Thanks to ticket scalpers and their do-nothing partner in crime, Ticketmaster, only rich kids get to see today's omnipresent club of Mickey Mouse singers live and in person. Disney has come up with a smart -- and, of course, very profitable -- counterpunch: the 3D concert movie.
This weekend, the Jonas Brothers follow Miley Cyrus to the big screen with "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience," a 76-minute film shot during 2008's Burning Up Tour. It's showing at most of our local suburban megaplexes at least through March 14, which is about all the time the boys have before their facial hair pokes through the rouge and their voices turn more James Earl Jones.
Just as Nick, Joe and What's-His-Name (the oldest one) showed up in Miley/Hannah's movie, the Brothers' concert flick features a few guests, including Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato. It's too bad the film offers none of the comedic sparkle they recently showed on "Saturday Night Live" and David Letterman's show. It's only slightly better than the surprisingly flat and one-dimensional Hannah Montana movie -- which still took in $31 million its opening weekend.
For tickets ($15 plus modest online fees), log onto Disney.com or show up early at the theater. The sleek, wraparound 3D glasses they hand you on the way in can help fill up the waiting time with laughter. Our suggestion: Embarrass your tweens with your best Bono impression. Not that they'd know who that is.
