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Movie Review: U23D

U23D poster National Geographic and IMAX theaters typically partner up for films about immoveable objects or forces of nature. The Grand Canyon. The Pacific Ocean.

How fitting that their newest film features the band U2, the lads from Dublin, Ireland that have been churning out a steady stream of innvotive, arena-ready post-punk for 30 years.

U23D is unlike any concert film before it. The 3-D technology that is used in the film, brought to us by a company called 3ality, is as different from your last 3-D movie as playing in the band is different than listening to it. I'm not into the gimmicky 3-D films and tricks. This film, however, places you in the middle of the action, to the extent that I think I'd rather see U2's next live show at the IMAX rather than the Staples center.

The 3-D effects are put to particularly good use during the section of the concert that throws back to the band's ZooTV era.

Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. play their hearts out, blending entertainment, spiritual uplift, politcal propaganda and postmodern wordplay like no other band. And they're just not losing any fans. The breathtaking scenes that pan across these enormous stadiums make it seem that everyone on the continent showed up for this particular concert.

I have only two complaints. First, the sound was actually too quiet.

The second is subtler. The editing was so great, that it threw me off when in one scene Bono seems to be greeting Brazilians. Then, later, he's addressing Argentines. I thought the guy lost track of where he was, but it turns out that they combined footage from concerts in Brazil, Argentina, and even Australia for the film. You won't belieive it, the editing is so seamless.

The film is rated G. I regret not having brought my family, friends, church...I can't recommend it enough.

On a related note...I've bookmarked a great video interview that Bono gave to Bill Hybels, a well-known megachurch pastor. In it, Bono gives a convincing argument for creating more justice in the world, especially in Africa. Here's the first of 8 videos. If you'd like to see the rest (and I recommend you do), visit the Hemet Home Loan Guy's youtube channel and click on playlists.

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. To buy or refinance real estate in Hemet, Riverside or California, visit www.JoeyLoans.com or call 951.285.1012

Posted by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum on 01/28/2008 02:39 AM

Comments (18)

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18 Comments on Movie Review: U23D

Joey, sounds like you really enjoyed the show. It's playing in D.C. as well so I may have to catch it. I've seen them in concert years ago and they put on one heck of a show.

01/28/2008 05:52 AM

by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)

Joey,

You make me feel like I may need to actually go to a theatre instead of waiting on the dvd.......great post

01/28/2008 07:36 AM

by Julie Chapman Realty Homes Brunswick Georgia

I'm inspired! I am going ot recommed our youth group attend! Thanks for the YouTube!

01/28/2008 08:40 AM

by Eleanor Thorne, Cary Mortgage Loans (Meridian Residential)

Hi Joey,
Ok, I've added it to my "To Do" list. Thanks for sharing with us.

01/28/2008 08:52 AM

by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)

Joey, like the pastor I found out about U2 through my daughter. We have quite a few of his CD's now and have somewhat followed him. This would be Totally down my daughter's ally. She loves National Geographic and loves U2. I wonder if this is playing somewhere in New York City? I'm going to forward her the link to your post. She gets back today from a trip to Southeast Asia but then I expect has a few days off and I KNOW she would like this.

01/28/2008 08:59 AM

by Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty)

I can't wait until this comes to our IMAX theater. I'm so there! I love them and have sen them in concert a few times over the years. Amazing every single time!!!

Hi Joey!!

01/28/2008 11:09 AM

by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)

Brian: I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A blog post is really too small a forum to discuss the film, but I'm glad I piqued your interest. Give me a full report.

Julie: This is definitely a movie to see on the big screen. Although I do hear that there is new 3DTV technology that hasn't reached the masses yet. I imagine it would be very expensive.

Eleanor: That sounds like a plan...and you can chaperone!

Cynthia: You'll be glad you did.

01/28/2008 12:01 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

Marchel: Guarantee that the film is playing in New York. Wasn't that interview inspiring? I know it changed the way my wife and I are doing life.

JenJen: This is such a great experience. Totally unique from seeing a live show, but still feels kind of the same. People were applauding in the middle of the film just like a live show...that doesn't happen often.

01/28/2008 12:03 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

Joey, I've been following U2 since I heard their first American single. I think it was 1981. I've only missed one tour since the War album, and that was only because of having babies and no money. They give a phenomenal, crystal clear live show. The energy flows right into you. I'm thrilled that my kids have picked up on the spirit of this band. They helped me teach my kids the concepts of social justice. I will be forever grateful for the awareness they have created and work they have done to combat AIDS. It was great that I could enjoy the Vertigo tour with my kids. I told my daughter that that was really her second U2 concert, because I did go to one when I was six months pregnant with her!

I hope I don't sound like a crazy, gushing fan, because that is not how I am. There is so much more to these guys than their fine musicianship. My family is looking forward to seeing this film. It sounds great!

01/28/2008 12:22 PM

by Elaine Hanson, REALTOR® ~ Topanga, CA Real Estate Specialist (Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. Realtors, Topanga)

Elaine: You do sound like a gushing fan...but you're soo right. There's so much more to the band than just the usual pop stardom. It really is a great film to see with family. Thank you for adding so much to this comment stream with your story!

01/28/2008 12:32 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

Elaine adds so much to every comment stream.

Hi Elaine :)

01/28/2008 09:49 PM

by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)

Hi Jen :)

Joey, I told my daughter that there was a movie review of U23D online and she asked me if she could read this. She was glad to hear what you had to say. Thanks.

01/28/2008 10:03 PM

by Elaine Hanson, REALTOR® ~ Topanga, CA Real Estate Specialist (Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. Realtors, Topanga)

Joey,

Great review! I guess I'll be putting that on my list of must sees! I had heard about this movie but hadn't read anything about it until your post. Thanks.

(Thanks for commenting on my "Inspired by my Toaster" post)

01/29/2008 07:43 AM

by Martin Abeshaus (ZIPVO)

JenJen: I've added Elaine as an associate after reading her blog...good stuff.

Elaine: Cool. Thanks again. (btw- you used to be a radio DJ...I used to play rock and roll for a living...check out my old posts for pix, story)

Martin: Let me know your thoughts once you've seen it. And thanks for visiting.

01/29/2008 01:41 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

Sounds awesome, Joey. Did you see the Entourage episode where Ari took the guys to the U2 show in LA. I've never seen U2 in concert, but it would be quite an event, I'm sure. Hopefully I can check out the movie.

01/30/2008 10:44 AM

by Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC

Stefan: I've never seen Entourage. Is it out on DVD yet? We don't have cable at my place. If you do check out the movie, let me know what you thought.

01/30/2008 05:50 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

Bono is truly an inspiration and this sounds like a great experience!

01/31/2008 08:23 AM

by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)

Diane: Thank you for visiting. I have a list of heroes and Bono is high up there (Jesus, C.S. Lewis, Bono, Johnny Cash...) Go see it.

02/01/2008 02:01 PM

by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

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