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Saturday, April 20, 2024
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HOLLYWOOD MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: ***
This is it. The moment has arrived. For weeks there has been widespread
speculation around the actual content of the musical documentary on Michael
Jackson.
While director Kenny Ortega had announced that the film would give a sneak peek
of Jackson`s rehearsals for his concert series by the same name ("This Is
It"), naysayers wondered if they would indeed get to see what was promised.
Conspiracy theories about a body double being used to make this film were all
around as also that the movie "This Is It" was yet another means to
cash in on the popularity of the legend who died June 25.
But this is not the case. The two-hour film features Jackson the way he was and
there is no duplicate filling in for him. Yes, the horror of his failing health
is pretty much visible in his weak body structure. However, what is certainly
not missing is the man`s energy, passion, determination and zeal to give it all
to his fans.
"Love you all" and "God bless you" are mouthed frequently by
the pop star who got his rehearsals captured on camera for his personal library.
Now when the man is no more, these videos have been cut and edited to give
audiences something to cheer about.
Seeing a parallel global release, the film captures Jackson in perhaps not his
full glory since the spunk created in front of live audiences is always
different from on-stage rehearsals.
However, what truly shocks is the fact that the man was pretty much alive,
kicking and raring to go for his comeback concert. After seeing his moves, it is
hard to believe that his health had deteriorated to such an extent that he met
with a sudden death soon after.
"This Is It" is surely a treat for Jackson fans. For those who aren`t,
the film doesn`t quite give any insight into the man`s life since it is assumed
that "This Is It" is mainly for those who were closely following his
music and were prepared for the concert. So, if anyone is looking for a
documentary on his life per se, then this really isn`t it!
However, for those who were looking forward to the concert, this is not really a
bad bargain. After all there are hit numbers like "Beat It",
"Billie Jean" and many more that find a place in it. This becomes all
the more interesting since Jackson comes up with new moves for these songs while
making them further contemporary and presenting them to today`s audiences.
The only thing that one misses as the film concludes is some more footage around
comments from the people associated with the show. There are a few at the
beginning but otherwise the film begins and ends like a concert video.
That was the intent of the feature for sure but it would have helped had
audiences been given to know a little more about Michael Jackson - the man and
not just Michael Jackson - the performer.
Michael Jackson`s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London`s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson`s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson`s creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.
