This Is It (2009)

Great Film overall

Boring

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Not that I doubted that it had, for a second...Like many millions of others, of different generations, I grew up mesmerized by the phenomenon that is M.J. I was 5 or 6 years old when I saw a performance from the dangerous tour broadcast live on T.V. I remember being perplexed at as to why there were thousands upon thousands of people going absolutely crazy for a man stood solo on a stage, doing absolutely nothing but gazing into the crowd, frozen to the spot, for a good 4 minutes. I was hooked.Fast forward almost 17 years, after a long hiatus (understandably), Me and my mates were almost as excited as we were at the prospect of losing our virginities, M.J was back! and we would get to see him live in our country!Alas, it wasn't to be, instead we were 'treated' to this, a melancholy insight into what might have been. Thank god the cameras were rolling though, because without this film, we would have been left wondering whether Michael still 'had it', this footage shows he did.If you're expecting a performance reminiscent of his late 80's/early 90's heyday then you will be disappointed...the man was 50 years old, dependent upon painkillers and of ill health (as it would transpire, more serious than anyone thought.) but he still shows flashes of brilliance. One scene in particular where he allows his performing instinct to overcome his modesty, leaving dozens of much younger backing dancers and crew in awe, will give you chills. Or scenes where he takes command, showing the starstruck backing dancers how it's done, how he wants it to be. Although the dancing throughout most of it might be a little rigid and out of sorts (having said that, it's no secret that Mike only performs at half speed in rehearsals anyway), the voice never falters, not once.We are treated to an M.J acapella numerous times during this film, and it's all live and pitch perfect. I hope this isn't classed as a spoiler, because it hardly gives away any important plot points, but the duet he sings with a talented young female, 'I just cant stop loving you', shows that, vocally, he still stands way out above any other live performer, and he manages to have a little fun with it at the end of the song, it's just beautiful to watch, and to see the girls reaction to his improv. We see quite a bit of Kenny Ortega, who, while encouraging Michael and applauding his performances, seems a little emphatic, in the sense that he seems to think he's the one directing the whole thing and his voice can be heard throughout, barking orders and such. I don't know, maybe M.J felt like he needed some direction at this point, but he he seems to be swayed by most of Kenny's suggestions.Anyway, this footage is a must see for fans, it was filmed on the 23rd and 24th June 2009 (according to Jermaine's autobiography, AEG have said it was the two weeks prior to the 25th), His last few days of life. Enjoy, be bedazzled by the man who inspired your pathetic moonwalk attempt at your high school leavers ball, just one last time...

When Michael Jackson died, he left behind him numerous debts and the whole cost of a planned and prepared-for tour. So the obvious thing would be for the bean counters to hash together some rehearsal footage of Jackson performing behind the scenes, call it a film, and rush it out to cinemas shortly after the superstar's death in order to cash in on the media furore surrounding his death.The result is disappointing to those of us who are fans of genuine documentary films that are assembled, edited and directed with care and attention. This is a mish-mash of stuff that just about gets by generated on the goodwill accrued by Jackson. I consider myself a fan of the musician, and I admit there's a certain thrill from watching him going through all of the old classics one more time. So, as a film this is hopeless, but fans will lap it up anyway for the chance to see the final footage of the man before his untimely death.

Michael Jackson left without saying good-bye but at least he got to say farewell in This is It.This pseudo documentary style production is made up of footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared his last concert fitting titled This is It.The mix of interviews, dancers, musicians, and the behind the scenes views of the King of Pop while working on his choreography and music, you get a sense that he still had the magic that made Michael Jackson.Even though you don't get a sense of his off stage persona you do get clear view that we have last one of music greats.A must see to those that want to get to see him one last time.

Just when I was looking forward to see "Michael Jackson's This Is It" there were a few things that I was expecting... We get to see what Michael has planned for his canceled "This Is It" concert and a fully crowded cineplex which enables me to pretend like was act an actual concert with the clapping & applauding at the end of every song but unfortunately I only receive half of what I have anticipated. The cineplex was less crowded than I was expecting and the audience watch through it like any other movie (Although I didn't expect everyone to share my enthusiasm) in which I too had to endure and only applauded after the film! But despite all that it was a good documentary but not a concert film as it been considered or as I hoping for it to turn out to be, it gave us a glimpse of what Michael has been preparing if the concert ever toke place and even show the viewers how much he's more than just an entertainer, it shows he's also a visionary which pretty much makes him for what his fans has seen him for and should be seen for. But still, the experience just reminded me and probably others who have view this even as bittersweet that Michael was truly gone and everything we see is just rehearsal but not what we should and could have been seeing! Non the less, the only good that came from this is aleast we get to see Michael perform one last time and what he have been preparing for what could have been greater than what we have seen so far. Nuff said!!!...