Review: This Is It (2009)

"This Is It" - I Just Can't Stop Loving You...

We all know the tragic story behind Michael Jackson's death. And, we
all know about the massive concert that he was preparing for but never
happened. After watching "This Is It", it's sad knowing that the
world will never receive the gift that the King of Pop was preparing
to unwrap. What you'll find inside this film is a peek into the
preparation of his mega-production. This isn't merely a concert.
It's an exclamation point on MJ's career.

While the documentary showcases all of his more popular work, for me,
the most interesting parts occurred in the first 20 minutes. We see
highlights of the dance auditions. As one of the organizers put it,
if you want to be part of this show, you have to be "mean, gorgeous,
and hot." When I watch these reality TV talent shows like "Dancing
with the Stars", "American Idol", and "America's Got Talent," I always
enjoy the preparation and audition process the most as it felt the
most human. Here, you can see the enormous amount of interest in
being a part of his posse. As one hopeful dancer from Australia put
it, he found out about the auditions just two days before and got on
the very next flight to get there on time.

The film is focused on MJ, perhaps, doing his final rehearsals in the
Staples Center before they all head out to final-final rehearsals in
England, where his 50-show extravaganza would take place. On stage,
under the lights, swathed in music, MJ is in his element. When MJ went
onto the witness stand to defend himself in front of millions, he was
a pale shadow of himself. He looked diminutive and lost. Here, he is
now preparing to perform for an audience of millions, and he is in
command and larger-than-life. In "This Is It", we see the "Wanna Be
Starting Something" Michael Jackson. We do not see the "Smooth
Criminal" Michael Jackson. This man is a workhorse.

He experiences a bit of trouble striking the higher notes. And, now
it's just one pirouette instead of two or three. He emotes a
childlike exuberance. He displays patience like a kindergarten
teacher. Even the director speaks to him in a way that we would speak
to an 8-year old. And, the song that pleaded for us to be more
eco-conscious seemed to go against what we know of him in terms of
beat and message. But he still has those
can't-take-my-eyes-off-of-him moves that still seem to defy gravity.
Watching a few minutes of Jackson in action, I feel like I'm ready to
hit the clubs. If there are any negative effects from his age (he
would've turned 50 during his run of concerts) or from the child
molestation charges that have dogged him all of these years, you
certainly don't see it during his practice routines. This is an
energized man bent on delivering a performance to solidify his
legendary status.

It's somewhat incredible to watch the adoration that is poured upon
him. As film experiences go, I can say that it's a different
sensation to watch someone hard at work who has achieved a level of
fame that is unfathomable. Consider "This Is It" not so much a movie
or documentary. Rather, it's a final thank you for those who have
supported him. It's a final look for those who are curious about him.
It's a final chance to see what might have been. Mama say mama sa ma
ma pu sa!

Grade: B+

S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 0 out of 3