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This is it
The new film "This Is It" focuses on one aspect of Michael Jackson’s life and leaves everything else behind. This is Michael the performer.
We are told this was footage that was shot for his own use, and his director, Kenny Ortega, took the reins and put Michael’s vision into the film.
Ortega does a masterful job of melding footage from various rehearsals into one cohesive film. Michael’s in-depth preparation for each number in his final show appeared to be a labor of love.
As we see the selection of the primary dancers, Michael is there adding his commentary. When a lighting cue needs a bit of alteration, Jackson offers his direction to the crew. Choreography, music, stage presence – you name it, Michael Jackson had his fingerprints on every aspect of this potentially monumental show. And he knew what every aspect needed, right down to when he exclaimed to Ortega about a cue, “I’ll just have to feel it.”
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say I was never a huge Michael Jackson fan. "Beat It" brought me over a little (loved Eddie Van Halen), but I was not that guy growing up.
That said -- I loved this film!
Quite possibly, the show that Michael Jackson was creating is the best concert that no one will ever truly see. We are treated to glimpses of what could have been if this concert ever came to fruition, and it would have been special.
We find a man in this film who was obsessed with getting things just right. His constant attention to some of the smallest details was mind-blowing. And the attention his singers, dancers and crew paid to him was amazing. Shots of the crew in unison watching Michael go through a rehearsal and hanging onto every move are just amazing. These were just rehearsals, and the crew could not drink in enough of his work.
I didn’t anticipate liking this film. I didn’t anticipate walking away with a high impression of this quickly-made look at the tour that wasn’t. But truth be told, this is it when it comes to concert films and despite the fact that Michael may have had his issues, he will always be remembered as a consummate performer.
'This Is It'
A-
Columbia Pictures
Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Michael Jackson
Rating: PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images
Run time: 112 minutes
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