On a whim this week, I treated myself to a matinee of Part of Me. (I did not see the 3D version, but I bet it’s equally fun) This summer, I have grown to really appreciate matinees. They are inexpensive easy “day breaks” from the reality of life. Sometimes I go with friends, and sometimes if no one wants to see the movies I pick, I will treat myself. I would not call myself a “Katy Cat” or Katy Perry super fan. After watching her talk about the movie and how she financed it with her own money and because I’m a documentary fan I felt like it was worth my time. I never expected it to be as great as it was. The concert setups were colorful candy coated confections of happiness. They reminded me of Willy Wonka and The Wizard of Oz. Here’s a preview:

The movie was incredibly relatable. Katy is close to my age and many of the things she is experiencing, are things most twenty somethings are going through. So I literally cried at some points. At times, labels tried to change her and force her into a mold. Many people told her she would never succeed and even her parents don’t “get it” at times. I found myself in tears at some points. Sometimes the voice within is more powerful and all knowing than any force outside of us. There is an awkward moment in the movie where Katy’s marriage is ending and she is shopping for a wedding dress with her sister. Strange thing to go through right? I like her take charge attitude about her career and brand. The performances serve as a soundtrack to her story. I also had no clue that she was so involved in the writing process of many of her songs. The lyrics are pretty dynamic and clever.

I love how she used real videos from her fans talking about how her music has inspired them. She also incorporated supportive tweets from her #Katycats when the news broke about her divorce. And she featured this video of PS22 singing Firework that gave me chills:

I highly recommend seeing the movie. If you’ve seen it, let me know your thoughts.