The ’80s had New Kids on the Block; the ‘90s had the Backstreet Boys; and now boy bands are popular again with British group-of-the-moment One Direction.

    London-based One Direction became popular in 2010, following the members’ appearances on British TV’s “The X Factor.” After the band was assembled* by show creator and judge Simon Cowell, they came third in the finals for the TV competition.

    Response to the group among tween* girls was strong, however — especially on social media.

    The band signed with Cowell’s Syco record company, going on a 2011 U.K. concert tour and getting a Columbia Records contract for their first studio album*, “Up All Night,” which was followed by a North American tour. The boy band has reportedly sold more than 13 million albums worldwide.

    The documentary* begins with the band’s 2012-13 world tour, covering more than 100 shows in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The tour ended with a sold-out, four-night stand at L.A.’s Staples Center earlier in August.

    The five members, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik, are mostly in their early 20s.

    Throughout the film, live 3D performance footage* alternates* with scenes of the boys talking backstage, huddling* in their tour bus, avoiding crazy fans or making promotional* appearances. Individual interviews with the singers create a more intimate vibe*, with discussions on topics from their musical influences to expressions of homesickness* and surprise at their quick rise to popularity.

    All reportedly from working-class backgrounds, the boys remain humble*, often expressing thanks to their fans, team and most of all their moms, who frequently appear in the movie. While the film repeatedly compares the band to The Beatles, they are very different creatively and stylistically. Although One Direction’s quick rise to fame is something they share with the Fab Four*, their staying power might not be quite the equal of their fellow Britons. (SD-Agencies)