The movie is for Directioners (One Direction fans) and no one else. I went with my two 1D-mad friends, who loved it. I am not crazy for them, but I am fond of them and love Harry and Zayn, so I found most of it entertaining. I spent £8 on this film, which is why I didn't give it a ten out of ten because it wasn't really worth all the money...I'd pay a fiver. There are some moments in it where I couldn't stop laughing. Louis is particularly funny! Anyway, my two friends also thought it was very 'emotional' and cried in most parts. I didn't cry, but I guess I would if I was a proper PROPER fan! It's got all the songs in it for the music fans, plus all the backstage exclusive videos and rehearsals. Plus, you get to see all their families and what it's like on a tour bus. My only complaint would be that it didn't really make me love them anymore. It only told me what I already knew. Overall though, it's worth a try if you're not a Directioner and a must see if you are!
91 Reviews
A very HONEST, unbiased review!
regexfan6 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
From what I see on here, the reviews are either written by hardcore fans who gave the movie glittering reviews or (jealous)people who are determined to hate on the band by trashing it to no end (people who probably didn't even watch the movie). So let me waste a bit of my time to write an honest and unbiased review about this movie.
First of all, I'm not a fan of this band, but I'm interested in Simon Cowell, not the man himself, but his business ventures. As someone who is not a fan and who watches the movie with no expectations at all, the first one hour of the movie appeared to me like a very long and dragging commercial advertisement where the "product" here is the BAND itself. The producers and director had nothing else in their minds when they set out to make this movie. They wanted to tell us what we, the mass public, SHOULD think of the band.
The whole movie was actually made based off that. Like how you see a McDonald's ad on TV and it wants to tell you how delicious and fresh McDonald's foods are? And how you know what you're seeing on the ad isn't even half true? Yes, this movie is JUST like that.
Anything that happens in the first 60 minutes of the movie comes off as dishonest, all the interviews with the band's security, tour manager, the musicians, sound very scripted. Everyone talks the same way of someone or something, there's NO WAY it's not scripted or they weren't being told of what to say.
One of the major setbacks of the movie to me is how the boys are forcefully portrayed as very down to earth, fun, stupid, naive, and harmless. It was obviously done to show that they're very safe for their fan base of very young girls. But here's what I didn't like the most:
For a record, we all KNOW, they don't decide on all the things above, so who are they kidding?
The last 30 minutes of the movie is pretty close to how the movie should be. To me the good part of the movie is when they went back to their hometown to see their family. Any part that has a family member in it can be considered as a good part. It shows where they came from, the life they had before the band, what changes they made to their family. The very brief interviews with the family members are golden.
And there's this part where one of the boys said there was time when he's not enjoying everything and had to take a step back. This part is good because it shows how vulnerable the boys are, being very young and had to adapt to the drastic changes in their lives. But sadly this part only last for a few seconds, and no more exploration of this kind was made again.
It's such a shame really, that the people behind this movie decided to be on the safe side and put out something not much of a value rather than going all the way to tell an honest, interesting, and unique story about the band and the band members. But who am I kidding, the movie is obviously a project to make (Simon Cowell)their record label more money, not to create some art.
First of all, I'm not a fan of this band, but I'm interested in Simon Cowell, not the man himself, but his business ventures. As someone who is not a fan and who watches the movie with no expectations at all, the first one hour of the movie appeared to me like a very long and dragging commercial advertisement where the "product" here is the BAND itself. The producers and director had nothing else in their minds when they set out to make this movie. They wanted to tell us what we, the mass public, SHOULD think of the band.
The whole movie was actually made based off that. Like how you see a McDonald's ad on TV and it wants to tell you how delicious and fresh McDonald's foods are? And how you know what you're seeing on the ad isn't even half true? Yes, this movie is JUST like that.
Anything that happens in the first 60 minutes of the movie comes off as dishonest, all the interviews with the band's security, tour manager, the musicians, sound very scripted. Everyone talks the same way of someone or something, there's NO WAY it's not scripted or they weren't being told of what to say.
One of the major setbacks of the movie to me is how the boys are forcefully portrayed as very down to earth, fun, stupid, naive, and harmless. It was obviously done to show that they're very safe for their fan base of very young girls. But here's what I didn't like the most:
- They made it as if the boys DECIDE for themselves not to be a dancing boyband.
- They made it as if the boys DECIDE for themselves how their music sounds like.
- They made it as if the boys DECIDE for themselves on what to wear.
For a record, we all KNOW, they don't decide on all the things above, so who are they kidding?
The last 30 minutes of the movie is pretty close to how the movie should be. To me the good part of the movie is when they went back to their hometown to see their family. Any part that has a family member in it can be considered as a good part. It shows where they came from, the life they had before the band, what changes they made to their family. The very brief interviews with the family members are golden.
And there's this part where one of the boys said there was time when he's not enjoying everything and had to take a step back. This part is good because it shows how vulnerable the boys are, being very young and had to adapt to the drastic changes in their lives. But sadly this part only last for a few seconds, and no more exploration of this kind was made again.
It's such a shame really, that the people behind this movie decided to be on the safe side and put out something not much of a value rather than going all the way to tell an honest, interesting, and unique story about the band and the band members. But who am I kidding, the movie is obviously a project to make (Simon Cowell)their record label more money, not to create some art.
If you are not a fan don't watch it.
creativ_aries4 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Okay so I am somewhat of a 1D fan but that doesn't mean I am blind to bad movies. Of course the movie is going to rate low because it is a concert documentary and these types of movies never have any sort of substance. So if you don't even like the artist that this type of movie is about then you are stuck having a miserable time.
From a non fan perspective i would give it a 2. All it is is the famous boy-band singing their songs. If you don't know anything about the band it may be informative to you because it teaches you the basic one direction facts like how they got started, where they are from, what their family is like etc.
For the same reason as a fan of 1D i would give it a 4. The movie was very repetitive. All of the fans know these basic facts already so you don't really learn anything. Most of the interviews and backstage info they talk about is the same thing like "Oh we're just normal humble people that are amazed at what's happened to us." There was no conflict/dramatic event in the movie so the plot was pretty much boring the whole time.
I am someone who enjoys listening to 1D so I thought the music was really good. If you don't like their music you will hate it because the whole movie consists of them singing it. But since I am a fan I did appreciate the music because I haven never gone to a 1D concert. It was cool to see the setup and everything too. Also I liked how you could tell they we're actually singing. (...at least i think)
From a non fan perspective i would give it a 2. All it is is the famous boy-band singing their songs. If you don't know anything about the band it may be informative to you because it teaches you the basic one direction facts like how they got started, where they are from, what their family is like etc.
For the same reason as a fan of 1D i would give it a 4. The movie was very repetitive. All of the fans know these basic facts already so you don't really learn anything. Most of the interviews and backstage info they talk about is the same thing like "Oh we're just normal humble people that are amazed at what's happened to us." There was no conflict/dramatic event in the movie so the plot was pretty much boring the whole time.
I am someone who enjoys listening to 1D so I thought the music was really good. If you don't like their music you will hate it because the whole movie consists of them singing it. But since I am a fan I did appreciate the music because I haven never gone to a 1D concert. It was cool to see the setup and everything too. Also I liked how you could tell they we're actually singing. (...at least i think)
One Direction get intimate
CMTiago2 September 2014
OK, so I watched this movie as part of a thing I do where I watch the US box office number ones from one year prior and now it was time for the 1D flick. Apart from a few guilty pleasure songs, I don't really love this band like a lot of the screaming teenagers that the movie shows. Still whether we like them or not, there's no denying they're huge right now. Now if this success is to continue, that's another discussion. So I sat back and grooved to some songs I like and learned a little more about them. It wasn't something I desperately needed to know, but since I was already watching it, I ended up just finding out about this. Now as far as the boys go, I can see that this can be quite overwhelming for them and that they are just normal young people looking for a good time. One Direction has become a very loved, but also hate band. Personally I always separate the music from the individual and as far as I'm concerned, they seem like nice lads. So my advice is if you're a directioner definitely watch this, and if you're not, well if you don't mind them, see it just for the sake of actually seeing them as they are and not the product they're selling
Rating: 4,5/10
Rating: 4,5/10
The Worst Documentary I Have Ever Seen
TheRetroNerd31 August 2013
I'm gonna start off by saying that I know that I am not the target audience for this movie. This is for the prepubescent little girls who like their "music". But, a documentary should entertain someone no matter what the topic. A good documentary would entertain anyone no matter if they like what the documentary is about or not. That being said, this movie does not do that. It is pretty much an hour and a half long commercial for One Direction; not a movie. This movie was like the first 20 minutes of the movie 'Moonwalker' but if it was the whole movie. I can't exaggerate enough on how this is the worst documentary ever. If you wanna sit through a hour and a half long infomercial then be my guest. But, if you have a functioning brain and would rather watch something that resembles a movie then I'd stay away from this.
Worst Movie Ever
naumanfayyaz1 September 2013
If Lee Daniel's The Butler business is surpassed by this crap,then i would say that everything is possible.
The film contains enough gratuitous naked torsos that it is sure to satisfy those fans. But is it of interest to anyone else? It is a chance to ponder just why these five "boys," who range in age from 19 to 21, are pegged as the new Justin Biebers. Unlike Mr. Bieber, they don't seem to be musical prodigies. Only one plays an instrument on stage, and none of them dance well.
With a group so evidently versed in the visuals of rock history , it's a shame that a filmmaker wasn't hired who would pay homage to classic pop films instead of offering a satisfactory paid promotional. In the end credits — Richard Lester-style scenes of the boys in costumes doing pranks — we see how this film might have been more successful: as an obvious fiction starring these appealing personalities rather than a tame and somewhat fake documentary.Another addition to worthless crap movies that's business is surpassing precious gems like The Butler.
The film contains enough gratuitous naked torsos that it is sure to satisfy those fans. But is it of interest to anyone else? It is a chance to ponder just why these five "boys," who range in age from 19 to 21, are pegged as the new Justin Biebers. Unlike Mr. Bieber, they don't seem to be musical prodigies. Only one plays an instrument on stage, and none of them dance well.
With a group so evidently versed in the visuals of rock history , it's a shame that a filmmaker wasn't hired who would pay homage to classic pop films instead of offering a satisfactory paid promotional. In the end credits — Richard Lester-style scenes of the boys in costumes doing pranks — we see how this film might have been more successful: as an obvious fiction starring these appealing personalities rather than a tame and somewhat fake documentary.Another addition to worthless crap movies that's business is surpassing precious gems like The Butler.
How can Anyone Like This pile of S***
zkeveoz-113 September 2013
TO sum this all up Its Terrible don't watch this sh** i really hope piracy gets even stronger so these losers don't make anymore money selling there terrible music. Seriousely why bring out a movie with themselves in it why not bring out a music video like normal artists, its just pure greed, nothing but greed............. . .. . .
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By submitting this review you are agreeing to the terms laid out in our Copyright Statement. Your submission must be your own original work. Your review will normally be posted on the site within 2-3 business days. Reviews that do not meet the guidelines will not be posted. Please write in English only. HTML or boards mark-up is not supported though paragraph breaks will be inserted if you leave a blank line between paragraph.
1 (awful) out of 10
dave_small6 September 2013
This is the worst "documentary" I have ever seen in my life. Not that I am a One Direction fan anyway or anything but still all that means is I went in with zero expectations and still was blown away by how unbelievably awful this is. The only thing worse would be to hand a bunch of kids a video camera and let them tape themselves go to the beach, ride in a bus, do some shows for their friends, because basically that is what this "professional documentary team" has given us here with this band. They're not a terrible band as far as boy bands go, with OK voices and dance moves, but most boy bands stink and this one is no different. Play some instruments well or something! What is the point of these guys? Almost as little point as there is in this movie existing, watching a bunch of guys pretending to be younger than they are and desperate to look "real" and "cool". Skip this movie if you don't want to get the strong urge to stick knives in your eyes and ears.
this is us
rutbachoudhury1 May 2020
I'm 46, a guy, a Beatles' fan, and I liked it!
claytonchurch14 September 2013
I'm 46 and the father of five daughters, the three youngest being in the One-Direction target age: 12th, 8th, and 6th grade. My daughters (including a 22 and 20 year-old) have managed not to go gaga over the Back Street Boys, N-Sync, the Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, and the like. 1D has been a little different, in that they caught my girls' interest and have kept it. My youngest three wanted to see this, and I surprised them on Labor Day by taking them. I thought about just dropping them off, but am glad I didn't. I read a critic's review that basically said that these guys are truly nice, decent guys, and that that comes through in the movie. It does.
I'm a huge Beatles' fan, so for me, much of the movie was spent not only enjoying the music (really, it's not bad stuff) and their humble and charming personalities, but also evaluating the sociological aspects of their "Beatlemania"-type popularity.
Here's what's interesting in the comparison. Unlike the Beatles, these guys are not skilled musicians and phenomenal songwriters. Mainly, they just sing, and they're good at that. What lies under their popularity are two things that also lay under the Beatles': 1) they are very humorous and relaxed (lots of quick, on-the-fly, funny comments); and 2) they're working-class boys (lads) who are really great friends and enjoy each other. With the Beatles, I've always thought that their palpable friendship and fun humor were the factors that made them so magnetic--they enjoyed each other, were great friends, and had fun with each other on stage and off. This is even more true for One Direction, as you don't have the leadership struggle with 1D that was there between John and Paul, nor the building resentment of a George. None of One Direction is trying to become the leader, and all are avoiding being the Justin Timberlake or the Sting. They really care for each other, are great friends, and, most striking to me, are tremendously and truly humble about their success. Along with this, they verbalize many times how each member is necessary, how they'd be less successful (or may not have even made it) had one member been missing, how it was a freak of nature/act of God, so to speak, that they wound up together, and that they'd all be doing menial jobs back home right now (factory worker, fireman, working in a bakery), were it not for their fans making them big (and they're really appreciative of their fans, and treat them well). Last thing on this: there's a segment when they go back home, and we see none of them acting like a big deal with any of the folks in their home towns. That was really refreshing.
Certainly these guys aren't the musical giants the Beatles were--not even close. But just as fun, even to adults? Yes, and maybe even a little more so. This movie, the "Hard Day's Night" of One Direction, was a really fun watch.
I'm a huge Beatles' fan, so for me, much of the movie was spent not only enjoying the music (really, it's not bad stuff) and their humble and charming personalities, but also evaluating the sociological aspects of their "Beatlemania"-type popularity.
Here's what's interesting in the comparison. Unlike the Beatles, these guys are not skilled musicians and phenomenal songwriters. Mainly, they just sing, and they're good at that. What lies under their popularity are two things that also lay under the Beatles': 1) they are very humorous and relaxed (lots of quick, on-the-fly, funny comments); and 2) they're working-class boys (lads) who are really great friends and enjoy each other. With the Beatles, I've always thought that their palpable friendship and fun humor were the factors that made them so magnetic--they enjoyed each other, were great friends, and had fun with each other on stage and off. This is even more true for One Direction, as you don't have the leadership struggle with 1D that was there between John and Paul, nor the building resentment of a George. None of One Direction is trying to become the leader, and all are avoiding being the Justin Timberlake or the Sting. They really care for each other, are great friends, and, most striking to me, are tremendously and truly humble about their success. Along with this, they verbalize many times how each member is necessary, how they'd be less successful (or may not have even made it) had one member been missing, how it was a freak of nature/act of God, so to speak, that they wound up together, and that they'd all be doing menial jobs back home right now (factory worker, fireman, working in a bakery), were it not for their fans making them big (and they're really appreciative of their fans, and treat them well). Last thing on this: there's a segment when they go back home, and we see none of them acting like a big deal with any of the folks in their home towns. That was really refreshing.
Certainly these guys aren't the musical giants the Beatles were--not even close. But just as fun, even to adults? Yes, and maybe even a little more so. This movie, the "Hard Day's Night" of One Direction, was a really fun watch.
This is the most s**t I have ever seen!
joe-a-south27 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Why would anyone want to watch this c**p? And now, a SONNET!!! My roosters feathers are nothing like a cloud; Blood is far more red than his wattles red; If whispers be quiet, why then his cackles are loud; If scales be coins, tarnished coins grow on his legs.
I have seen sunflowers adorned, yellow and black, But no such sunflowers see I in his beak; And in some stenches is there less attack Than in the excrement that from my rooster leaks.
I love to hear him crow, yet well I know That screaming is a far more pleasing noise I grant I never watched a phoenix glow; My rooster, when he stands, blends in with the other boys.
And yet, by heaven, I think he will taste as well As all the Cornish hens Walmart will sell.
I have seen sunflowers adorned, yellow and black, But no such sunflowers see I in his beak; And in some stenches is there less attack Than in the excrement that from my rooster leaks.
I love to hear him crow, yet well I know That screaming is a far more pleasing noise I grant I never watched a phoenix glow; My rooster, when he stands, blends in with the other boys.
And yet, by heaven, I think he will taste as well As all the Cornish hens Walmart will sell.
Brilliant
maallen26930 December 2013
Okay, so I'm a massive directioner, I can understand why people are commenting saying they do not like it because it is about a boy band whose fans in general are teenagers like themselves. I don't understand though why people are commenting saying its sh*t and a waste of time, surely if they think so strongly that way, they would of realised near enough at the start of the film if it was for them or not, and if they decide it wasn't then go and 'make better use of the your time' I think that it is a perfect film for directioners, and the boys should be proud of their achievements and their stories, and making this film is one of them.
Love Harry
romanticomedies30 September 2018
I'm surprised I sat through this whole thing at all in 2018. I love harry more than life and I would love to watch back his cute moments but it's almost weird to think I actually liked the way they used to act (don't know if they still do now though, other than Zayn and Harry haven't kept up with the others. Maybe it was just adolescence but I've definitely grown up from enjoying this. Anyways I'm giving a high rating for harry because ugh hes so darn cute i could watch him forever
What can I saw to this "movie".. it was bad. very.
Westeire11 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
if you are a parent (like me) who has to bring their daughter and friends to see this "movie" and have to actually see it... DON'T.. bribe them with iphones and say they can watch it on netflix in 3 months time. 5 blobs with a vanity complex.. Manufactured tribble. Beyond bad. Reminds me of the saying from the ad.. Can't Sing, Can't dance, Can't Act... will go far.. Unless you have the IQ of a 12 year old and wear a dress you can't enjoy this movie. And the amount of OMG's you hear from others bimbo girls waiting for the movie. Get a life. Reality is not what you see in the movies. BORING.. no apologies, How the hell do you call this confection a movie. Anyway from the rating it seems I am not the only one who thinks its bad bad getting worse. Anyway hopefully this review will reach other fathers so they can avoid the hell of watching this.. (unless you manage to put some vodka in the coke so that your senses get numb and you can sleep)
It's an enjoyable film that leaves you smiling .
AncientChineseSecret5 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
We saw this at the first showing when it opened. It made us bust out laughing and tear up a little. If you haven't fallen for them as fans then you will. You can see how dedicated they are and how they influence a load of females around the earth to love themselves.It isn't Hard Days Night, but it keeps you interested. There is concert footage. We don't own any Cds, but we bought the keepsake Cds for friends. You can't help but to smile through the film. We don't know why it was rated PG, it should have been G. There were no posters or cut outs to promote this.It's a good film to own as a keepsake. Oh and stay until the film ends after the credits, because they have funny extra footage.
yeah
ayooluwahunters28 December 2013
well, I'm going to be honest I'm a huge 1d fan.... but this movie was horrible! way too scripted, too much promotion, no actual stories to tell... but one direction fans are always there.. this movie was clearly directed for us and none else, which is the main reason why i didn't like it.. don't watch it.. i repeat do NOT waste money buying, renting, whatever! you will thank me later
WARNING do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch
Good parts: maybe the fact we see them backstage really, the main scenes people screamed at in the theater were parts with Harry's shirt off (once again targeted at teens), and I have to admit it was quite overwhelming ;)
Horrid parts: the part with harry and liam talking.. was horrible, just waaay to scripted, see for yourself
once again, you will thank me later..
WARNING do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch do not watch
Good parts: maybe the fact we see them backstage really, the main scenes people screamed at in the theater were parts with Harry's shirt off (once again targeted at teens), and I have to admit it was quite overwhelming ;)
Horrid parts: the part with harry and liam talking.. was horrible, just waaay to scripted, see for yourself
once again, you will thank me later..
1 star for One Direction
Jnarup2420 December 2013
No words can explain how god awful this movie is. If I were a producer of this movie, I would be ASHAMED to release it. Everything about this movie...everything is terrible. These kids walk around acting like freaking superstars yet I speak for a lot of people when I say: NO ONE CARES. There is nothing to like about this movie. The only possible up sight to this movie is when the credits roll. Just these kid's SINGING is terrible, let alone what they do in their free time. Movies like this make me miss Guns N' Roses,, AC/DC, etc, back when music was decent. This band sounds like they are constantly sucking on Helium. I seriously do not see how ANYBODY likes these people.
And so I implore you: DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE. IT IS TERRIBLE. If One Direction walked toward me, I'd walk in the OTHER direction.
And so I implore you: DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE. IT IS TERRIBLE. If One Direction walked toward me, I'd walk in the OTHER direction.
This wasn't a documentary. This was an hour and a half long infomercial.
thehappyspaceman20 November 2015
First of all, I know I'm not in the target demographic for this movie, but I feel like an interesting and informative documentary can be made about something no matter what its subject matter is. And this movie... ugh. I'm not going to go out on a limb and say that One Direction: This Is Us is the worst movie I've ever seen, because then someone could bring a different one to my attention that's even worse, but I will say that it's definitely the worst concert documentary I've ever seen. And even that feels really wrong, because at the end of the day, this was just propaganda. As a movie, nothing happens in it. As a documentary, it relies on the audience already knowing everything about this band. And as something called "This Is Us," I don't even leave it knowing all their names, much less anything else about them. There's no plot that it builds up to, there's no conflict or resolution, and this seems to be a common problem in the era when any schmuck pop star can get a theatrical movie made about them (such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and the Jones Brothers). And for a 3D movie, there isn't even anything interesting to look at apart from the five guys in the band going around and pointing at things. I actually lost a lot of respect for its director Morgan Spurlock when I saw this movie. It felt like he wanted to make a better movie that wasn't just a huge commercial, but was held back by someone--probably the record company--and instead made this. I'm glad to see that even some of the band's own fans are seeing through this quick grab for cash and are leaving negative reviews. Movies like this are created with zero effort and are only made to steal fans' money, because the people who make these movies know that some people will buy anything as long as it has a popular band's name attached.
Scripted BTS
jannu-de-leo19 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Its same as watching 1D's BTS on their youtube vevo channel. I expected videos of their concerts from their tour. But the only concert video was the O2 Arena concert. They did show what celebrity life is, everybody kept saying that the boys are down to earth, but who are we kidding! The other band without a name (Wrong Direction) that went on tour with them is just awesome. Dan Richards (guitarist) is cute as a button. By this movie, I learned that 1D gets credit for a lot more than they really deserve. The movie was more like a music video album. Not good. I tolerated it only because, well, the boys are cute as teddy bears.
An overview of the rise, and current members, of One Direction.
Amari-Sali3 January 2014
Back when I used to watch the original X-Factor these guys were on, but being that boy bands are more miss than hit, at least with my music taste, I would skip their performances. A few years later, after them losing, they are now following in many other musicians' footsteps and releasing a documentary/ concert movie. But, the question is: can this movie convert you into a fan, or is just made for their established audience?
Characters & Story
Of the band you can see Harry, Zayn and Niall are the potential breakouts with Liam and Louis having their place, but not being as charismatic or interesting. The reason for this is three (Harry, Zayn and Niall) all have this sort of appeal in which they seem like they could be the leads. For example, Harry comes off as the sort of modern version of Mick Jagger, though with less drugs; Zayn seems a bit more modern in comparison with him seeming like he would work within a modern emo-pop band; and then Niall seems like your general boy next door, which is his appeal. Together, though Harry and Zayn more so, they seem to get the most focus when it comes to interview segments, seeing their families, or life before fame, than the others.
As for the film as a whole, between songs from their first two albums and interview segments, as well as us seeing them venture around tour stops, that is what makes up the movie. You learn what they did before X-Factor, slightly, and then what happened in the lead up to their audition; you hear about some of the band drama like Louis and Liam not being fond of one another, during their time on X-Factor; and them once thinking of kicking out Zayn; but for the most part you see a strong brotherhood in which it seems together they are far stronger as a group than they would be as solo artist.
Praise
Be it the fact that some members, naturally, have more name recognition than others, it was good, to me, that the people who you'd recognize the most are the ones who got the most screen time. And while I may not be the aimed for demographic, I did like two of the songs within the film. Those two not so great I would want to download them, but I do think when you watch the film, despite how asinine the idea is, you can understand why they are being compared to The Beatles, past them both being British boy bands.
I mean, One Direction seems physically/ visually fit for the times. They are a bunch of tattooed model looking boys, but they aren't cookie cutter per se. More so, they are almost like a PG version of the Jackass crew. And, like The Beatles, currently they are in a phase in which their aim, more so, is mainstream music to appeal to a female fan base, no different from when The Beatles were doing "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and their other classics. But, the question does remain if the boys' music will grow up and become deeper, or if they simply will just look edgy, but continue to sing songs which are as shallow as a kiddy pool.
Criticism
Let it be known, this film isn't likely to convert you. For one, there isn't really any background into any of the songs to make them seem deeper than they appear, and while you must admire their fans for taking them to where they are, between the songs and who we see of their fandom, you can tell that they aren't trying to appeal to anyone past a female demographic.
But perhaps my main issue is that there isn't much of a narrative when it comes to the film. In other concert films there is usually a build toward something, be it like Kevin Hart's Let Me Explain in which we followed him on his way to Madison Square Garden or Michael Jackson's This Is It which chronicled his preparations for his would-be arena stay. However, for This Is Us we are basically just following them around in a style no better than what fellow British Band Little Mix had when their band went to Japan, with the only difference being that One Direction goes to more places and Little Mix posted their videos to YouTube. Thus making the film, outside the concert element, feel like bits which could have been put on YouTube years before the film, but they were saving it for a movie in hopes of making as much money Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber made with their concert films.
Overall: TV Viewing
Honestly, I'm not even sure why a fan would buy this unless they are the type of fan which likes to collect everything the band ever put out. I say this because there are likely full, uninterrupted, concerts on YouTube and better interviews also within the same site. So, it makes this film seem like just a ploy for cash, more than something really trying to let you into the boys world and give you the opportunity to get to know them and their music. Because of that, I say this is a TV Viewing type of movie. Something which doesn't need to be bought, or rented, for it doesn't have that type of value where it needs to be seen as soon as it is accessible.
Characters & Story
Of the band you can see Harry, Zayn and Niall are the potential breakouts with Liam and Louis having their place, but not being as charismatic or interesting. The reason for this is three (Harry, Zayn and Niall) all have this sort of appeal in which they seem like they could be the leads. For example, Harry comes off as the sort of modern version of Mick Jagger, though with less drugs; Zayn seems a bit more modern in comparison with him seeming like he would work within a modern emo-pop band; and then Niall seems like your general boy next door, which is his appeal. Together, though Harry and Zayn more so, they seem to get the most focus when it comes to interview segments, seeing their families, or life before fame, than the others.
As for the film as a whole, between songs from their first two albums and interview segments, as well as us seeing them venture around tour stops, that is what makes up the movie. You learn what they did before X-Factor, slightly, and then what happened in the lead up to their audition; you hear about some of the band drama like Louis and Liam not being fond of one another, during their time on X-Factor; and them once thinking of kicking out Zayn; but for the most part you see a strong brotherhood in which it seems together they are far stronger as a group than they would be as solo artist.
Praise
Be it the fact that some members, naturally, have more name recognition than others, it was good, to me, that the people who you'd recognize the most are the ones who got the most screen time. And while I may not be the aimed for demographic, I did like two of the songs within the film. Those two not so great I would want to download them, but I do think when you watch the film, despite how asinine the idea is, you can understand why they are being compared to The Beatles, past them both being British boy bands.
I mean, One Direction seems physically/ visually fit for the times. They are a bunch of tattooed model looking boys, but they aren't cookie cutter per se. More so, they are almost like a PG version of the Jackass crew. And, like The Beatles, currently they are in a phase in which their aim, more so, is mainstream music to appeal to a female fan base, no different from when The Beatles were doing "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and their other classics. But, the question does remain if the boys' music will grow up and become deeper, or if they simply will just look edgy, but continue to sing songs which are as shallow as a kiddy pool.
Criticism
Let it be known, this film isn't likely to convert you. For one, there isn't really any background into any of the songs to make them seem deeper than they appear, and while you must admire their fans for taking them to where they are, between the songs and who we see of their fandom, you can tell that they aren't trying to appeal to anyone past a female demographic.
But perhaps my main issue is that there isn't much of a narrative when it comes to the film. In other concert films there is usually a build toward something, be it like Kevin Hart's Let Me Explain in which we followed him on his way to Madison Square Garden or Michael Jackson's This Is It which chronicled his preparations for his would-be arena stay. However, for This Is Us we are basically just following them around in a style no better than what fellow British Band Little Mix had when their band went to Japan, with the only difference being that One Direction goes to more places and Little Mix posted their videos to YouTube. Thus making the film, outside the concert element, feel like bits which could have been put on YouTube years before the film, but they were saving it for a movie in hopes of making as much money Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber made with their concert films.
Overall: TV Viewing
Honestly, I'm not even sure why a fan would buy this unless they are the type of fan which likes to collect everything the band ever put out. I say this because there are likely full, uninterrupted, concerts on YouTube and better interviews also within the same site. So, it makes this film seem like just a ploy for cash, more than something really trying to let you into the boys world and give you the opportunity to get to know them and their music. Because of that, I say this is a TV Viewing type of movie. Something which doesn't need to be bought, or rented, for it doesn't have that type of value where it needs to be seen as soon as it is accessible.
If you dare venture into a theater for this weak concert film, bring earplugs.
bryank-0484422 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It was only a matter of time before someone made a concert film about One Direction, but I never could have guessed it would be Morgan Spurlock, the guy who gave us the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Supersize Me' and the FX cable series '30 Days'. When I asked Spurlock about his career and why, out of all the musicians and performers in the world, he chose to film 'One Direction', he simply explained, "I wanted to tell a story on a band that was nothing a year or two ago, but is now at the top of the charts." I get where Spurlock is coming from, but he must have had studio execs hovering over him at all times, because this feels more like promo spot for the band than a documentary.
Unfortunately, I imagine that 'One Direction: This Is Us' will make loads of money, due to the boy band's rabid fan base. I'd never even heard of One Direction before I saw the movie, but come to find out, Simon Cowell is to blame. In his short interview, Cowell takes full credit for the band doing so well.
The film takes us on a 100-city worldwide tour. We go backstage with the guys, and even back to their hometowns. Professional concert footage is interspersed throughout. The movie really offers no insight behind the scenes at all. It seems to only consist of the boys clowning around, pulling pranks and talking to the press. Some of the kids' parents are interviewed occasionally to tell us about their humble beginnings, and how they're still down to earth even though they're superstars now. Other segments show the band interacting with fans by standing on their hotel balconies and waving at the gigantic crowds of insane girls below. Somebody thought it would be funny to have some of the band-mates get made up to look like roadies and go out on the concert floor before the show starts, yelling "One Direction sucks!" It feels completely staged, as if everyone is reading from a script.
The music couldn't be worse. It's cheesy and sappy, with no real message. Sure, the boys might be able to carry a note from time to time, but none play instruments, with the exception of one who attempts a few guitar chords that my six-year-old cousin could play just as well. Their dance choreography is dull and uninspired, and half the time doesn't sync up with the rest of the show. It might have been nice to see the actual musicians playing their music on-screen, but they're left out here.
Spurlock injects some 3D effects into the concert footage that might excite the type of people who will rush out to see this band, but other than that, don't expect spectacular 3D. I can only assume that Spurlock wanted to make a different movie entirely, and was shut down by managers and execs. Hopefully 'One Direction: This is Us' will make enough cash to pave the way for Spurlock to make more meaningful films, as he's done before.
If you dare venture into a theater for this weak concert film, bring earplugs.
Unfortunately, I imagine that 'One Direction: This Is Us' will make loads of money, due to the boy band's rabid fan base. I'd never even heard of One Direction before I saw the movie, but come to find out, Simon Cowell is to blame. In his short interview, Cowell takes full credit for the band doing so well.
The film takes us on a 100-city worldwide tour. We go backstage with the guys, and even back to their hometowns. Professional concert footage is interspersed throughout. The movie really offers no insight behind the scenes at all. It seems to only consist of the boys clowning around, pulling pranks and talking to the press. Some of the kids' parents are interviewed occasionally to tell us about their humble beginnings, and how they're still down to earth even though they're superstars now. Other segments show the band interacting with fans by standing on their hotel balconies and waving at the gigantic crowds of insane girls below. Somebody thought it would be funny to have some of the band-mates get made up to look like roadies and go out on the concert floor before the show starts, yelling "One Direction sucks!" It feels completely staged, as if everyone is reading from a script.
The music couldn't be worse. It's cheesy and sappy, with no real message. Sure, the boys might be able to carry a note from time to time, but none play instruments, with the exception of one who attempts a few guitar chords that my six-year-old cousin could play just as well. Their dance choreography is dull and uninspired, and half the time doesn't sync up with the rest of the show. It might have been nice to see the actual musicians playing their music on-screen, but they're left out here.
Spurlock injects some 3D effects into the concert footage that might excite the type of people who will rush out to see this band, but other than that, don't expect spectacular 3D. I can only assume that Spurlock wanted to make a different movie entirely, and was shut down by managers and execs. Hopefully 'One Direction: This is Us' will make enough cash to pave the way for Spurlock to make more meaningful films, as he's done before.
If you dare venture into a theater for this weak concert film, bring earplugs.
Great movie of 1D
alejandra30200028 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I really love the movie because first I am a big fan of this boy band and I really like them, the another reason for I like the movie its because in this movie we can see the life of the boys of the band, for example his houses and his family's, another reason is that in this movie we can see his concerts of his world tour called take my home tour and really I like this because they have never come to Venezuela, because of this I have not had the opportunity to see them in a concert in alive, other thing that we can see in the movie its all that happens in backstage (for example things like them playing and fleeing of the security guards,they practicing for his concerts, they mitting his fans in the meet and greet from his concerts and another things), also it is possible to see many of his interviews,all the country's that they visit around the world like Japan, Spain, Italy, Mexico, etc. For these reasons really I like the movie and I think that Morgan Spurlock (the director) and all his team did a really good work.
Tell the DVD shop you are getting it for your children!
therunner4218 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am not a twelve year old girl; I am a 40 year old woman who likes a few One Direction songs. I've heard them at my daughters' ballet class and I like to run to them. I thought I'd watch the movie on a two hour drive. The film was fun to watch and a really interesting story. It is fascinating to hear the story of this band became so successful so quickly. After their formation on the British version of the X-Factor and earlier than expected exit, the fans took over in the forms of promoters on social media. As it turns out, they were more than effective and the result was instant worldwide success for One Direction before an album was even released. Further, they began performing at stadiums the size most bands spend years working their way up to at smaller venues. They were understandably very nervous and it is entertaining to watch this play out. The family suffers and it is compelling viewing. Overall, I really enjoyed this. I did get a little tired of the theme "we're just ordinary boys who love a joke" theme and would have liked to find out a little bit more about who the boys truly are. I think the fans that created them deserve that. However, it is a fun show and the concert performances are great. If you're not ashamed to rent it out, it's definitely one to watch. Tell them you are getting it for your children!
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