It’s a proven fact that Michael Jackson is the greatest pop sensation that ever lived.During my middle school days, I disntinctly remember following the music of a very young Britney Spears, NSYNC, BSB, Steps & The Venga Boys.MJ managed to become a part of my listening regime only through my father who made me watch all of his live shows which they later replayed over the telly.I can confidently say that I had no idea whatsoever about this movie or the buzz it had generated, until my father informed me that he had booked the first-day-first-show tickets to this show.
’This Is It’ is a movie documentary which focuses on Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his tour, which was primarily filmed only for Jackson’s private purposes.Soon after his death, fans started requesting Kenny Ortega(MJ’s dearest friend & director of his promised concerts) to release this concealed series of clips pertaining MJ’s treat to his fans.While his family & another set of his fans were against the release of this video, the pre-cinema ticket sales had overtaken the ’Star Wars’ film franchise, the ’Harry Potter’ series, 007’s ’Quantum of Solace’ & ’Twilight-New Moon’.Does the moviementary live up to all this hype?It sure does!
If you’re expecting a few scenes on Michael’s funeral or his troubled celluloid life, then please be warned that as the title suggests, ’This Is It’ is 100% unadulterated & is only about his professional life.At the opening of the movie, there are no delays whatsoever as there are no introductions to MJ’s rich musical lifestyle or any biographical instances.We are directly taken to the dance auditions for ’This Is It-the stage concert’ where the backup dancers speak lovingly on learning the dance steps of their beloved idol-MJ.The man himself is portrayed as Kenny Ortega wills it, a good friend & a humble artist.Michael is shown interacting with his backup stage dancers in a very cordial manner & speaking to his co-workers in a dignified way.Not once does his volume rise above the required level even while stating a complaint.He performs to his greatest hits & while doing so, his starry eyed backup dance group applaud after each song.I don’t blame them, for the theatre audience themselves kept cheering after each of MJ’s dance routines.The stage setups for his different songs are shown, each one varying in it’s own manner.Infact it makes one realise that there’s no such thing as easy showbiz.One can’t help but appreciate Michael’s childish qualities, a habit we all need to stay connected to.MJ loses no time in bringing out an environmental message, even during the preparatory stages of his show.He easily manages to captivate his backup dancers, the chorus singers, Kenny, the whole crew & the audience.There’s no dull moment here:strictly for Jackson fans only!
Final grade: A+, please watch only & only if you like MJ’s music & are not interested in any gossip surrounding his surgeries or sudden death.Then only will this provide to be a true entertainment option