Chicago Premiere
After putting on my BSB cruise t-shirt and hoodie, we drove about two hours to the theater. We both enjoyed the movie, of course more so me. He enjoyed the funny moments in the film and was interested in their history with Lou Pearlman. I think he has even more respect for them now. That's a good brother right there. I joked around and asked if he now has a favorite Backstreet Boy. As of now, he's still undecided lol.
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| Got my BSB gear on! |
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| Our tickets! My only proof that I was there and they didn't even ask for them lol. |
I was surprised and a bit disappointed that they didn't have any posters or ads up whatsoever because I wanted to take a picture next to something. They also didn't even check to see if we had bought tickets. The lack of enthusiasm on the theater's part still didn't get to me because I was so excited to be at the premiere and finally see the whole film! The crowd was clapping and wooing throughout and there were some "awws," which made it more fun. I felt like fans mostly kept to themselves though and I miss the atmosphere of just talking about BSB to one another. Although, that could have also been due to the fact that we just got there about 15 minutes before the film so we didn't have to wait in line.
Right before the movie was to be played, they showed "Everybody, Backstreet's Back" and that pumped me up! I wonder why they didn't show all the videos beforehand or the "Show 'Em" music video. Just put the Chapter One dvd in and let us BSB fans be happy! Afterwards, they showed some extended scenes, bonus clips and a gag reel. All great to see. I really enjoyed seeing AJ visit his old house where a fan lives in AJ's old bedroom. Why can't my house be a Backstreet Boys' old house? lol
Nick and Howie Tweeting While Watching The Movie
Yesterday I happened to catch Nick and Howie tweeting while watching the film and I was able to watch along. That was the closest I'm going to get watching the movie with BSB and it was very cool. I got my first individual BSB to follow me! Thanks, Howie! And Howie also favorited one of my tweets and so did Nick! That made my night! Thanks, guys!
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| They definitely have the magic! |
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| Howie followed me! |
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| I meant every word. Love ya, Nick! |
I watched the movie three times so far and will be watching on my brother's On Demand tomorrow at his house, but I wanted to share my thoughts and comments on the documentary. If you haven't seen it yet and don't want any spoilers, don't read any further. Also, I have a lot to say so it's really long lol.
I think it is really important that their journey was documented in such a way. I liked the way the film opened in the woods and how the boys' personality just seems to pour out right away. Nick and Brian singing together and AJ and Q talking about AJ's Drive jacket were both fun to watch.
There were a lot of things the BSB shared that I thought were key quotes and wrote some of my favorites down. Kevin sums up BSB's mentality pretty quick saying, "I just wanna be proud of the music that we're making and the shows that were putting on and have a blast...enjoy it."
Seeing BSB having their jam sessions is so special for a fan and shows the non-fan how serious they take their sound. I'm glad they documented the first time they were able to be free from record label constrictions because it wouldn't have been as special. It took me back to when I was seeing certain pictures of the process being leaked online.
AJ made an interesting point about how Lou just seen making a boy band as something easy and all what he needed was some "pretty faces," but clearly BSB are more than that. This was also around the same time in the movie where Nick talks about having to make the decision of Mickey Mouse Club or BSB. Thank God he picked BSB! I wonder what Nick's mom would say if she was asked why she let him make the decision. Maybe she thought something that big should be his choice no matter how young he was or she didn't want that responsibility on her shoulders if she made the wrong choice. Either way, Nick definitely made the best choice and it's impressive that he can say that he made such a right choice at a young age.
I enjoyed seeing the personality of each of our favorite men in Orlando, where it all began, and more of that bond and the laughs they have when they are together. I really enjoyed all the old footage!
I found it really hard to watch Brian's vocal therapy. I didn't think it was that bad until the film. I hope Brian knows he has all our support. All we want is for you to do your best, which you always do, and take care of yourself. You are also more than your voice.
The documentary then has Howie bringing up Lou and how they would watch his pornos. This makes me wonder what was Lou thinking. Was he thinking that he wanted to be seen as one of the guys and cool or was he somehow getting off on it? Either way, the guys would have eventually been introduced to it in some way but it's unfortunate that Lou couldn't be professional.
Next, the film takes us to Kentucky where we know we will be hearing Brian or Kevin's story. I smiled when I heard Kevin tell his story about him imagining the trees being a crowd, but it was really hard to hear about him and his dad. His dad was such a strong person to tough it out for Kevin so his illness wouldn't get in the way of his son's success. You just know his dad would be so proud! I could also relate to this on a personal level and that brings the message that the BSB are just normal people with problems just like their fans.
I laughed when Kevin was talking about his feeling of wanting to get out of his town and travel and that he felt locked up in the cold. I can so relate to this being in Illinois and living in the same town for over 29 years. I know exactly what he's talking about.
It was great seeing some of the very first footage of BSB performing in schools. Why couldn't they have visited mine? It felt like I conquered the booing moment they mentioned right along with them and it sort of reminded me of how well they handled the Chicago IAWLT tour being called off early. They really can handle things as they come!
"We are a vocal harmony group. We can sing music at the drop of a hat." ~AJ McLean
It gave me fuzzies to hear about Frick and Frack again. I hope they both truly feel like it's back to that close of a bond once again. Around this time, it was also emphasized that they all have a bond with one another. How could they not after going through all what they've been through together?
"I was always the little brother in the family and now I have four." ~Kevin Richardson
We are now taken to Brian's old school and a funny moment is shown when AJ carries Howie. I think that's how I would look too if I was on AJ's back lol.
When Brian is talking to his old vocal teacher, he says something that really resonated with me.
"As kids you don't know the talents that you have and how you can touch peoples' lives if you don't have instrumental people that help shape that vision you have for your life." ~Brian Littrell
I'm so glad BSB had people in their life to point out that they are talented and special and valuable during their younger years or else we might not have BSB. Shortly after, Brian is shown singing in church and it reminded me of his solo tour. Welcome Home was such a great tour!
BSB is shown rehearsing hard for their 20th anniversary tour. I got a laugh out of a baby Howie saying "Nick farted ladies and gentleman!" lol It was also quite adorable to see Kevin lip syncing to his own sexy conversational voice! However, Nick made the scene when he said, "I was like, just put me on a song I just want to sing on something. I'll dance to it." There's that passion I love so much! A few moments later he really sums it up when it's their first time representing themselves in Europe by saying, "Let's go on stage, let's sing for real, let's show them something they never seen before."
"We hit the stage and they went nuts. We're like awe yeah, here we go boys!"~Kevin Richardson
This is when the documentary points out all the pandemonium surrounding BSB and Kevin makes his blow job comment. I personally thought it was funny and raw and made me want to know more about their sexcapades.
Even more important was Kevin's accurate prediction, "Ah, this is gonna happen in the states too!" Damn straight! Still going strong!
They show AJ expressing his passion for BSB saying, "This has been a life long dream and here I am still making music with Backstreet Boys, you know...everything starts somewhere. I would say everything started for me here." And so AJ's point-of-view is introduced.
It was quite funny to hear AJ admit that he stutters when he's lying. I bet Rochelle already knew that. Then he showcased his different voices. I adore how he can do that! What I would give to be able to do voices like that for my storytime for the kids at work. I could see how that would be a tactic to impress girls lol. It was also hilarious when Nick pointed that out and then reenacted "that dainty thing" haha!
"And then all of a sudden it rained Backstreet Boys in the U.S.!" ~AJ McLean
I get Kevin's point when he addressed the first impression "Quit Playin' Games" was giving to the U.S., but like he said, it worked. Everything happens for a reason, not saying that looks was the sole reason they got big. As a matter of fact, I was first introduced to BSB's music via the radio. It just happened to be a nice bonus they are all easy on the eyes ;)
"I'm still a teenager 18...19, living the dream dude. I'm having a fuckin' blast!" ~AJ McLean
At this point I start thinking that every music lover should see this movie to understand more about the business and the artists that make it all possible with their determination and hard work. I quickly set my thought aside because an unreleased BSB song is being played and I just need to hear the full song! I love how they care so much about the lyrics and I easily felt the same excitement they felt when they knew they found "it," that special sound that will make the song.
After this scene, we see BSB praying together before a meal. That touched my heart and I said Amen in the movie theater. I pray for them a lot actually.
Now it's time to get to know more about Howie.
"I wanted to have my voice heard just like everybody else." ~Howie Dorough
I never knew Howie felt that way and that makes me sad because I always thought what made BSB keep going was that they all felt equal in the group and there wasn't any member who felt that they were what made the group, unlike a certain *cough* group that was made just to compensate for what BSB didn't want to do. It's great to hear that Howie was able to voice his feelings to the rest of the guys and that they understood and made it right. To make this matter a little lighter, leave it up to AJ to get me to laugh about commenting on his own toes.
It was also funny noticing Brian says crap in the studio as opposed to all of Nick's fucks. Oh yeah, and if you are a fan and don't know the difference between Howie and AJ, you have to re-evaluate yourself lol. Btw, I lost count of the fucks, but there's definitely over twenty in there.
A nice scene after this is showing the group enjoying singing "Trust Me" together. This is truly what it's all about! They have to love being with each other as much as we love them!
Now, we are at Howie's old house and he talks about having no central heat and air. I can relate to this and makes me respect all the guys even more for being raised without silver spoons in their mouths. I recently just got central air put in my house. We couldn't do without heat because we are in Chicago, but if it was Florida it probably would have been like Howie's situation. It was also cool to see an engraving Howie did on his sidewalk. I kind of want to treat it like the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and visit it lol. And here's where we hear the beginning of Nick the ladies' man with Howie's niece...not cousin...niece.
I thought it was cute to hear Nick and Howie would hang out at Howie's house, but I just couldn't get into Howie's rabbit story. Poor bunnies! Glad to hear Howie couldn't kill or eat them. Funny story and lol at AJ's reaction in the background.
Around this time, I noticed a neighbor peeking out of their house and it made me chuckle, but if BSB were outside of my house I would have done just the same. Is this sidewalk taken? lol
The story about Lou Pearlman saving them from a speeding ticket was a new one. At least he was good for something. That, and bringing the boys together despite his betrayals. The whole part discussing Nsync made me disgusted. It really pisses me off. I get how it drove BSB to push harder, but still what a shitty move. I remember hearing Nsync on the radio for the first time and thinking that it was BSB until I listened closer. It disgusted me then and it disgusts me now watching that being brought up. I guess I don't hold it against the once Nsync members personally, but if it was me I would have wanted to diversify myself as an artist.
"Damn dude. I guess one wasn't enough so you had to have 15 boy groups." ~AJ referring to Lou Pearlman.
I quickly calmed down when I seen the "All I Have to Give" video. Oh, Brian leaning against that wall and Nick and his blue eyes and shirt!
But we're back to Lou again and the comment about him being 1/6 member of the group, well 1/6 member my ass! Were you singing and dancing your ass off, Lou? No. I find it admirable that Brian asked Lou to do the right thing and compensate them properly for their hard work. It took a real man to confront him, but unfortunately that wasn't enough.
"And this is where the old bastard lived." ~Kevin
It must have been so hard for the guys to visit Lou's home and I found it heart breaking that Nick couldn't even step inside. Makes me wonder if there's more to it than just betrayal. I hope not.
"You've created a circle of people you believe is going to protect you and then all of a sudden it comes crashing down and you're like who can I trust?" ~Nick
That comment deeply saddened me. They added some comic relief when Howie asks if Lou is there and where is their money. They talk about how they had to buy Lou out for 27 million. Now, that pisses me off!
After going into a bit more detail with Lou, they show a more happier time with TRL. I found myself wishing I would have went at least one time, but sadly I didn't :( I did enjoy seeing the Millennium footage! Nick admitting that he could get any girl he wanted was pretty funny and true haha!
Even though they showcased their popularity, I feel that it's more real now than it has ever been just because we as fans seem to be able to have more access to the guys. Kevin talks about how they shouldn't have jumped into the Black and Blue album so soon, but I'm indifferent because I love that album even though I do get his point.
They showed Nick and AJ smoking in the studio and I am reminded how I wish AJ would quit, but I know it's hard. Brian mentions how they didn't even cancel a concert for his open heart surgery and that always upsets me to hear and was wrong. I also learned how Howie can work that camera during the "Shape of My Heart" music video.
Was it kind of crazy that the fans crawling on the bus and crowds reminded me of the cruise? lol
I could have sworn I remember hearing AJ's shot story from somewhere and lol for Howie saying AJ think's he's rock and roll. Well, he kind of is ;)
"I think I was rebelling against this façade people thought we were and had to be." ~AJ
He's more of a rockstar now than he's ever been and I'm glad he recognizes that Kevin had to be that nasty to get him out of his funk.
Sidenote: There just has to be a gif of AJ dancing in his car! That is SO AJ! And don't think I didn't notice the handcuffs hanging on the rearview mirror lol.
So after it lightened up a little, it opens to, in my opinion, the darkest part of the film but also the most real, where Nick brings up Brian's vocal issues and how it's affecting the group.
"Everybody's so quick to push, push, push to get you there but they're not quick to hold you there." ~Brian
If no one else believes, the fans are going to hold BSB there! Even though BSB had doubts when Kevin left the group, I'm still so glad they didn't give up because it kept us fans occupied until Kevin was ready again.
I found it really interesting to see how songs are picked on the album.
Sidenote: It was funny how Nick aggravated Jenn on purpose, although I'm sure she doesn't find it funny lol.
Glad "Soldier" made the album and here's where Nick starts getting upset and they have to touch him to make it worse lol! It was funny how Kevin was pointing out how Nick's getting red. Don't poke the bear, Kevin haha!
Before the argument gets worse, we are taken away briefly to Nick's school where AJ ends up showing off his ballet skills and Nick finding that "interesting." lol
Back in the boardroom, Nick gets even more pissed. I must point this out. I couldn't help but notice how incredibly hot Nick is when he's angry. Anyone? Okay, just me then haha. If you are counting fucks, here's where you lose count and don't give two fucks because Nick is hot when he swears lol.
When I originally heard about Nick saying he was afraid of someone, I thought that had to be Kevin because he's the father figure, but no, Brian. We never got to fully understand what that was about.
When Brian said his comment, "yeah cause I can't do your job anymore," that was my "ooo" moment from the whole film. I would hope that Brian said that out of anger and really didn't mean it because even if he did mean it, I don't think he could justify it.
Even though Nick definitely has a special place in my heart and I could be biased, but I really feel he was in the right by addressing the issue when no one else would. Yeah, he could have been nicer about it but when you're pissed you're pissed. I'm glad Brian recognized he has to want to get better for himself and he addressed it so nicely after the commotion surrounding it.
I found Nick's Jordan and Pippen comment to be interesting considering I never seen it that way. Yes, Brian and Nick have wonderful voices but I think all the guys have wonderful voices but just different.
Back to a lighter moment for a bit. Nick shares his story of aggravating an alligator. Yep, I could see Nick doing that lol.
We then hear a little bit more about Nick's upbringing and that was really tough for me. It was hard hearing this from his book, but to hear it come out of his mouth was even more difficult for me. I wish he didn't have to go through any of that, but it definitely made him stronger and I wish his family would appreciate him more and try to understand where he's coming from.
Back at the school, Nick talks about how he was picked on and I see the only reason being that they were jealous and knew how special he is. If he would have been in my school, I'm guessing he would have been the popular one or at least he would have been very popular with me lol *wink wink*
If I lost it anytime during watching the film it would be when Nick started crying talking about the bad times and that he used music to escape and how he tries to block out things. I can relate. Nick reaching out to Kevin for a hug made me appreciate Kevin so much for being the role model and support Nick needs.
They cue to concert footage of the most recent tour and show a fan mouth wtf, which made the whole theater laugh...we all KNOW that feeling. Would this count towards the fuck count since it technically wasn't said out loud lol? I had this same feeling during the Never Gone tour where they jumped out of the screen. I wasn't expecting that and was avoiding spoilers online so had no clue that was going to happen.
"There was a lot of groups that came and went you know while we were doing our thing. We didn't go anywhere. We just kept on going. Twenty years is a long fuckin' time." ~AJ
They show more IAWLT footage and I find myself regretting that I didn't get pit seats. They cue back to BSB going up the Kentucky hill and in the extended footage we got at the screening, Kevin was just saying to pretend a Grammy is up there and then they said, "Nick, get that Grammy! Get that Grammy, Nick!" lol
They emphasized their fans and mentioned that they will be working on their new album soon while the credits were rolling. The film is dedicated to Q and they show a little bit of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. So wish I could have been there for that, but at least I was able to watch it online. I liked how they used live sound along with the concert footage instead of dubbing the studio version.
I left feeling overflowing love for the guys I adore and appreciate so much and feel incredibly honored to be a fan of theirs and thankful for the magic dynamic they have and all the memories they have given me.
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| We absolutely, positively love you! |
