Movie Blog: 'Glee: 3D' Good For Gleeks, But That's About It

Just when you thought ol' Bessie, the Glee cash cow, had been milked completely dry, the producers of the hit show squeezed out yet another cup.

After a couple of highly successful seasons, multiple CD releases and No. 1 single sales on iTunes, it's more evident than ever that the so-called Glee machine cannot be stopped. Sure, people rolled their eyes at the thought of a touring Glee concert, but you better believe they went. And even though they likely made serious bank on ticket and merchandise sales, the oh-so-clever creators of the show clearly wanted to dream up another way to keep the slushy funds flowing.

So here's an idea. Why not make a movie, no, wait, a 3D movie, of the concert and release it in theaters before the much-anticipated new season returns? It's genius.

To be completely transparent here, I must admit: I'm a 100 percent Gleek. I watched the very first episode, immediately was hooked and have spent more money than I care to admit on Glee singles on iTunes. It's a completely addicting show and has successfully combined some of my favorite things on one outstanding program: Broadway musicals, snarky sarcasm and adorable 20-somethings pretending to be high schoolers.

But even through my love of Glee, I couldn't help but be skeptical of a movie -- in 3D -- of a concert. I mean, what even is that? Is it weird if I sing along? Should I clap after the songs? The answers to these questions are a resounding "yes" and "no," respectively. And therein lies a bit of the awkwardness.

Yes, you're watching a concert in 3D, so Rachel Berry's schnoz is right there, in your face, while she belts out Barbara Streisand but you're still sitting in a quiet theater, where no one's making a peep. When the song ends, the powers of 3D place you right smack-dab in the middle of the crowd -- that is screaming and woo-ing all over the place -- and though you might feel the urge (as I did in my seat) you should not clap. Don't be that guy. People will stare.

But it's not just the songs in concert. The rest of the movie is spliced with fan surveys at the show (by the fifth fan telling you their favorite character, it definitely gets old) and personal stories from mega-fans who can relate to the TV drama on more than one level. The stories are certainly touching and give the movie a much-needed backbone -- but still, it borders on reaching too far to be "the show that changes lives."

That being said, I so badly wish that Glee existed when I was in high school and I have no doubt that those going through those awkward stages can certainly feel good about a super popular show that promotes being "the loser."

One of the stories told in the film is based on a young, popular cheerleader who just so happens to be a dwarf. In the movie, she says something that really brings the message forward -- for her, she always knew that she was different, but through Glee, she's learned that everyone is different, everyone has a story, no matter where you fall on the high school hierarchy.

The movie will certainly make you smile, it will make you laugh, it will really make you wish you went to the concert and yes, there are moments that are simply too cute for words. (Spoiler alert: You meet a tiny little Warbler that's beyond adorable.)

Fans of the show will enjoy the behind-the-scene moments with the cast, specifically a highly snarky Heather Morris (Brittany S. Pierce) and an emo-punk Kevin McHale (Artie). By the way, you may want to consider shielding the eyes of your tiny tots during Miss Brittany's 3D "I'm A Slave For You" performance -- her, er, not-so-tiny tots make a bit of an aggressive appearance.

But for those that have never seen the show, I'm just not sure it'll be for you. It's entertaining, for sure, but you may miss out on that nostalgia for certain songs from past episodes. You also may have no idea what's going on.

And to be completely honest, it's probably not a movie you HAVE to see in the theater, nor is it a film that really lends itself to 3D, but if you're a fan of the show or a fan of the music, you'll certainly leave with that little void from a summer without Glee completely filled. And if not, then just be sure to stick around after the credits for the encore.

"Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" opens Friday.