Arts & Entertainment
Bieber Fever Turns Epidemic For Novato Girls — and a Dad
Film about the Honorary All-American Idol from Canada isn't bad at all.
The not-so sneak preview of Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” film came to the Metreon in San Francisco a few nights ago, as did four very excited female students from .
A few months ago I was speed dialing on the home phone, redialing on the cell phone and power clicking my way to get tickets for this show. My daughter’s good grades, a promise of reward and a room wal papered with his Bieber-ness were more than enough motivation for this Mr. Mom to come through with the goods. And come through I did.
While I was somewhat proud of my persistence in this mission, I was perhaps even more relieved in fulfilling it. I have to admit that I was a bit less enthusiastic about attending. What I was pleasantly surprised about was seeing a pretty good story about an extremely talented kid. Justin Bieber is just a small-town Canadian achieving the biggest of American dreams.
Put the music performances and the 3D effects aside, there is enough of a documentary story line in this film that you find yourself in Bieber‘s corner from the start. There is nothing to not like about this kid. His humble beginnings, his natural talent, his appreciation and respect for his mom and grandparents, the wholesomeness of his performances ... I spew forth all this fluff and I didn’t even indulge in the free purple cotton candy that they gave out on the way to our seats.
The story of Bieber’s meteoric rise to stardom includes insightful perspectives from all of those involved in his success. There is “Scooter,” who discovers Bieber on YouTube and relentlessly pursues him to get him signed. He then fights an uphill battle with studios to get Bieber heard and then resorts to doing things the old fashion way. They work hard, don’t take no for an answer, and they hit the streets.
Reminiscent of Ritchie Valens story in "La Bamba," the Bieber team pops in on DJs at radio stations to get local airplay. He performs to small crowds, sometimes fewer than 20 girls will hear him at a store or at some local fair in the rain. They find the perfect mentor in Usher, who recognizes Bieber’s potential yet understands the perils of early stardom.
A protective family team is built up around Bieber. They seem to exude an astute awareness that they are in the midst of an industry that can just as quickly destroy as it can create. From a business sense there is no doubt that this kid is an asset that they need to protect. From a relational perspective, this is a kid who’s well-being they appear willing to protect at all cost. There is no Jackson-esque mystery here; these are the people responsible for his success and failure.
Let’s see — themes of hard work, passion to do what you love, the importance of family values, old friendships, making new ones … the reward is in the work. I liked this film because at the end of the day Justin Bieber is shown as a kid who needs to go clean his room before he does anything else.
When I think back to the teen idol bands I looked up to I have to cringe about their demise and overdosed former members. My daughters could have done a lot worse in choosing an idol. All I can say is “Go Bieber!” and wish him all the best.
