NSYNC: Close and personal

Concert film has the boys bigger than life

There's certainly truth in advertising when it comes to NSYNC: Bigger Than Live.

 For example, when the uber boy band from Orlando, Fla., pulled into SkyDome last November, I didn't get to see any sweat stains, adjustment of clothing or abundant body hair.

 The same cannot be said of NSYNC's new large-screen concert film, which gets its world premiere today at the Ontario Place Cinesphere in all its digital sound glory.

 If you truly desire to feel like you're actually on stage furiously performing alongside the famed Florida five -- Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass and JC Chasez -- then this is the movie for you.

 Otherwise, just drop your teenage daughter and her friends off at the Cinesphere's front entrance and come pick them up about an hour later.

 Oh yeah, earplugs might also be advisable, judging from the 24,000 watts of digital sound that stayed with me long after the movie had ended. And that was without the screaming that will no doubt permeate the theatre, if the frenzied audiences at NSYNC's live concerts are any indication.

 Running about half the time of the group's No Strings Attached show -- named after their mega selling album -- the concert film plays like a greatest hits package of that equally successful tour.

 Filmed over the course of five U.S. shows -- which explains why only in some scenes Timberlake has unflattering cornrow braids -- there is only the slightest glimpse of NSYNC's enormous stage being set up and the band members chilling out backstage playing pinball or pool.

 Mostly, it's about the actual performance; in this case, eight songs aided by elaborate costume changes, fireworks, confetti, and plenty o' dance moves.

 Truthfully, up this close, NSYNC come across as PG-rated Chippendale dancers with their clothes on.

 In other words, it's hard to take very seriously, although I will say that Timberlake and Chasez are the most naturally coordinated of the quintet.

 Admission for NSYNC: Bigger Than Live is $10 and the large screen production will be shown as a double feature with a bonus IMAX film, alternating between Adventures In Wild California and Super Speedway until Feb. 15.

 The NSYNC film, however, is at the Cinesphere for an indefinite engagement. Call 416-314-9900 for showtimes.