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| Fans outside the Beatles hotel in Melbourne in 1964 |
I know, I know-- I got a little confused and so I am doing Wednesday Review on a Thursday.
The film I am reviewing is called "I Used to Be Normal....a boyband fan girl story." This documentary follows four women who are devoted to four different boybands and hears their thoughts, experiences, and devotion to their favorite boyband.
The groups represented are The Beatles, Take That, Backstreet Boys, and One Direction. The big thing that stands out is that the mania that happens from the girls who love the bands is the same no matter what generation they are in. As Beatle fans, we can argue that Beatlemania was bigger, more widespread, more intense, etc. But when you watch the footage of girls screaming and going crazy, it all looks the same, no matter if they are screaming for The Beatles or for One Direction.
Personally, I love the BoyBand phenomenon. Anyone who knows me knows that I loved the New Kids on the Block in 1989, and I still love them. However, I have never been comfortable grouping the Beatles as a "boyband." The Beatles wrote their own songs, played their own instruments, didn't dance, and took off their shirts on stage, and they were a serious group. They are NOT the same as the Backstreet Boys. However, this film lays out WHY The Beatles should be considered the first boyband (at least in the early years), and while I am still not 100% on board, it was a compelling argument.
The Beatles fan who is interviewed is a first-generation fan from Melbourne, Australia. She tells about how she stayed outside the Beatles hotel when they came to her town (and swears that John waved to her) and she also saw the Beatles in concert (in the 3rd row!). She goes through her memorabilia and talks about and discusses how the Beatles and their music has helped her get through difficult times in her life.
The other fans were interesting. I feel so sad for the One Direction girl by the end of the documentary.
I am sure a film about boyband girl fans isn't for everyone, but I enjoyed it. It is always nice to hear a first generation Beatles fan share her first-hand memories.
The link below is the affiliate link to Amazon where you can purchase/rent this film. I get a small percentage of anything purchased through this link. Money made from the Amazon Afflication is used to pay the annual fee to keep this site online. Thank you for your support. Sara
"He used to use his hands." -John Lennon, speaking into a large light bulb, "Help!"
ReplyDeleteWhat's up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more
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