Before you balk at the Bieber, John Chu’s 3D documentary about the teen’s rapid rise to fame hits all the right notes — making it worthy viewing for both Bieberbots and curious onlookers. Using the ten days leading up to the 16 year old’s sold-out show at MSG as a dramatic framework, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never journeys with Justin, from his humble beginnings in the suburbs of Toronto to his Def Jam record deal. We come to adore his family who supported his musical ambitions, and we meet his manager Scooter and the other mouths the Bieber machine feeds. And of course there are those crazed fans, the thousands of women who plan on wedding the young pop star. But Bieber is just a hard-working kid, singing his heart out and eager to please his fans. We weren’t affiliated with the church on the way in but we were singing with the congregation on the way out.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is a Paramount Pictures release.

(Originally appeared on Flavorpill.com in February 2011.)