Michael Jackson "This is It," Movie Review

It is unimaginable to think in 2009 that there is a place on earth or a person who hasn't heard of Michael Jackson the performer or his music. His fame, life, and now death is legendary; possibly only rivaling that of "The King Of Rock 'N' Roll", Elvis Presley. So it is fitting now more than ever that Jackson self proclaimed himself as 'The King Of Pop,' a tag line which has been cemented in our psyche for decades. I have been a fan of Michael's music since both of us were little kids. Him only being 4 years older than myself, I grew up in the fab 1970's with the likes of the Jackson 5, The Osmonds, and more seasoned musicians', Elton John, Rod Stewart, etc.: you know not the 'bubble gum' pop scene. That being said, Jackson was always different. He had the voice, the dance moves, the talent and the chops to sustain a career far beyond and separate anything the Jackson 5 would be able to accomplish as a group. His solo release "Off The Wall," followed by the record and ground breaking "Thriller," had a snowball effect that would last for more than 30 years. He changed the face of pop music and music television. There would be no turning back. Not bad for a kid from Gary, Indiana.

With the sudden and unexpected death of Michael Jackson this past year it seemed that the spark 'pop' music once had was finally blown out. Never mind the scandals about his personal life, the innuendo, the tabloid fair. I'm talking about the man's musical talent. One could debate until the cows come home about the other stuff. His 'comeback' shows "This Is It," that were to take place in London, England, with an unprecedented fifty shows had been sold out for months. To put that in perspective, we're not talking about a mere week run at Madison Square Garden or the Staple Center - I'm talking fifty shows in a back to back run - all sold out. Is there another entertainer/musician that could pull off such a feat? There isn't one I can think of with the acceptation of a Beatles reunion with the original fab four.

Possibly a stroke of genius of AEG Live or maybe at the time just a really good idea, the company decided to film a couple months of rehearsals and the inner workings of Jackson's famed tour. The behind the scene stuff no one ever really gets to see, you know, the really interesting and cool stuff. Whether or not it is still scheduled for a DVD release at the end of the year, I don't know but it wouldn't surprise me. With the passing of Jackson the documentary has hit the big screens for a limited two week run. I am happy to say, this being opening day, with anticipation I was at the first showing at 11:30 A.M. this morning. I was not disappointed. Anyone who goes to see this film and is a Jackson fan should have the same experience as me. It is truly a fantastic film. If you're expecting to see more into Michael's private world aka Madonna's musical rockumentary "Truth Or Dare," this is not what you will see. As per all the promos it is the 'filmed rehearsals' of the show, nothing more, nothing less. There is at the beginning of the film an introduction of the eleven premiere dancers that were to perform with Michael center stage. The process of the auditions was interesting and fun to watch. The segments weren't too long or too short. Kenny Ortega, Michael's collaborator on the tour and director of the film appears in and out of the footage as it's being shot. As I watched this film I was struck by the enormity of the show and production. This really would have been something to see live on stage. Short films were being shot with Jackson for segments of the show to highlight and forward stories of particular songs that were to be shown on the back drop screen behind the stage during the concert. The reworking's of "Smooth Criminal," and "Thriller," in particular was nothing short of spectacular to watch and experience. If I knew then what I know now I would have made an effort myself to see the show live in London. I have seen Michael live once before on the Jackson's "Victory Tour," way back in the 80's. These concerts would have been a much different extravaganza.

"This Is It," is categorically a film that not only shows the immense talent of a man but also his need for perfection in his craft. His direction to achieve this is not merely a laser pointed at himself but also at his dancers, musicians, singers, lighting and sound crews. He is shown at times literally directing the performers on the stage which was to turn, to always face the audience. He works with the musicians to make sure the pitch is just right, the tempo not too fast, not too slow. He does not come off as heavy handed but it is clear this is a man who knows exactly what he wants on that stage and knows how to get the best from the talent around him. The premiere dancers themselves are incredible to watch. It's hard enough trying to imitate Jackson's dance moves, it's quite another thing to sync and match him perfectly live as he himself is dancing. My hats off to Travis Payne for his choreography, he made me wish I could dance. Along with Jackson and Ortega they have created dance segments that will surely be imitated and duplicated for years to come. But less we not forget Jackson himself. From the first shot of him in the film effortlessly gliding across the stage, he seems to literally have wings on his heels. He makes it look so easy. But then again the greats in any field always do. The music of course stands on its own. You know every song. You may find yourself tapping your feet in the aisle of the theater. Just make sure you don't kick the seat of the person in front of you. Although considering the source this might actually be the one time they won't mind. I found myself doing the exact same thing as well as singing along (quietly thank you) and smiling on more than one occasion. It's been a long time since I genuinely had this good a time watching a film. The real shame of it all is this is all we have left of what would have been possibly one of the most spectacular live concerts of all time. Well, it's fair enough to say it would have a least placed in the top five in music history. If you are a fan of Michael Jackson I know you will not miss this film. If you are a novice who may just be a fan of the "Thriller," era or the Jackson 5 music, go see this movie. You will enjoy it from beginning to end. As you leave humming your favorite Michael tune there will be one thought that will surely cross your mind; Michael you will be truly missed.