Review: Steampunk Santa Comes to a Video Near You

Click this link to see the video on YouTube: Justin Bieber Steampunk Christmas Carol

M here. We have seen the jaded, sarcastic missives fired at this project before it ever saw the light of day in its final form and were somewhat confused by the blanket hatred of the project coming from the Steampunk community. We are not fans of Mr. Bieber, but we find it hard to believe that one person’s use of the aesthetic in a generally innocuous way can taint it for all others for all eternity. Come on, people, what’s with all the hate?

That said, I am going to share my personal thoughts upon the first viewing of this video. Feel free to disagree. I am but one person in a sea of billions and I am certain my opinions don’t match to a very high hill of beans in the grand scheme of things.

I find that most of what I have to say about this video is positive and I will probably watch it several times. It looks cool.  That clockwork dancer ROCKS! The little boy dancer reminded me of Newsies, which is one of my favorite films of all time. I actually love the idea of an old school Santa’s workshop with hand crank machines and such instead of a sleek, modernized, computerized North Pole. Oh, and the circus stuff added in – definitely cool!

On the downside I could have done without the odd cuts of the scenes from the cartoon, they just sort of pull you out of the feel they were building. My guess is the director had a really cool vision and had to add that in for promotional purposes. Mr. Bieber’s pants were just… well, stupid. Also, I should admit that I am a bit of a “bah humbug” when it comes to Christmas music and am NOT a fan of most of it, so I didn’t like the song. But then, I don’t particularly like any versions of that song. Finally, I am not remotely interested in Mr. Bieber himself and would not have ever watched the video had there not been a Steampunk influence to it.

All in all, I say it is a solid 6 out of 10 because it is about the visual representation of something I love. I will not be downloading this song to add to my playlist and in future watchings I will likely turn the sound off. However, it could have been a lot cheesier and a lot worse. So, how about we all just appreciate the beauty that IS present and in the spirit of the season, be jolly and joyous rather than bitter and resentful?

Oh… and I am still in awe of that clockwork dancer and her mad pop-and-lock skills!