8 out of 10
Michael Jackson's This Is It is a tough film to
review. Culled from rehearsal footage for his planned 50 shows at the
02 Arena in London, This Is It isn't really a concert film nor is it a
documentary offering an intimate look into the enigmatic entertainer.
It's more like an intimate peep. Nonetheless, watching Jackson prepare
for what was sure to be an amazing concert is quite magical.
To
call the show he was preparing a concert is almost an insult. It was
going to be a spectacle like no one has ever experienced. Jackson was
taking every amazing element from his prior tours and planning on
topping them. If nothing else, this look in to his creative process
shows a man who was supremely talented and ready to conquer the world
for a final time.
Since his death, the outpouring of love and
support for the singer has been overwhelming. Gone is the cynicism
surrounding his eccentric lifestyle and allegations of molestation.
People have embraced him for all the good he has created through his
music, dancing and showmanship. They are celebrating a truly one of a
kind entertainer who has touched the hearts and minds of countless
individuals throughout his career. No matter how you stand on whether
Michael Jackson was a misunderstood angel or whether he was a monster,
it's hard not to be in awe while watching him perform; even at half
speed.
This Is It is essentially a documentary detailing the work
that Jackson was putting into his final tour. You don't walk away with
any real sense of knowing who he truly is. The man behind the performer
remains a mystery. The brief bits you do see in between performances of
every hit song imaginable, portray a soft spoken, humble man who is also
extremely confident in himself as an entertainer. He wants everything
the way he wants it, but he gets people to do what he wants through
kindness and support. There is not a trace of oversized ego in any of
his words and for a man who has been proclaimed as the King of Pop, that
is quite inspiring. It is clear that when Jackson performs, his major
goal is to spread love, peace and happiness to the entire audience.
Kenny
Ortega, the creative director of Jackson's shows and also the creator
of the High School Musical series, was hired to pull together all the
rehearsal footage and make the movie and he has done a very proficient
job. The film is structured like a concert in the sense that each song
is performed in its entirety by splicing together various rehearsals. I
can't say enough how incredible it is to watch Jackson perform. Even
while half heartedly going through the motions he is a powerful force of
nature.
Ortega starts the film with brief interviews taken from
dancers who were auditioning for the show. They all express their
excitement of having the opportunity to audition and possibly work with
Michael. Some of them tear up as they are expressing what Jackson means
to them and how he helped transform their lives and it a powerful few
minutes to say the very least. I dare you not to get goose bumps. The
audition process is shown and it is almost like watching a season of So
You Think You Can Dance in ten minutes.
My only real complaint
about the film is that it is too long. It could've been a half hour
shorter and been just as powerful and inspiring. Maybe for diehard fans
of Jackson, the film doesn't over stay its welcome, but for a casual fan
or someone who is just curious to see the film, it can become slightly
boring.
To sum it up, This Is It is an intimate look at what
Jackson had planned for his shows and based on what I saw, they were
going to be epic; the kind of concert that you remember for the rest of
your life. Michael's magic is on full display here and is hard to
resist. Whether you are his biggest fan or his biggest detractor, it is
impossible to watch this movie and not walk away with a sense of how
great he truly was.
Bill Bonfanti is FilmGo.net's movie critic and Box office
analysis. [http://www.filmgo.net] Every week you will find new reviews
and box office predictions for the current crop of films in the theater.
Article Source:
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