While watching ‘This Is It,’ I found myself dreading the moment when the end credits would start to roll because it truly would be, ‘it.’ There would be no more of one of the worlds greatest entertainers, as the film captures the ‘King of Pop’s’ final moments on stage while rehearsing for what was supposed to be his comeback tour. And from the looks of things, it would have brought him back to the top of the music industry.
In the opening minutes of ‘This Is It’ when MJ ( http://www.examiner.com/category-Michael_Jackson.html ) is practicing, ‘Wanna Be Starting Something,’ you are mesmerized by his dancing talent. From head to toe, he moves in a rhythm that’s all his own, and in ways that’s impossible for most. He is a true originator, and his blessings in dance is matched by his singing prowess. There appears to be no evident signs of it being his final days of life.
Of course, those who see, ‘This Is It’ are most likely fans of MJ and are well aware of his musical talents, but the film also provides some enjoyable behind the scenes footage. It’s nice to see him appear as almost normal when collaborating with the band members and the other production staff. MJ is a perfectionist, and was influential in every aspect of the show, including the lighting.
Through a perfectly directed montage of rehearsal footage, spanning over several different days and costume changes, most of MJ’s biggest hits throughout his career, including; ‘Beat It,’ ‘Billie Jean,’ and ‘Man in the Mirror.’ Many of the songs had videos and other special effects to accompany them, such as ‘Smooth Criminal’ for which MJ filmed a black and white, old fashioned gangster type film and for ‘Thriller’ an updated 3-D video was made.
It’s clear that, ‘This Is It,’ and performing for his fans was a true, personal love for MJ. He lived for his music and wanted nothing more than to please his fans and spread a message of love and healing all throughout the world. A sadness of the film is that MJ never got the chance to bring, ‘This Is It’ to a sold-out audience in London for one live performance and get the adulation he deserved.
On stage, Michael Jackson was a pure entertainer and the best thing about, ‘This Is It’ is it’s all about him in his element. For once he’s not seen as the strange man who lived at his own amusement park, had a pet monkey, tried to buy the Elephant Man’s bones, accused of child molestation and all the other things that made him so different from the norm, but just as a passionate musician whose vision and talent was limitless.
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