Haters beware, you might catch ‘Bieber Fever’

Devin Kennamer Staff Writer

Maybe besides your bratty cousin, Justin Bieber has become one of the most easily hated 16 year olds in the world. Is it jealousy? Is it simply a complete loathing of his catchy pop tunes like “Baby” or “Somebody To Love?” If “Bieber Fever” is contagious, stay away from theaters showing “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, 3D.”

I decided to put on my respirator leftover from the Bird Flu scare and hope not to catch the fever at the midnight showing of the film. I was exposed to an epidemic of teenage girls screaming, singing, and nearly passing out over a 3D film. Their intensity far overshadows that of fans for other teen movies such as “The Twilight Saga” or “Harry Potter.”

The film is not a concert video, but a documentary that puts the primary focus on the preparation and struggles that the teen icon and his production staff go through as they prepare for his sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The concert footage that is interspersed throughout the film is a great compliment to the backstory involved. The 3D visuals were actually quite stunning, and some of the clearest, most impressive 3D effects I’ve seen in modern film. At many times, Bieber played his on-screen performances directly to the camera and it felt as if he was reaching out to each of us in the crowd.

For me, many of the highlights of the film came from witnessing the relationships between Bieber and his family, specifically his mother. These moments showed a vulnerable side to the star’s outside image.

As a public relations major, and someone who has worked in the entertainment industry, many of the behind-the-scenes details of producing the concerts and maintaining the 16 year old’s voice and stamina were extremely interesting. One powerful moment is at an emotional production meeting where Bieber is told he will have to postpone a show due to personal sickness. Your typical, upset teenager comes out in Bieber as his vocal coach strongly reprimands him for complaining about not being able to perform.

Some will say that Bieber isn’t quite old enough yet to have a movie that takes you on his life journey, but I recommend anyone who is skeptical to see the film and catch a glimpse into the life of the most famous 16 year old in America. With social media like YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, a lot can happen in a year or two. The film delivers with a very intimate and insightful look into the business and discovery of one of today’s most famous teen figures.

Did I catch the fever? Not quite, but, I’m no longer afraid of it.