It is a damn shame that “This Is It” is the last glimpse of the Michael Jackson everyone knew and loved.
He was definitely startin’ somethin’ as the song goes.
The film “This Is It” sheds a nice light music legend Michael Jackson. Through pyrotechnics and elaborate stages and lighting techniques, the audience is able to see behind the curtain of a mysterious man and what could have been an amazing concert experience.
Cobbled together from footage intended for Michael Jackson’s personal archives, the film serves a medley of Michael’s greatest hits. The concert would’ve been a surefire money maker for Jackson, but it also would have been the ultimate love letter to the fans that have stood by him. Unlike other artists who jukebox their way through comeback concert after comeback, it seems Michael was really trying to breath new life into his songs and make the good even better.
In “This Is It,” Michael doesn’t just come in for soundcheck – he had his hand in every aspect of the show, from picking dancers, to fine tuning piano riffs, to what the giant bulldozer should do on stage.
Yes, a bulldozer. Despite the aesthetic eccentricities, Michael seemed really on top of his game creatively and in good spirits. This did not look like a frail man who was drug dependent. He bantered with band member Mo Pleasure over putting a little more “booty” into the instrumentals. He demonstrated to dancers exactly what he was looking for from them. He transformed into an old school gangster for a black and white filmed montage for “Smooth Criminal.” He was having a ball.
For fans, besides enjoying the music and spectacle of the film, it is really interesting to see Michael working and joking. He never knew this footage would be aired, so you really see his true self. He was humble and polite to all around him and seemed grateful to the whole crew. It was refreshing to see a person who certainly had the talent be so kind, unlike so many other stars who lack talent and are divas.
Despite the plastic surgery, Michael was channeling his heyday, from his curly ponytail, to his moves, to his vocals. Despite holding back in rehearsals to rest his throat, his presence was still overwhelming to those around him.
For the singers and dancers who stated how big this tour was to them at the beginning of the film (and to the fans who loved him), one of the best scenes was at the end of the film – just Michael alone dancing on stage, losing himself in the moment. Not resting his vocals. Not resting his body. Going full out.
He just couldn’t help himself, he was a star and he had to give them a show.
**Edit: I would like to state that the above review is a commentary on Michael Jackson's "This Is It" and is intended to comment on the film and the artist, not his personal life.**
Comments
Beautiful article!
I went to see MJ "this is it" I enjoyed it very much,but looking at him he was very tired.He will be missed but he along with my son is in a better place.REST IN PEACE MJ WE LOVE YOU.
Awesome article is awesome. Speak truth hun. This Is It, is a fantastic movie and MJ was indeed a musical genius. I miss him more and more everyday.
Lastly I feel he looks amazing in the movie. Tall and sexy.
the movie was amazing, I still can't believe he's gone what a terrible loss of a truly amazing performer
Why doesn't everyone shut up about MJ's face - MJ was a person with feelings. Could everyone keep their comments, even those that come off as soft like "aesthetic eccentricities", to themselves. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to why a genius decides to do something; sometimes that same genius can't explain to you why they do things because it would be futile, you wouldn't get it. So lay off of MJ's face. As for the fact that this movie was unbelievable - your right on point. But I have to ask: "Was this really a surprise to everyone?" MJ was a genius, his talent was a gift from Divinity, plus MJ believed in God and God's ability so there was definitely no way that this man could fail. And, I agree with both Madison and Beverley. At times, like anyone that works hard, Michael looked like he wanted to take a rest. But more times than most, Michael looked hot, a little thin, but still Michael looked TALL, HOT, and SEXY! Now that's what I'm talking about! Michael a 50 year old: HOT!
I agree, MJ didn't look drug dependent. With that said, what a very sad thought to think about. To loose MJ is sad enough, to think how becomes cruel. Yet, I don't believe people are right in saying MJ's comeback wouldn't be as grand if he was alive. Wrong. I do believe MJ would have pulled off those 50 shows and more, without a hitch -that would be a comeback just as big. The only reason why MJ's "comeback" today is so great is because people finally realizes what MJ went through, how wrong they treated him, how awful it was to spit at him, throw him under the bus every chance possible, and take him for granted. That's why we miss him. We can't say sorry or take back what we did. But, if any good can come from this may we have learned not to treat innocent people the we treated MJ. And, instead of inflicting pain and hurt through judging may we spread love, have open arms of compassion, and be more acceptant. While we are at it, we need to help each other.
I LOVE HOW YOU END THIS PIECE . . . "He just couldn't help himself. He was a star and he had to give them a show." . . . wow. LOVED IT, have seen TII twice, and that's only the beginning. I will go many more times. I get something different from it each time. So far only twice, but two very different response experiences.
yeah,everyone does need to shut the heck up about his looks,that's not what made him famous.i for one think he was gorgeous through-out his life....all the way up til now.he was sexy despite how everyone says how freakish he looks or blah bal blah.
he was a handsome guywho was cut in half by the media.
im seeing it tomorrow.
can't wait.
Love this article. Its rare that we can read an article about Michael Jackson without something offensive being said. I love the way it starts, that is my thought everyday since Michael's been gone, "It is a damn shame!" I'm going to see This Is It for the second time this week....I CAN'T WAIT! Great Job Ms. Davis!
Great Job!
TII was just wonderful. I found the way he looked at 50 to be as attractive as the 80's, and the way he moved...he still had it. The world got a little dimmer when the light that was Michael Jackson got snuffed out. I completely blame the media for that. Is it any wonder he couldn't sleep at night?
MaryRM---You absolutely nailed it straight on the head. The media are shameless, utterly shameless wanton whores. Sadly, Michael wasn't very good at playing the media game, and he gave them a big target. It was always open season on Michael Jackson.
Also small correction: it was Michael Bearden, the music director, who was asking about more booty in the instrumental.
I saw TII last week, and I normally fall asleep @ the movies, especially the late ones, but this documentary had my full attention from beginning to end. MJ was truly an amazing person, and you can see in this film that his presence demanded respect, and I feel even now that he is gone he still deserves it!! REST IN PEACE MIKE AND MUCH RESPECT!!!!!!!
This Is It is an excellent homage to MJ . . . one that will be viewed by his fans and others for decades. I've seen the movie twice and will probably see it again next weekend. I've read some comments about how "skinny" MJ was, but if you look back at his Thriller days - he was "skinny" then too. So, it's not like MJ had become skinny for the first time. His energy was high, he was in good spirits at a peak of creativity. I've read he was looking forward to these last concerts so he could move on to film and other projects. He definitely is Gone Too Soon and although it was great to see him at work, it would have been great for MJ to do the concerts and experience the L-O-V-E his fans still had for him.
My husband and I saw the movie for the first time last night and although Michael Jackson is a true star from every angle, I can't help but feel sadness for the dancers and musicians that didn't get to see the fruit of their hard work. I'm hoping that the mere fact that they were chosen by Michael and the amount of personal time they had with him during the long rehearsals, is comforting. God Bless Michael and his god giffted crew.
MJ used that word 'quintessential' in one of his live interviews and I just thought he sounded so well when he said it. Throughout the years the speeches he made always had a heartfelt meaning. He was truly an intelligent man as well as very talented, fashionable, handsome and most importantly, a true humanitarian. Regardless of the negative comments made about his personal struggles, I will always remember him as the most influential entertainer ever and leave the judging for God.
I too loved this film. And I believe the depiction of Michael Jackson as a soft and gentle man is true to his nature. I'm saddened sometimes me beyond comprehension at the thought the he really is gone. Truly, a void has been created. I only hope that the accolades that Michael Jackson is receiving today won't later replaced by more sinister and self serving comments. As for how MJ looked in this film? He was a true beauty and even with all the surgeries, he remained as beautiful as ever, and yes, damn hot. I love you, Michael.
Yesthis is indeed a beautiful article. I caught three TII shows two days apart each and would be catching it once more before it closes. I am one big fan and has been since begining to forever! I am so afraid of going into mourning again at the end of TII's run. Watching it on dvd just reinforces its over ;( Our world's rain forest may be disappearing but our one and only Michael is gone.
I'm seeing This is It tommorow for the 3rd time. I won't "STOP TILL I GET ENOUGH". I just feel so close to him then. And he sure looked good. The last 3 months of his life dr. Klein was "trying" to repair some of the damage done on MJ's face through the years. And in spite of myself I must say Dr. K did a fine job. That's about the only thing I credit the man for. Otherwise he is the most despicable person of all those who say things about MJ. I mean, calling him his friend and still saying bad things about him (see the video on TMZ). SOME FRIEND!! Anyway, I just can't wait til tomorrow to see the film again. Love you GREAT GENIUS!!R.I.P.
This film left me speechless, Michael was beyond the King, there is no know word in my vocabulary to describe him. Its been months since his death and i'm still disbelieving. I heard him in my head 24/7. He has been with me for 40 years and he shall remain with me always. My Love for him is overwhelming and a bit scary to me I never thank him enough for the beauty and joy he brought to my life and indeed the world.
"This Is It" WAS AMAZING!!!!!! It showed us the part of Michael Jackson that was the person we knew he was. In all he went through and the way they tried to make him like a freak. He was gorgeous in everyway he was a remarkable humanbeing. The way he showed his love for all that was inportant to him. He was going to show us with "This Is It" the earth song he did with how it was being destroyed, the love he had who all was working with him. How he was a GENIUS, he had a GIFT for sure. He will be truely MISSED!! LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON " RIP " There will be NO one LIKE YOU!!! I can't wait to get "This Is It" on a DVD so I can watch it as much as I can to have Michael close! The way he thanked all his crew by saying "GOD BLESS YOU" came from very deep inside. I also could see how they all loved him and it is hard to see what they have lost too. The way he still ran and slid across the stage was AMAZING I can still see him do it, he was still full of LIFE!!!!
I am crying and I just can't stop crying.
I LOVE FULL MJ , SO I LIKE MJ
This is It had me on my knees at the very end, crying and prayer that Michael be happy now...I was so grateful to Kenny Ortega for being so respectful and wonderful towards MJ!
I thought this was a well written article about the movie. I understand that it is your job to write about the movie and you do not comment on his lifestyle, whether you approve or disapprove. He was a very talented entertainer and you brought that out through your writing. Great job.
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