharoen was able to compose his spastic cutting, enabling the proper big-screen concert experience.

Overall, “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” succeeds as a solid entertaining show rather than a cheerleading piece (Justin Bieber: Never Say Never much?). This is a straight-up concert product made for DVD that adds a tiny bit of substance with the real-life fans commenting on how much the show means to them. Will yours truly be watching the next season of Glee anytime soon? Not a chance. But there is respect for just showcasing what they are (talented) rather than trying to persuade people to join their “club.”

Technical: C+

Overall: B

Review by Joe Belcastro