Glee Live, The Concert Movie Event

So we're closing in on the end of the "limited" engagement for the "Glee Live Concert Movie in 3D," which was released on Friday, Aug. 12 for "two weeks only." Doubtless the limited time was supposed to goose ticket sales. It didn't. The film made just $5.7 million during its first weekend, and judging by the nearly empty theater when I attended Thursday, this weekend won't be much better.

I think there's a couple reasons for this. First, why did it need to be in 3D? OK, granted, all these concert movies have been in 3D lately, but really this did not make me feel more like I was actually there. In fact, the 3D effects were pretty weak, and mostly it was just like I literally had one of the "Glee" stars singing right in my face. Not to mention, there was some terrible cinematography or editing choices. One, in particular, stood out as it transitioned from stars to the front of the stage and an extreme, 3D, close up of the waist of a back up dancer. Just curious...

Second, concert movies are not a substitute for going to a concert. Don't get me wrong, it was still kind of fun, but it's not like being there. Last summer, I actually went to a "Glee Live" show in Hollywood. It was one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Watching this year's tour on film was interesting, but it was not even close to actually being there. The justification that this film could fill the void for all the people that couldn't get to the show is a bit of a stretch.

And third, there is a certain level of "Glee" fatigue going on, even for long-time fans. A year ago, I was giddy whenever I stumbled across an episode, article, or song that was "Glee"-related. Now, I groan. THOSE KIDS ARE EVERYWHERE. We are seriously suffering from a little "Glee" fatigue (or a lot, depending on your perspective).

So those are some reasons why the movie may not have been a hit, but there are some things I was drawn to in watching the movie. The filmmakers did try to add something to the standard concert movie. This isn't exactly like watching a concert in the theater, it's a movie that has some comedy, drama, and also expands on why "Glee" has connected with millions.

It's that last part that I found most fascinating and also most frustrating. First the fascinating — there aren't many fictional, network shows that change the lives and perception of viewers. You can certainly say that for "Glee," which chooses to follow three unique, die-hard fans as part of this concert movie. You see these fans — each of whom deals with something that could make them an outcast — and shows how the show has helped them to perceive themselves differently.

In some ways, I think that's something we can do better as Christians. We should be about celebrating love and joy, rather than anger and hate. Often, that doesn't happen. One thing "Glee" does well is celebrate what makes everyone unique, and the idea that everyone has something to contribute and which is worthy of celebrating.

But this is also where I most strongly differ from the show, and where I felt the most deeply sad watching the film as well. It's a double-edged sword. The difference between the "Glee" approach and what our approach as Christians should be is the celebration of alternative lifestyles. "Glee" preaches love, joy, and unconditional acceptance. That's where the show loses me, and where it has most strongly focused its storytelling and political message.

In fact, that has been one of the biggest turnoffs for me about the show. They have really pushed a hard-core agenda in terms of ideas and stories, but only the acceptance idea has really worked as intended. In fact, some of the time it has seemed like "Glee" has gone upside down in how it approached stories. For example, last season featured an episode that was supposed to be about abstaining from teen sex, instead you'd have to argue it promoted the idea of frequent teen sex. Similarly, the show had an episode that was supposed to be about the dangers of teen drinking, but it actually seemed to end up promoting teen drinking. But when it came to promoting gay rights and talking about the ills of bullying, the message was much clearer.

But that brings me to, perhaps, the scariest thing I noticed in watching the "Glee Live Concert Movie," particularly when it comes to looking at the show's effect on fans. "Glee" has filled a major void in the lives of some people, going above and beyond the typical show. In fact, one fan that was interviewed talked about "Glee," and particularly one character from "Glee," filling this void in her soul, giving her the strength and courage to live her life. I couldn't help but feel sad that this girl was filling her God-shaped hole with a TV show.

Think about that for a minute. "Glee" is a TV show that, based on the amount of burn out it's creating with the public, has a very finite amount of time left on the air. Yet, when listening to these fan interviews, it is viewed as something that provides life-sustaining hope. It's transient. It's temporary. And, most importantly, it's fictional. But it's effect on the lives of these people who are, in so many ways, lost is profound.

It's not too often a concert movie helps crystalize the work yet to be done for the Kingdom, but "Glee Live The Concert Movie in 3D" certainly did that for me.