Yes, the title is accurate. Last semester I took a writing course that required us to review a live concert/musical event for one of our final assignments. When coronavirus struck, this assignment switched gears and became virtual. Naturally, I turned to Glee to satisfy my professor's musical craving. And since I was worried he wouldn't appreciate my *very serious* take, I even wrote a little disclaimer at the top of my paper that described the merits and challenges of reviewing such a concert as Glee: The 3D Concert Movie.
Today I am sharing that paper with you. Word for word. Some of it is a bit harsh, but that's only because I had to make the paper substantial and prove I was watching this concert from a critical eye (and not sitting in my pajamas, eating popcorn while Heather Morris dances her butt off to Britney's I'm a Slave 4 U). P.S. I got an A. So if I could convince my professor that a paper about Glee Live was worth the read, I hope I can convince you too.
So here it is: Glee: The 3D Concert Movie: A Mixed Bag of Dynamite (catchy title, huh?)
While off to a lackluster comedic introduction, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie shines in its ballads. The first song is Don’t Stop Believin’, a cover of Journey’s sensational rock anthem. While the original song is most definitely superior, the Glee cover holds merit. The number opens with a harmony that truly captures the tone of Don’t Stop Believin’, as each character sings a hopeful “dun dun dun” riff. Lea Michele shines when she belts out the final notes, effectively closing out the song and capturing the style of the invigorating concert to come.
The concert is over an hour in length, so I will be assessing songs of particularly strong success or failure to compel viewers. Amber Riley’s vocals layered with Kevin McHale’s alto voice capture the feelings of Glee in Empire State of Mind, as the two unite to create a catchy cover worthy of being performed live. However, Heather Morris’ cover of Brittany Spears’ I’m a Slave 4 U is lackluster. It comes off as imitative and offers nothing new to the arrangement. Morris’ voice is less exciting without the harmony of her castmates, but her dance moves are where she truly shines. In contrast, Chris Colfer performs a cover of I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles that is particularly noteworthy. He adds a bit of Broadway flair to the classic with his countertenor voice, effectively creating a cover that is original and memorable.
The final performance of the concert is a group number showcasing a Glee original song Loser Like Me. Lyrically, it’s a suitable ending for a show that prides itself on having a cast of “misfits.” However, I don’t think this song has the pizazz necessary for a show-stopping finale. The song itself is catchy, but basic. I think the song prior to this one, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, would have been a better choice. It presents a similar message of self-acceptance and empowerment with a stronger sound, in addition to the opportunity for more powerful vocals from some standout, less celebrated, singers.
Glee: 3D is a fever dream. It is chaotic and messy, but if you embrace it and don’t take its awkward comedic attempts too seriously, many of the performances and vocal arrangements are worth a watch.
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