So Chuck and I went to see the U23D IMAX last weekend.
It. Was. Awesome.
I really didn’t know anything about the movie—I figured it was some kind of rockumentary with concert clips interspersed with interviews—and I wasn’t sure what to expect with the 3D element. Well people, this was no rockumentary, it was a concert experience—the Buenos Aires stop on the Vertigo Tour to be exact.
From the beginning of the show, you become an active participant from moving through the venue turnstiles to running to get your place on the general admission floor to trying to see around people riding on shoulders and holding up digital cameras and cell phones for pics to having Bono sing right to you on the front row. You are one with the other thousands of screaming fans.
We weren’t even 5 minutes into the movie before I turned to Chuck and said, “This is cool.”
You feel like you’re right there, only these aren’t just front row seats, you’re a fly on the wall. Or the stage. Or one of those huge light fixture things. You’re looking over Larry’s shoulder as he’s pounding out the beat. You’re feeling the reverb from Adam’s amp. You’re tapping your foot with The Edge. And Bono?
During Sunday Blood Sunday, dude, Bono wiped my tears away.
Somewhat relevant aside: I was a freshman in high school watching the Where the Streets Have No Name video and I said to my mom, “I don’t know what it is about Bono. I mean, he’s not particularly gorgeous when you just look at him, but once he starts singing and moving around…I dunno.” To which she replied, “It’s called sex appeal, sweetheart.” And of course I was like, “Mom, ew.” But she was a mother who knew.
Having never been to a U2 concert, I had only heard about the kind of production they put on. It’s really quite a set up and fairly theatrical at moments—Bono especially. The 3D is put to good use here as well with words and images popping off the screen stage (I started to say screen, but you’re really not aware of the screen the entire time).
My neighbor went to see them last time they were here in Seattle—the show Chuck and I couldn’t bring ourselves to shell out the $300 to see. When I asked her how it was she said, “It was a good show, but Bono is just so political.”
Um…
So to sum up, in the name of love, you must see this movie. You would have to think U2 is the suckiest group of sucking suckers who ever sucked to not like this show. And if you do, well, I’ll go on living with or without you.
12 comments
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May 5, 2008 at 10:36 am
Susan M
I really want to see this movie. Don’t think it’s playing around here—I may have missed it.
I have a lot of favorite U2 songs, but my all-time fave is “A Sort of Homecoming.” I particularly love the live version from the Wide Awake In America EP.
Best song ever written about marriage? “One.”
Best song ever written about Judas? “Until The End Of The World.”
Another fave that doesn’t get much attention: “All I Want Is You.”
May 5, 2008 at 11:29 am
Julie
Wow, how do you choose a favorite U2 song? That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child. And by that, I mean I could name one on a particular day without batting an eye, but the next it would be quite a different answer. Right now, I am loving their B-sides from the greatest hits album (the one with the army child on the front). I love everything on it. And as for contemporary U2, I love The Sweetest Thing. And pretty much everything on Joshua Tree.
Man, we need an IMAX here. That sounds like a seriously incredible experience.
May 5, 2008 at 11:57 am
Susan M
Those b-sides are some of my favorite songs, too. Did you know that boy on the cover is the little brother of the singer of the Virgin Prunes? And Bono’s neighbor. I know way too much about U2.
May 5, 2008 at 1:20 pm
bythelbs
Oooh, you guys picked good ones. The Sweetest Thing, All I Want is You and One are all on my list. Oh man, A Sort of Homecoming would be right up there, too—I’m listening to that one right now. OK, never mind—I can’t pick one.
May 5, 2008 at 1:34 pm
bythelbs
I like your music trivia, Susan. Although, I have to admit the Virgin Prunes aren’t ringing any bells.
May 5, 2008 at 1:53 pm
cheryl
Jealous. So green with envy. Ah, but one day! One day I shall see U2 in a venue other than my house!
Favorite U2 song? I’m with Julie. How in the world do you pick? My favorite recent one is “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own”. When I hear it, I’m reminded that my relationship with hubby is similar to Bono and Allie. (assuming that’s what he’s talking about. Susan, you would know, right? You know everything about U2…):
“We fight, all the time, You and I…but we’re the same soul…”
Well, maybe Brandon and I don’t fight ALL the time, but we are good arguers. And best friends. So, there you go!
Oh, and U2 rocks!!
May 5, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Susan M
Actually, Cheryl, that song is about Bono’s dad, who died. Puts a whole different spin on it, doesn’t it? It is a great one.
May 5, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Julie
Awesome, you guys! I don’t have any idea who the Virgin Prunes are. Hmmm…anything like U2? Maybe I’ll have to check them out.
I love the insight on Sometimes you Can’t Make it on Your Own. Interesting. And beautiful. There’s something about a singer/songwriter’s music that feeds my soul.
May 5, 2008 at 2:43 pm
bythelbs
Julie, Susan sent me a Virgin Prunes link and I think it would be fair to say they are nothing like U2. They are, um—what’s the word I’m looking for?—interesting, though.
May 5, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Susan M
Art-punk? Glam rock? Goth? You decide:
May 6, 2008 at 9:45 am
cheryl
Susan-
OH! That makes so much sense. I just assumed because of “The Sweetest Thing”. Seriously, I need to ask Susan M about all music before I claim to know something. She’s a music genius!
May 7, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Jamie J
How cool! I can’t decide what my favorite is but lately I really like “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own”