Review by Brian Lowry | CNN
There’s an previous saying in journalism that “Three is a trend,” which seemingly serves because the underlying rationale for “The Price of Glee,” a three-part docuseries from Investigation Discovery (a.ok.a. ID). Recounting triumphs however principally tragedies related to the hit Fox present, the challenge feels as if it’s on considerably surer footing charting the previous and principally simply icky when delving into the latter.
The tone is about proper off the bat, as on-screen chyrons be aware that the musical collection grew to become an immediate sensation when it premiered in 2009, making stars of its younger and proficient forged. “By 2020, all of them would be famous,” the script continues. “And three would be dead.”
The totally different circumstances surrounding every of these conditions, nonetheless, makes the hassle to attach them notably tenuous. While there’s speak alongside the way in which and towards the tip a few “Glee” “curse,” alluded to by among the crew in addition to journalists, cooler heads be aware that dangerous issues generally occur with out rhyme or cause to them.
Related: Has the ‘Glee curse’ struck once more? Matthew Morrison’s reported firing sparks speak
“The Price of Glee” holds collectively for a time, recounting how the present burst onto the scene with its fresh-faced performers in addition to the calls for related to that sudden fame. To compound these points, the studio behind the present was wanting to money in on its reputation, resulting in a live performance tour that supplied little alternative for relaxation from the every day grind.
In that sense, “Glee” is emblematic of any variety of Hollywood success tales and the precipitous falls that generally comply with them, in addition to the feuds and wounded emotions that usually accompany that.
The preliminary focus is on the clearest instance of a “price” related to the present — specifically, Cory Monteith, who had struggled with substance abuse earlier than “Glee” and noticed these challenges resurface as he wrestled with the eye and cash that got here his manner, culminating in his deadly drug overdose in 2013.
The second half additionally recycles allegations of haughty on-set habits by Lea Michele, and tensions between her and Naya Rivera. None of the principal forged participated within the documentary, which depends upon previous clips in addition to interviews with members of the crew, assorted journalists, the compulsory psychotherapist, and mates of some key gamers, including to the tabloid sensibility.
The third chapter offers reasonably rapidly with the suicide of Mark Salling, after his arrest for possession of kid pornography, in 2018; and extra extensively with the tragic 2020 accident that killed Rivera, who drowned in California’s Lake Piru, the place she was spending the day along with her son.
That final hour consists of an interview along with her father, George Rivera, who speaks about compartmentalizing his emotions in an effort to cope and converse publicly about what occurred. As a part of that, the producers take him again to the placement the place his daughter died, which feels as uncomfortable as it’s pointless.
There have been some wonderful documentaries in the previous couple of years concerning the toll of youthful stardom, together with HBO’s “Showbiz Kids” and “Phoenix Rising,” Evan Rachel Wood’s coming-of-age story; and “Kid 90,” Soleil Moon Frye’s chronicle of being younger and well-known in Hollywood.
Ultimately, although, “The Price of Glee” feels trapped by its title, laboring to fill in what are at greatest dotted traces. That is perhaps the value of garnering consideration, however when it comes to the challenge’s credibility, it’s a excessive one to pay.
“The Price of Glee” premieres January 16 at 9 p.m. ET on ID and Discovery+. Like CNN, Discovery is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com”