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Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Review

Movies.com Critics

2.5

Dave White Profile

Don't fear the Bieber. Read full review

2.0

Grae Drake Profile

Premature Documentation Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    52

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 20

    out of 100

    Village Voice Nick Pinkerton

    It is draggily paced and lacks felicity of form; the 3-D is a rip-off and the songs are pap, save a snippet of Etta James singing "At Last" while Bieber's glossy fringe sways in slow-motion.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    Strictly as a piece of filmmaking, Never Say Never is a bit of a mess.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    USA Today Scott Bowles

    Never works as a gum-snapper concert movie and does provide a glimpse into instant stardom in the Twitter generation.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    The New York Times Mike Hale

    Everyone involved in "Never Say Never" is working overtime to prove that he is, as one of them puts it, "just a regular kid who had a dream," while everything about the movie screams the opposite.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    As much a legitimate documentary as it is a 3D concert film and teen girl squeal-delivery device, the film possesses surprising moments of candor on the toil of teenage superstardom.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen

    It generally succeeds, too, thanks to a visually energetic approach by director Jon Chu that keeps all the obligatory backstage/onstage bits moving fluidly.

    Read Full Review

  • 83

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    If this is what it sounds like when a new millennium goes pop, I'll take it.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Justin Bieber: Never Say Never reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 7+

Compelling docu about a young star's rise to the top.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this 3-D documentary about pop star Justin Bieber will be a must-see for his scores of tween and teen fans, who will love the footage from Bieber's early life, as well as the energetic concert scenes shot during a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. With no iffy sex, violence, or language content to speak of, the film is surprisingly inspirational -- even those who aren't already Bieber fans are likely to walk away respecting not just his talent, but also his work ethic and family relationships. Just be ready for loads of enthusiastic screaming from young audience members (and maybe from a few grown-up fans, too).

  • Families can talk about how Bieber is viewed by his fans -- and portrayed by the media. What is his image? Does this film reinforce that image?
  • Do you consider Bieber a role model? If so, does he have responsibilities to his fans?
  • How is this film similar to, or different from, other concert documentaries?

The good stuff
  • educationalvalue true0

    Educational value: The film is intended to entertain rather than educate.

  • message true3

    Messages: Got a dream? Then keep persevering and honing your craft, because good things come to those who work hard. Also, don't ever forget where you come from, and be grateful.

  • rolemodels true3

    Role models: Talent is just part (albeit a big part) of Bieber's success. Hard work and dogged perseverance also play big roles, and it's clear he takes his career seriously while also valuing his family. He's sometimes stubborn, but ultimately he comes across as a really grounded teen.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence and scariness: Not an issue

  • sex false0

    Sexy stuff: Not an issue

  • language false1

    Language: Infrequent use of words like "knucklehead" and "oh my God" (as an exclamation).

  • consumerism false2

    Consumerism: A fair amount of labels are shown or name-dropped, including Korg, Super Mario, and McDonald's. And, of course, the film promotes Justin Bieber, the brand.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

Fan Reviews provided by

5


5


1

Gay by actionmovie314
If u wanna c a movie about the life if a horrible, gay, and very possibly transsexual . This is the movie for ya

5

by mandipandi91

1

uh... by Breckham101
You just said never twice. By the way you idiot fan girls shut up argh! YOUR GOING TO MAKE MY HEAD EXPLODE!

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