So, I got a phone call from a friend yesterday inquiring if we wanted to join them for dinner & a movie. As always, I’m game, so I called up our babysitter (Oh, how I love thee, let me count the ways…), & it was a date. I figure I have to cram as many date nights in before baby #2 arrives the end of April, so what the hey!! Anyway, our friends tell us that they were thinking of going to see U2 3D. Okay, wait…what?!? I had heard a few fairly good things about the movie, but let’s be honest, it’s a concert. In 3D. I’m as much of a U2 fan as the next gal (honestly, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like their music). I think that Joshua Tree is possibly the best album ever. And I’ve always had a wee bit of a crush on Larry Mullen Jr. (drummer). But a concert movie? I’m thinking that I’m either a) so old that I can only see a concert from a cushy, theatre seat with a vat of popcorn & a gallon of Diet Coke, or b) too cheap to go out & spring for the real thing. My reservations aside, I figured it was worth a shot.
Oh brutha (I have a wee bit of a crush on Desmond from Lost, too), was it ever worth it. If only to sit in a theatre looking like this for 2 hrs…
I’ll wait for you to stop laughing. Ready? Okay.
In Theatres Now
U2 3D
I have honestly never seen U2 live (our friends who went with us to the movie have seen them 5 times….my life is so lame), but wow do they ever put on an amazing show. During Pride (In the Name of Love), the little guy was kicking & rolling around with such enthusiasm that I thought "great, we either have a budding rock star or a politician!" This movie was created from 7 different shows throughout South America (primarily Buenos Aires) during U2’s most recent Vertigo tour. The energy from the crowd is truly electric, & it is hard sometimes to stay sitting in your seat while you watch. There were many-a-time I wanted to jump up & scream with all of the young people in the "real" crowd. Alas I didn’t. I probably would have fallen down. Remember the 3D glasses.
Which brings me to the 3D. Besides laughing at ourselves in the glasses, the 3D effects were really quite amazing. Nothing gimmicky. They just serve to make you a part of the concert experience, which certainly helps to set this concert movie apart from all others before it. The band doesn’t seem to try to play into the whole idea of the 3D, they just do what they would normally do. And do they ever do that well.
I realized just before the encore that I had been sitting there with a smile on my face for an hour & a half. These four guys, who have been together since they were teenagers really seem to enjoy what they do. And frankly, after almost 30 years (yes 30…how old do you feel now!?!) in the business they still seem to be awed by all of it. They come across as so appreciative of the praise they get from the crowd, that you can’t help but cheer them on even more. And honestly, their achievements are truly astounding. Over 170 million albums sold. More Grammy wins than any other group in history. Inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame during their first year of eligibility. To say nothing of their tireless work throughout the world on various human rights & social justice causes. All of these things & not a hint of a giant ego to be seen from any of them.
I enjoyed every minute of the movie, so much so that the time seemed to just slip by, & I too, along with the "real" crowd, felt a general sadness when it was all over. So even though it wasn’t your traditional movie-going experience, it was definitely worth it.
Coming Soon To a Theatre Near You
I came across a couple of movie previews that I just had to share with all of you. They both have the dancing, singing, & love, like my new movie review, but I was just so jazzed about them I couldn’t wait until my next installment of Coming Attractions. So hopefully you enjoy them as much as I do.
Mamma Mia
Okay, how psyched are you?!? I mean, Meryl singing. Pierce Brosnan. Colin Firth. ABBA!!!! I never did get to see the theatrical production of this, but considering I go see concerts at a movie theatre, then why not some musical theatre too?!? I’m figuring that I’m going to grab every girlfriend I can gather up & we will make a pilgrimage to see this. It may not be too high on the hubby’s list of summer movie must-see’s.
The Love Guru
Okay, who doesn’t love some Mike Myers? And he’s managed to wrap the Leafs up in his greatness (too bad the "winning the Stanley Cup" is soooo purely fictional). I know that the gags seem to be straight out of Austin Powers, but he always seems to be able to pull it off. And I can’t help but laughing at it. Our Good Canadian boy continues to charm Hollywood, & maybe he might get just a few of those folks to watch a hockey game or two.
Jen, I was really surprised with the 3D because I was worried I would get nauseous, but I didn’t have a problem with it at all. There was a preview for a new Brendan Fraser 3D movie before the feature, & that was more stomach-churning, because they went for the traditional 3D schtick of things jumping out at you & falling towards you. The U2 3D movie had none of that. It really served to put you in the middle of the show like you were part of the “real” crowd (frankly with the best seats in the house), no real gimmicks.
I have to agree on the Mike Myers movie. How many times is he going to get away with the same joke? But it will still probably do well at the box office. I just think it is funny that he has managed to work the Leafs into a major motion picture. That’s funny enough in-&-of itself!!
Nice shades man 😛 Twins much?!
I would not have considered the U2 show but now might just make a stop. My only question, did the 3D make you nauseous? I have actually had to leave a 3D show at the science centre because I was going to barf.
Must see Mama Mia!!! Too many midget jokes in the Mike Myers’ film for me I think…maybe a rental.
oh, i’m dying to see that U2 film! I’m a die-hard U2 fan (i’ve been to 4 of the concerts and cried at everyone – i know, how lame!). you guys look great in your 3D shades – very avant garde!
I must see Mamma Mia – I LOVED the musical and don’t expect this to live up to the standard of live theatre, but I have enjoyed Pierce Brosnan since his Remmington Steele days (oooh, I hope he’s the father!), and I admit to having ABBA in my music library, and enjoying it!
As for The Love Guru, not quite so keen – he sounds a bit too much like Shrek.
Okay, I have to comment on my own post, because it is absolutely frightening how much my hubby & I look alike in that pic!! I guess you really do start to look like each other after awhile!