When “This is It” was being called a documentary film I didn’t know what to expect. Dictionary.com describes a documentary film as:
a film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event
Michael Jackson’s “This is It” was not a documentary at all. It was a rare opportunity for people (his fans) to see Michael Jackson do what he does best; create and perfect what was to become the comeback concert of all time. If there was any doubt that Michael could pull it off, rest assured, he was more than ready. From his entrance in the film it’s obvious that he was very thin. I believe I read somewhere that he was 136 pounds. His vocals, dance moves and work ethic were unchanged from the Michael Jackson we knew in the 80’s Thriller days.
What struck a cord with me, and I became emotional several times during the film, were Michael’s statements to musicians, dancers and singers, “I want them to feel the love!” He speaks of love throughout the film. He showed patience when directing dancers and musicians stating, “That’s why we rehearse.” He tells the musical director at one point, “I want it to sound just like I wrote it.” Again, each direction is given with a loving tone. When you think of Michael as the perfectionist King of Pop you would think he’d be hard and controlling. That was never the case. He was precise, but humble. There may have been a team of people working on this project but you knew that Michael was calling all the shots.
The first emotional moment for me was the rehearsal for “The Jackson 5” segment of the show, where Michael and his dancers perform, I Want You Back, The Love You Save and I’ll be There. Before he ends the song, “I’ll Be There,” the music stops and Michael said, “This is when I say, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie, Thank you. Katherine and Joe, I love you.” It was a moving moment for me and I’m sure a touching moment for his family members. There were tears in my eyes and I thought, “What a loss!” Michael was on the verge of musical history.
Could Michael Have Performed 50 Sold Out Shows?
With the controversy over 10 shows verses 50 shows, the question many have asked is, could Michael have performed 50 shows? It’s reported the concert would run from July 13, 2009 through March 6, 2010. 27 shows were scheduled between July 13 and September 29, 2009. There would have been a three month break and the remaining 23 shows would have been scheduled between January 7 and March 6, 2010. That’s a grueling schedule for a young performer, but something tells me Michael, even at age 50, could have pulled it off. He may have had to cancel some dates. Let’s look at this realistically – 50 sold-out shows is a heavy schedule, night after night. One has to also look at the genius that was Michael Jackson. Michael was born under the astrological sign of Virgo, August 25th. (Something I know a lot about) Attention to detail; perfectionism, precision, drive and determination. He would have found a way to make it happen. Sadly, we will never know how it all would have played out.
Everyone asks the question of people close to Michael, “Were there any signs of trouble or illness? The answer is absolutely not.
I’ve always been a fan of Michael Jackson. After viewing “This is It” I’m convinced more then ever that we will never have an entertainer on the level that Michael Jackson was. He didn’t miss a step, a note, and he made it all seem effortless. It had been 12 years since Michael had performed. Think about that!
This is a must see film. I plan on purchasing the DVD but I had to see it on the big screen. The film runs 2 hours and 5 minutes and the time goes by quickly. When it ends you’re left wanting more. Let me suggest remaining in the theatre past the credits because there’s more at the end. If you leave, you’ll miss it.
I recall a memorable line from the Jackson movie, An American Dream (1992) when Michael said, “The music is in me.” The film, “This is It” is a testimony to that statement.
The film is dedicated to the fans and to Michael’s three children.
8 Comments
November 1, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Thank you for your review ,your review is useful
November 1, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I loved it. Some of my favorites were “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal”, and “Earth Song”. It would have been a great tour.
November 2, 2009 at 7:31 am
I agree 110% Mike, it would have been a phenomenal tour. It’s estimated they were spending $13 million on the production. The Thriller segment was shot in 3D video so perhaps we’ll get to see much more when the DVD is released. I was reading the Box Office numbers from the weekend online and worldwide the movie has grossed 101 million in its 5 day release. I also KNEW that 2 week only showing was a crock. Sony has already made the decision to hold it over. It was a marketing move to get as much money up front as possible. I guess the DVD won’t be released until 2010. They’re saying 3 months, so we’ll see. I’m certain DVD sales will be much bigger than the box office. A lot of people are waiting on the DVD.
I was really hoping for “Heal the World” but the blurb at the end satisfied me. Such a loss. Such a loss!
November 8, 2009 at 10:16 am
Nice review of the film. I agree with you about this not being a documentary. In my analysis of this film, I compare it more to a professional home movie. This was filmed for Michael Jackson to view, like a birthday party or a wedding often is. It is not a documentary. That is what is so unique about this film.
I am not a big Michael Jackson fan, but there is no doubt in my mind that he was a great performer and entertainer and everything you point out about him in your review is true .
There is one thing that I forgot to mention in my review of the film. There was one moment in the film where Michael wanted to start the music facing away from the cue. Someone asked him, “How will you know when to start if you can’t see the cue?” Michael replies with, “I’ll feel it!” And you know what, he did.
Watching this film is like being a fly on the wall and witnessing a great artist at work. Whether you liked him or not, you can’t deny that he was an incredible musician and artist.
November 11, 2009 at 10:17 am
Awesome review. I didn’t want 2 see the movie because I thought it would be a documentary of someone would narrate and they’d show clips that we’ve seen before. After reading this I’ll go see the film. Michael Jackson was the entertainer of our time and noone will ever replace his musical genius. Thanks.
November 15, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I loved it. I would have paid to see that concert. I wasn’t that big of a fan. I was in Detroit when he died. I had just taken a tour of Motown and saw is hat and gloves in the glass case. After he died I heard they removed it. I will always remember the experience.
November 23, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Victor, thanks for the addition. I’ve linked your blog. You have some great reviews there. I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN about the”I’ll feel it” comment. I thought the same thing. Whoa! That’s exactly what I meant in his comment about having the musicin him. What a tragic tragic loss to the world. Thank goodness we’ll always have the music.
Ella, I’ve always wanted to visit Hitsville. One day I’ll have to. I’m sure the experience was awesome. Thanks for your post.
November 30, 2009 at 11:43 am
You have a really nice blog. I will visit again. Glad I found it.