| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A+ |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
A- |
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|
| Visuals: |
A+ |
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Almost better than the Real Thing
by Yahoo! Movies User (movies profile)
Feb 13, 2008
5
of
5 people found this review helpful
I've been waiting over a year, since I first heard about 'U23D', and it was truly remarkable. As a U2 fan, I've seen most of their concert films, so it was really fun to observe the nuts and bolts of the show. You really do feel as if you're standing on the stage, looking at Larry's drum kit. (Wonder what he keeps in the glass.) Who knew Edge keeps his finger-slide on what appears to be a twisted straw on his mike stand? Speaking of Edge, good job on the part of the directors to focus on all the band members as equally as possible, and not just when Bono happens to be near them. All of their respective personalities really come out in this film, but especially Edge's. He truly is the engine of the band; Larry and Adam the wheels that keep it straight despite driver Bono constantly driving wherever his emotion takes them.
The only notable drawback has to do with the abridged concert, (U2 shows typically run over 2 hours), and some of the shots of Bono. Taken out of the larger context, some of his grandiose gestures can look a bit silly, and I'm not sure about his addressing the camera directly at some points. Hey, it's Bono, what are ya gonna do- but it might turn off some of the uninitiated.
Technically, the film is superior. Of course, everyone will mention how the 3-D is so well done that eventually you forget that it's an effect- your mind just accepts that things look that real. Not to be overlooked, however, is the sound. IMAX delivers floor shaking, soaring and crisp sound that completes the whole 'you are there' experience. An especially nice touch is being able to hear individual audience members, which reinforces the illusion that you're in Sao Paulo or any of the other cities at which the concert was filmed.
You really should do yourself a favor and catch U23D while it's playing at the IMAX. In some places, you may have to seek it out, (it's only at 2 theatres in all of Los Angeles), but the experience is well worth the trip. |
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