Justin Bieber: Next Chapter
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Musician talks God, relationships, suicide in short docu.
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Justin Bieber: Next Chapter
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What's the Story?
JUSTIN BIEBER: NEXT CHAPTER is exactly that: a discussion of the latest phase in the 26-year-old singer's life, which he describes as his happiest, most stable and secure. It offers a kind of extension, or next chapter, following the 10 episodes of Justin Bieber: Seasons. The documentary will provide not just a reflection of Bieber at this new stage, but it could also serve as a time capsule for future fans of this year's imposed quarantine due to the COVID pandemic. This documentary was made during the eight months of "quarantine" at home after Bieber's tour was canceled due to the pandemic. Bieber talks directly to camera in interviews, and he interacts with friends, colleagues, and his wife. In the film, he's just put out new song "Lonely," which leads to conversations about his own difficult past, and he plans an appearance on Saturday Night Live. In a couple of scenes, he's seen writing a letter to his 15-year-old self, where he says not to let others dictate how you see yourself but to look instead to God's perfect love.
Is It Any Good?
The cynical view of a documentary like Justin Bieber: Next Chapter is that it's a blatant exercise in music promotion or narcissism (or both). But there's something so earnest in the way the young celebrity talks about his own growth and journey that it nearly cuts through any such cynicism. Bieber is only 26, but he's been in the spotlight for more than half his life. These documentaries seem to be cathartic for him in addition to providing fodder for his legions of fans, the so-called Beliebers.
Bieber and friends -- including his manager, producers, other musicians, his pastor and his wife -- sit around talking about, well, mostly Bieber, reflecting on his growth, his beliefs, and his hopes for what kind of a man he wants to be. (Side note: For a COVID quarantine, he's got a lot of people around him.) An especially interesting scene shows his manager, Scooter Braun, and others who've worked with him since he was a teenager, admitting how much they worried about him when he was younger. This scene raises some questions, which might prompt viewers to check out previous documentaries, if they haven't already seen them. But the kid seems alright today, and viewers of this documentary will wish him well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the choice to film and talk about one's life, as the musician does in Justin Bieber: Next Chapter and previous documentaries. What do you think is his motivation?
The film shows snippets from Bieber's music video, "Lonely." What themes do you take away from that video? What other Bieber songs have autobiographical components?
Lots of people aspire to be rich and famous. According to this film, what do you think are some of the pros and cons of being a celebrity? Parents, talk to your kids about your own values concerning a family's financial needs and choosing a career path.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 30, 2020
- Cast: Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Scooter Braun
- Director: Michael D. Ratner
- Studio: Bieber Time Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 25 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 2, 2020
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