GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE

Gleeks should be pleased that the concert features pretty much each character's biggest fan-favorite songs... and with a solid dozen characters on stage, it is like a revolving talent show of Nice Kids Doing Covers of Popular Songs.

At first, even for a casual Glee fan like myself, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie was, initially, almost too much. Unsurprisingly, the concert performance and movie opens with the now ubiquitous cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'". This is all fine and good, but with a solid dozen cast members (all in character) on stage taking part, combined with furious editing cuts and close-ups, I almost was ready to rip the 3D glasses off my face and try to move to the back of the theater.

But, luckily the movie style calms down a bit after that first number, as each of our favorite characters get a chance in the spotlight. Now, Gleeks should be pleased that the concert features pretty much each character's biggest fan-favorite songs... and with a solid dozen characters on stage, it is like a revolving talent show. Kurt sings "I Want to Hold Your Hand", Artie sings "The Safety Dance" (getting out of his wheelchair to dance, instantly confusing disabled children all across the land), Santana and Mercedes sing "River Deep, Mountain High" (OK? HAWT.), and Brittany S. Pierce (Heather Morris, sexy as all hell) does Britney Spears' "I'm A Slave 4 U" (which was one of the numbers that got applause from my small screening audience).

Glee, once again, proves that they do Katy Perry better than Katy Perry: Witness Rachel (Lea Michele) blowing the roof off with "Firework". That girl can sing. I know I'm not the only one that squealed and wept like a schoolgirl when Blaine and the Warblers first sang "Teenage Dream" on the show (swoon!). Blaine & Co. get to do that song, plus a couple of others (right in a row!), showing how his late addition to the show turned him into a Glee sensation. Internet fans will be pleased to see the inclusion of YouTube sensation, the Mini Warbler, who also appears in the closing credits (seriously, so stinkin' cute).

The concert highlights the true talents in the group, with Lea Michele and Amber Riley's singing, and Heather Morris and Harry Shum, Jr.'s dancing showing that they are Grade-A performers. But shoot, all the players get their moment in the spotlight, even if characters like Quinn and Sam only get a very brief moment.

In an interesting choice, the film alternates the concert with the expected backstage antics (everyone still in character), blended with documentary-style interviews with Glee fans. A few fans are highlighted and profiled, including one young woman with Asperger's Syndrome, a young gay man who was forced out of the closet in 8th grade, and another young lady who is a dwarf and cheerleader who was asked out to the prom by the football star. All of these young people were given a boost of confidence by the positive messages on the show, and I thought these moments were a nice addition to the movie (which may have otherwise felt like Nice Kids Doing Covers of Popular Songs).

Glee fans should dig Glee 3D. It may not have cross-over appeal to other movie goers, but this movie is not for them. And for those fans who feel like their favorite characters got shorted with little screen time, I'm sure they will be rewarded with tons of extra footage when the DVD comes out. So, enjoy your concert, Gleeks!