Parents' Guide to Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

Surprisingly affecting in places, the movie reveals a young man who's willing to work hard and also stays grateful for the successes he's achieved in his young life. The home videos are especially crowd pleasing and include family moments that die-hard fans will appreciate. The film's narrative is emotionally rewarding for viewers, especially those who want to savor one song after another. Musical numbers are choreographed and shot well and even allowed to play to completion, without too many frustrating cuts. What's less satisfying is that we don't really hear much from Bieber himself. A boy with so many talents should be allowed to recount his own journey, and that would have given the film much more depth. And one other quibble: The 3-D bits feel unnecessary and gimmicky, a decision that seems to have been driven more by commerce than artistry. But, all of that said, Bieber's many fans, young and old(er), are sure to enjoy this look into his life.

Pretty much anyone who deals with tweens and teens -- teachers, parents, pediatricians, etc. -- knows who Justin Bieber is: the YouTube-to-riches singer/star who's taken the world by storm with his overswept hair, sincere voice, wicked dance steps, and astonishing facility with various musical instruments (piano, guitar, drums, the djembe). Never Say Never cements that mythology, and then some.