From its opening frames, its apparent that this 3D offering from Cirque du Soleil isnt aiming to have viewers claim, Its just like being there. And while Shrek co-director Andrew Adamson commendably strives to deliver a cinematic experience, his misguided creative decisions ultimately detract from Cirques most appealing elements.
A flimsy music video-like setup introduces us to Mia (Erica Linz), who falls for a circus aerialist (Igor Zaripov) and pursues him through various fantasy worlds that end up being nothing more than a greatest hits package of the Montreal troupes ongoing productions.
As a result of being steered by marketing rather than storytelling concerns, this high-profile enterprise feels like a shameless informercial.
Perhaps even more problematic is Adamsons reliance on tight shots, which allows little opportunity to appreciate the scope of these productions and invites unnecessarily close scrutiny of movements, performances, and costumes intended to be admired from afar.
Furthermore, when split-second aerial and acrobatic feats are constantly saddled with slow motion, close-ups, and frequent cuts, theyre deprived of their immediacy and peril.
Alas, whats electrifying and unique when performed live becomes nothing more than a grab-bag of garden-variety big-screen stunts.
