Review of Michael Jackson's "This is It"

I saw Michael Jackson's "This is It" tonight. I first want to state I am a fan of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson's music has been around my entire life. I was born in the late 60s, by 1970 The Jackson Five had their first number one hit with "I Want You Back". In the 80s with the release of "Thriller" I like millions of girls all over the world fell in love with Michael Jackson. No matter what controversy surrounded Michael over the years, I remained a fan of the music, the talent and the great humanitarian that is Michael Jackson. So yes this review is from a fan, not a fanatic but a fan nevertheless. But really who else would want to watch a film about a musician other than someone who enjoys seeing and hearing that person and then review it?

When the news of his death on June 25th 2009 was announced I, along with the rest of the world was shocked. I knew he was preparing for a London concert tour and I never expected to hear that this tour would not happen because the King of Pop was dead.

So when it was announced that a concert film was going to be made of Michael Jackson's rehearsal footage called " This is It" I knew I would have to see this film. I am so glad that I did.

The sound and the quality of the film is amazing. This film shows Michael Jackson in his final days preparing for what I am sure would have helped launch him back in the public eye, in a musical and respectful way. Michael Jackson's career would have gotten a boost . I read some people say he was not in good shape in the film and did not dance and sing as good as he had before.

I disagree with those statements. Michael Jackson was 50 years old while doing this rehearsal footage. Also it was just rehearsal, but I still think Michael did an excellent job. I am positive if Michael would have been able to do these concerts, once he stepped out on stage it would have been phenomenal. He said in a couple instances he wasn't going to go all out that he was saving voice. But I saw and heard a man who was exceptional and was having a hard time not giving it his all. I do agree he looked awfully thin however.

I do not want to give away spoilers for those who have not had a chance to see Michael Jackson's "This is It" yet. But I will say some stand out instances for me is one such as "Thriller "which is revamped and features 3D Zombies. During "Smooth Criminal" Michael and Humphrey Bogart are in a shootout. One of my favorites was "The Way You Make Me Feel" seeing Michael dance back and forth with one the female dancers and have fun was just amazing.

"This is It" clearly shows Michael Jackson's personal participation in creating the show. Michael was clearly involved in every single aspect of preparation, from auditioning the dancers to directing the visuals that were filmed to accompany the live performance pieces. Michael had demands that he was not going to compromise on with the people helping to create the show but he delivered them in a respectful manner not with a diva, superstar type of attitude. Saying "I say this with love" or "this is why we rehearse".

While watching Michael Jackson's "This is it" I smiled a lot, I sang along to the classic songs and I felt a bittersweet type of sadness. It was great seeing Michael on the big screen, seeing how he makes sure each performance is perfection, seeing how he interacts with everyone involved, and hearing his awesome voice but all the while knowing Michael and everyone involved was preparing to give the world a concert experience like no other, that now will never happen. The film ends with Michael singing "Man in the Mirror"

With the end of the film I had the feeling of is this it? I felt like their should be more. And of course we all know there should be more. With "This is It" we see the labor put into creating a show that would have thrilled and pleased every audience that got to be a part of it. However we will never be able to enjoy the fruits of that labor. Michael Jackson died before he could hit the stage to show the world what he wanted this concert to be. How prophetic are the words now, that Michael said when he announced the upcoming 50 concert London Tour. "This is it, this is the final curtain call".

"This is It" is a must see for all Michael Jackson fans and anyone who wants to see a whole other side to Michael Jackson and to see why Michael Jackson was The King of Pop.