Review of Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012) by James S — 20 Aug 2013

The pop star movie/documentary is really a film that lives and dies on whether or not you actually like the particular band/artist that it's about. There are very few of these films that you could sit down and watch as a casual fan of the subject and think it was still great. The Pixies - LoudQuietLoud and Pearl Jam's PJ20 are a couple of exceptions. Katy Perry's Part of Me doesn't join this list but if you are a Katy Perry fan, and why wouldn't you be, she's awesome!, then you will undoubtedly like this.

Taking in the duration of Ms Perry's enormous California Dreams tour this mixes a good helping of live footage with backstage meet and greets and fooling about. It also takes in the beginning of the breakdown of her marriage to Russell Brand, with perhaps an alarming frankness.

This isn't Spiceworld - the movie....we're not seeing Katy rushing around trying to solve an evil plot - it's just the story of a hard working lady trying to be everywhere at once and in the latter half keep her relationship going under insurmountable circumstances. Perry comes across a very likeable individual, though you suspect that any diva type behaviour has been left on the cutting room floor. The film doesn't shy away from presenting the hardship of being on the road, though I suspect many of us don't feel too sorry for her as she is doing exactly what she's always wanted and we should all be so lucky!

The film isn't likely to convert anyone who isn't a Katy Perry fan into becoming one but for those who are already in the Katy camp there's a lot of fun to be had here. It's a nice memento for those who have seen her very good live show.