Reviews

Kati, Roving reporter

Kylie 3D: Aphrodite les Folies

Directed by William Baker
Rating: G

What can you really expect from a 3D film version of a pop star's live stage show? Everyone seems to be doing it, from Miley Cyrus to Justin Beiber. With her Kylie 3D: Aphrodite Les Folies (roughly translated as 'in love with Aphrodite') tour-turned-film, Kylie Minogue has now joined the long list of celebrities going 3D. But in Kylie 3D you can definitely expect more than long closeups of crying fans. The stage and special effects alone cost over $10 million, and though I am not exactly a Kylie fan, I must say I enjoyed the 3D show.

As you can probably guess, the Aphrodite tour was loosely themed on ancient Greece, with some random irrelevant costumes thrown in for good measure. With a slightly drawn out introduction of chiseled men performing aerial and water movements, the show begins with Kylie emerging from a giant clam shell dressed in flowing white and gold gladiator boots, performing "Aphrodite". Other highlights include her singing atop of a massive gold Pegasus, re-enacting the Brazilian Carnivale, riding an angel in the sky through the stadium, and an incredible Busby Berkley homaged finale.

Let's face it, when you are watching a film version of a concert, you are not really as immersed as someone who was actually there. Though I didn't know each and every Kylie song, it didn't matter in Kylie 3D: Aphrodite Les Folies. This film takes the focus off the music and puts it on the "extras": the costumes, projections, dancers and stage. Which is very lucky for me, because when I didn't recognise the songs, I was happily distracted by those "extras".

The costumes, designed by Dolce & Gabbana, were absolutely jaw-dropping. Not so much in the shocking and wacky Lady Gaga way, more in a gorgeous and glamorous way. Though there were quite a few confusing wardrobe selections (A giant fur coat? A gothic victorian era bubble skirt?), my personal favourite was an incredible hologram dress, which she came out in to perform a dance version of "Confide in Me". If you are a fan of the Kylie Minogue hot pants look, I must warn you she completely covers up for the first half of the show. But don't worry, I promise she does bust out the famous hot pants later on (though I'm not sure hot pants existed in ancient Greece).

Jumping through her music catalogue with ease, Kylie performs well throughout the film, with no lip syncing in sight. Standout songs include the Fleetwood Mac-esque "I Believe", "What Do I Have to Do", a cover of the Eurythmics' "There Must be an Angel", a rocked-up version of "Can't Get You Out of My Head","'Better the Devil You Know", and a beautiful version of "All the Lovers" in a full 1930s choreographed water finale.

I enjoyed this film, and I wanted to like it more. It was just so long. At two hours, I really had to push myself to stay for the entire thing. If it was a bit shorter, maybe 30 minutes shorter, it would be much easier to watch. I loved the ending, and if you are a big Kylie fan, you better be quick because it is only showing in Australian cinemas for a week. If you are not a big Kylie fan, maybe wait until the DVD.

3 out of 5

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