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Movie Review: Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Published by Clay Cane on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 12:55 am.
Summary: A concert documentary on the late, great Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour. The film follows the last two months of MJ’s life through rehearsal footage, his dancers and crew, and music.
Review: There is no doubt that Michael Jackson is a genius, but some have doubted if he is human or at least treated him like he wasn’t. Michael Jackson’s This Is It flawlessly highlights his talents, but it also humanizes him in a way that the public has never seen. He was humble, kind, intelligent and had a sense of humor. Unfortunately, Jackson was so crucified by the media that he probably didn’t feel comfortable showing this candid side. Thankfully, fans, lovers of music, lovers of dance and those who appreciate humanity, have this documentary. The tag line for the doc is “Like you’ve never seen him before.” In most cases that would be media hype, but in this case, it’s the absolute truth.
At this point, we all give any Michael Jackson project the side-eye, wondering if another person is trying to capitalize off the King of Pop’s name. However, in this case, not enough praise can be given to the creators of This Is It, especially the director and MJ’s choreographer, Kenny Ortega. This Is It clearly comes from a pure place and honors Jackson’s legacy like no other project since his death.
This Is It includes most of Jackson’s hit songs like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “I’ll Be There” and “Beat It.” The viewer gets an intimate look at Jackson’s rehearsal style, his quest for perfection and gifted attention to microscopic detail. Jackson operated from feeling and passion, at one point, when he is standing in one space after a musical number he says, “We’re sizzling,” to the crew that waits for him to move. Or, while arranging the music, he walks the musical director through the tempo and explains, “You gotta let it simmer” versus jumping right in to the beat. It’s truly fascinating to watch and makes you want to study so you can somehow factor these skills into your own life. It would be similar to viewing footage of Beethoven composing a musical number or Picasso painting a portrait. This glimpse into MJ’s genius is awe-inspiring.
With all the rumors, there were some doubts if Michael could still perform and sing like his fans would expect. This Is It clearly shows Michael still had it. The dancing was incredible with his movements like water. Personally, I was amazed at MJ’s vocals. At 50 years old his voice was in stellar shape. To hear him hit those nearly 30-year-old notes (no key change!) in “Human Nature,” do improvisations on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” or doing vocal warm-ups was riveting.
Most importantly, in Michael Jackson’s This Is It, you don’t see death, just life. There is no sadness or tears; you walk out with a smile on your face, feeling loved and more human. Forget the controversies, scandals and drama. This Is It is truly who Michael Jackson was — his music. It’s a film that you don’t want to end.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It opens toay and is only in theaters for two weeks.
SEEING THAT MOVIE SHOULD PUT THE MEDIA TO REST ABOUT IF HE COULD HAVE DONE THOSE TOUR DATES . I MISS HIM SO MUCH I BOUGHT A TICKET FRONT ROW AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FIRST MJ CONCERT. IM ONLY 16 AND GARY, INDIANA I WOULD HAVE ENJOYED TO SEE HIM ON MY 16TH B-DAY!!! R.I.P MICHEAEL YOUR HOME MISSES YOU BOO!!
No doubt in my mind Michael was ready for this tour! Michael Joseph Jackson is one of the BEST entertainers EVER!!! Thanks Joe!!!
I’m only 16 and I’ve been a fan of mj for as long as i can remember and i started learning how to dance like Micheal since i have known what dancing was and i live in Las Vegas i got to see him in the mall and i was 14 years old and i started screaming like a lil girl lol but the influence he has had on me and my life is wonderful and i will all ways love Micheal long live the king
i seen it…it was real good he was real humble and enjoyabe..lik dey said u will never expect mj 2 act like dat..i enjoyed it he still had his talent still…love u mj i will always love u no matter how da media betray u..
I CNT WAIT TO GO C IT IM SALTY DOE CUZ I GOTTA WAIT TIL NXT WEEK
i saw it today and loved it!
I am so pleased with this article…this film deserves all the praise and even more so, MJ deserves all the acculades there is. It’s a shame that people couldn’t see this side of him….I have followed him all my life, LIFE LONG FAN, and I always knew that he was respectful, loving, and professional. I love how he takes pride and his work and respect the talent of others. He has always given props to those who came b4 him and I pray that everyone keeps his legacy alive in a POSITIVE fashion….”LONG LIVE THE KING”!
Just saw “This Is It” I was blown way by his vocals. Mj still had it, he will be so missed. There will never be anyone even close to his talent. Like I tell alll the young generation MJ was larger than all of hip hop.
Haven’t seen it, but plan to
Kenny Ortega did right by Michael!!!
Considering the fact that it wasn’t meant to be a movie, it was very well put together. I had goosebumps watching it and you couldn’t help but to sing along. Michael was so gentle and so kind. There is or will never be another like him. I miss him so and I’ll love him and his music forever. Hopefully he’s looking down with a smile on his face.
This movie was amazing. Kenny Ortega deserves accolades for turning rough footage into a remarkable film. My Michael was in rare form, he’s so on point with everything. To have such a gentle perfectionist never step on anyone’s toes, but still get what he needs and makes sure everyones gets to shine, is not easy to do, just watch some of these other performers and you’ll know. I’m going to see it again with my younger siblings. I have never gone to pay for a movie at the theater twice, but MJ is more than worth it. This Is It makes me want to convict Dr. Conrad of whatever charges he deserves, because he commited a careless murder. MJ was not on the verge of dying, he more alive than we’ve seen him in the last decade, he was so looking forward to these tours and it was clearly evident.
i luv mj so much
MJ was really in very good shape. The film shows that he was VERY alive and happy with his show. Always so kind and lovely with everyone. Did you see how the dancers and singers react during the tests? Judith Hill is amazing and they fit so well in “I just can’t stop loving you”. The song sounds sensual and exciting. Wanna be there…. Now we know that MJ was fine and the whole midia that tried to tell the opposite will have to apologise.
I went to see “This is it” this pass weekend. I was blown away. I was happy and sad. Some of the older songs brought back memories. This film showed the “man”. He was so humble and gracious…and not selfish at all.
What talent he had. I cried and dance in the theater. It was worth it considering; this was my last concert to see him.
I thank God for the time you were put on this earth to entertain. You are truly missed.
I saw THIS IS IT on opening day and was absolutely blown away. I am a HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fan of Michael’s and was waiting anxiously to see the movie (which came out 3 days after my bday!) it showed the human side of michael, the funny side, and the side that was clearly the boss and in control of everything. His flawless and fluid dancing made you realize he still was the man and his velvet voice still could bring a tear to your eye (and for me it did when he sang I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU….bcuz that’s how I felt and will always feel.) I am so thankful to Sony and AEG for thinking enough of us fans to present us with this precious and timeless gift. THIS IS IT gave us Michael back if for only a little while. You almost forget he’s gone, I plan to see THIS IS IT a few more times in its now extended through thanksgiving weekend run. I can’t wait until it hits DVD which it will very very soon. I love Michael and always will I miss him beyond words but I know he is at peace smiling down on us and watching over his children and the rest of his family and his fans. THIS IS IT is a treasure….just like Michael was.
The review was right on point! I loved it and believe that it is a fitting tribute to this most talented man! Those of us who were raised listening to his music and watching him perform were given a gift with this movie. And I am glad that it was not widely exposed….only those who truly loved him will be moved to see the movie. Excellent…Excellent….now you can truly sleep Michael.
I was in such ‘awe’, I felt like I was there. I grow up in MJs time. I’ve always loved his style and charisma. He was one of a kind. It’s so…hard believing he is gone. In my heart no one can replace him. I will definitely buy his DVD. RIP Michael.
i miss Micheal jackson even thou i didn’t know him his music was so bad!!
i miss Micheal jackson even thou i didn’t know him his music was so bad!!
R.I.P