GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE - Watch It and Try Not to Tap Your Feet

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (concert musical)
Cast: Dianna Agron, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith, Darren Criss, Chord Overstreet, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale, Naya Rivera, Mark Salling and Gwyneth Palthrow
Director: Kevin Tancharoen
Time: 118 mins
Rating: * * * (out of 4)

The Glee cast with their personal quirks emblazoned on T-shirt

PREAMBLE: I unabashedly proclaim that I am a Gleek. Have been since I caught the first season (2009) of the TV series in the US. And for once, I am grateful that this concert film is shot in 3D. That way, we get the feel and the pleasure and 'pressure' of 'being there' at the high-energy concert.

Now, if you followed the exploits of the Glee Club on TV, you are going to enjoy watching them perform on stage. And as for the movie's dismal weekend opening (at 11th place with only US$5.9 million), I put the blame squarely on Sue Sylvester who told people to "Please, save your money. This thing sucks!"


WHAT'S IT ABOUT: The movie is a blend of concert footage from the Glee Live! In Concert tour, interviews with fans (or Gleeks) and backstage snippets with the performers who remain in character. The performances, filmed over two days at the Glee Live! In Concert! events at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, include some of the show’s most memorable numbers, like I’m a Slave 4 U, Raise Your Glass, Teenage Dream, and Lucky, as well as the original songs that became chart-toppers such as “Loser Like Me,” and of course, the show’s anthem, Don’t Stop Believin’.

Unlike in the trailers and stage shows, the snippets with teachers Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) and Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) have been cut. Gwyneth Paltrow, who guests on the show as substitute teacher Holly Holliday, has a surprise number, strutting Cee Lo Green's 'Forget You.'


HITS & MISSES: The youngsters, especially Lea Michele (as Rachel, singing Barbra Streisand songs), Amber Riley (Mercedes, doing a soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way”) and Darren Criss (as Blaine, rendering 'Teenage Dream') are pitch-perfect and mesmerising. However, the one performance that is worth the price of the ticket is Heather (Britanny) Morris's 'I'm A Slave 4 U'. Her version (pictured above) is even more eye-popping than the original by Britney Spears.

In his interviews with fans, director Kevin Tancharoen wants to show how the TV series has inspired and empowered the underdog and people who are 'different' to take better charge of their lives. Personally, I don't care much for these 'feel good' lulls between the musical numbers but there is one that stole the show. It is of a little boy doing an imitation of Blaine in one of his numbers. Boy, he is so good that Tancharoen ends the movie with the tyke dancing gleefully in front of the TV.

THE LOWDOWN: Watch this and try not to tap your feet or rock your body!