Movie Review: Michael Jackson's "This Is It"

After two weeks down the line, I finally got to see what many consider as the final movie of the King Of Pop, and what do you know... this was really it for fans - the movie that gave us a final glimpse of what made Michael Jackson an undisputed force of nature in music history.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

A film documentary made out of video footage taken from the actual rehearsals of the "This Is It" concert, Michael Jackson's This Is It is what I'd call a fitting tribute to the last days of the King Of Pop on stage. The man who sang the most memorable songs in decades and who gave millions of people reason to scream out his name left us too soon in the middle of this year, and the shock of it sent ripples throughout the globe, sending fans into deep mourning and sudden nostalgic appreciation. Because of his death, the concert never came to light, and fans will never see what could probably have been the swan song comeback of the musician's career. Fortunately, the aforementioned footage taken from the practice sessions were available, intended to be placed in the popstar's personal library for reference. Piecing together and editing out hours of captured material, concert director Kenny Ortega creates what is essentially the "final performance" we'll get to see, showing MJ at his best, performing like the spark of energy he always is whenever he's on stage, regardless if its a live show or not.

"This Is It" Movie Trailer
Now what can be said about this movie? You can think of it as a souped up "Behind The Scenes Look" of the "This Is It" concert preparations, starting from the stage talent search all the way to the production and rehearsals of the show itself. Michael and Director Kenny take charge in directing and choreographing the entire set up, with the former giving his opinions now and then on how the music should cue in and follow his lead. It's an impressive display of lights, dancing, and musical genius, and although he wears sunglasses through most of the duration of the film, MJ hardly loses a beat in any of the multiple segments played through the course of the movie. As natural as he is with his signature Moonwalk, The man is a true talent, and this gives us a good look at the hard work and dedication he places into his projects to makw sure that the show was the best he was going to give to the fans, period. Obviously, MJ performs his signature songs, and you'll find yourself singing to familiar tunes like "Human Nature" and "Thriller". Excellent stuff.

This Is It Clip of MJ practicing "Human Nature"
Besides spotlighting Michael, the other members of the "This Is It" tour share their own experiences on camera and relate to the audience how monumental it was to work alongside a legend and an icon. Performers, musicians, and even the director Kenny Ortega himself shed some light on the work and influence Mike has brought to the stage, and their eagerness to put up one hell of a show is something that persists throughout the entire film. Also, the choreography and stage segments seem like hard work only the dedicated and savvy can really dip their hands to. Jackson does his thing, but also speaks his honest opinion when something doesn't feel right to him. It may illustrate the guy as a perfectionist, but that's what made him so great and successful in the first place, and you see it in the film first hand how he works his magic. We also get to see the other bits of extras they were adding to give the concert more bang for its buck, such as green screen filmed segments 3D produced videos that would have appeared behind MJ on stage as visual aids for his songs. It's an interesting process to witness, and it only makes it all the more disappointing that the concert never came to be. His final song, aptly titled "This Is It", also makes it to the film, and it can be heard via the link below.

Michael Jackson - This Is It

We can only imagine what kind of impact This Is It would have had on Michael Jackson's career and his fanbase had it pushed through, but there's no denying that this movie is the final curtain call that the King Of Pop's legacy can grace us with. If you're a Jackson fan through and through, you owe it to yourselves to see this and treat it as his final performance for the entire world to see. The MJ legacy transcends beyond the grave, and as true as one slogan promoting his music says - his music will live on... forever. RIP Michael Jackson, and thank you.