Mr-Fusion
Brass tacks, "This Is It" is a concert film, and I approached it just wanting to see Michael Jackson perform the big hits on stage. Also, the chance to see Orianthi shred Eddie Van Halen's 'Beat It' solo (I am a simple man).Having said that, I did really like the glimpse at rehearsals for a major league concert; the tremendous amount of work from all involved (support dancers especially) and Michael's perfectionism. The guy deserves immense credit for knowing his stuff and laboring to get it right. And when he gets going, the energy is infectious.His passing gives this an inescapable sense of finality (it's felt right from the beginning) and it's sad, really. He deserved to go out with a big tour. This at least gives us an idea what he had in mind.7/10
RainDrop DZ
It has been 5 years since Michael Jackson passed away and 3 years since I first watched "This Is It"; I was still in "state of shock" and denial that MJ is gone - too soon. A second watch stroke me with an overwhelming feeling right when the feature film started; how "alive" is the king of pop! How can he be so "real" and time- transcendent! I felt so overwhelmed to see the King on stage - a master par excellence! The feature film inaugurates with a remarkable message: "For the fans..." and, as an MJ fan, it puts me right in the moment that I am going to watch a somewhat intimate filming and it was heartwarming."This Is It" is simply well edited, carefully piled together feature film to put the best of what Michael has poured into the rehearsals, to give back to the fans and the world. More, it is so easy to feel the heart of the director gathering these scattered shootings into an almost 2 hours adventure. It feels so much Love to the King of Pop and so much consideration to his fans. The quality of communication between Michael Jackson and K. Ortega gives a clear clue of what type of relationship the two have developed, for the love of art and giving to others.In my opinion, "This Is It" is to be watched many times, but as much as one would get easily captivated by the magical moves, voice, discussed technicalities by MJ, the movie is also a good opportunity to explore what it is like to work with a world icon, vis-a-vis the director, technicians, musicians, vocalists, dancers and everyone involved. It feasibly goes on exploring the songs along with dances and decoration; it pauses at times when a remark needs to be discussed, it repeats a given part, dance, musical key note, a played instrument, etc. All of these details have been kept in the movie to give fans a chance to re-live work-on-process, sculpture refining, magic in-motion. That is how "intimate" this feature film is and this is why it is worthy of several watching.Michael Jackson's rehearsing is beyond any expectations! His level of energy and "mental presence" are very unquestionable, yet, it puts the viewer in a position of confusion; how can this man with this level of energy and readiness of giving die so suddenly!? And the sad truth is there would be no logical answer, that maybe the consolation would come from watching "This Is It" as it is. With every song, MJ is pouring all of his heart and emotions - the man is not taking anything for granted. He simply lives in the moment of the song, feels it deeply, expresses it with a voice and a body language, pauses to change, edit or discuss a detail or two, rehearses and repeats to an "overkill" degree and leaves the audience, me in person, literally breathless! He was 50 years old, yet, nothing of what he does and how, would give you a clue of his biological age! He was simply young at heart and immortal in soul. Selfless, giving, friendly, humble, respectful, easy-going and loving are easily noticed when watching MJ with everyone around him. He believes a work is a team-effort and he doesn't miss a chance to show gratitude to those around him. He is fit for his title: the King.There is also a big focus on the effort that was made to re-film parts of some of the biggest hits to include in the live show, all under MJ's direct supervision. The man was just too much involved in the nuts and bolts of his show – nothing of a surprise to his fans - the perfectionist.All in all, the general working atmosphere felt friendly, loving and space was allowed for any talent to explode, be it intellectual or physical. In MJ's rehearsals, there is a welcoming ground for anyone to be. Everyone would look at ease doing what he/she is supposed to do and the tension is left behind – that's what I have felt while watching the entire movie.Then, hats off to K. Ortega. Not only did he manage to piece together the genius and artistry of Michael Jackson, but he also excelled to present the human-MJ, person, soul and heart to his fans and to those who knew little about him. Ortega generosity included short interviews of musicians, dancers and technicians – their presence has been reserved for being key-players in the project.As the movie reaches its end, so the King's. A beautiful spiritual-like scene is captivated where every one is holding hands and Michael's words of gratitude come out – the message conveyed was larger than the clock of his body – it was as global as he is. RIP MJ, a true King that ever lived.
Dalbert Pringle
In 2009, after nearly a decade of absence from performing on stage, an elaborate production called "This Is It" was set into motion which was intended to be Michael Jackson's much-lauded "comeback".Well, needless to say, Michael Jackson never, ever made that comeback. No. Instead, within that very same year, Michael made a confirmed date with death.In a weird sort of way, I found "This Is It" to be a somewhat eerie, little documentary. As one closely watched Michael during all of the behind-the-scenes preparations that went into "This Is It's" production, you could easily bet yourself that thoughts of suicide were already set in his mind. It was an event that wasn't very far off in his own personal calendar.I found it quite curious that through all of "This Is It", no close-ups were ever taken of Michael's face (either indoors or outdoors) without him first having a pair of sunglasses on.For me, "This Is It's" spookiest moment was when footage was shown of Michael as a young, afro-headed, 10 year-old in his happier, more carefree days with The Jackson 5.In my opinion, "This Is It" is a mighty sad and sorry statement about an aging ("has-been") pop star who gave so much of himself for the sake of his music, but in return he never acquired anything that would ever deliver him from the loneliness of his own inevitable suicide.Below is an excerpt from Michael's song The Man In The Mirror, which I think reveals a lot about Jackson if you happen to take into account what he ended up resorting to in order to "change" his ways - I'm starting with the man in the mirror.... I'm asking him to change his ways.... And no message could have been more clearer.... If you wanna make the world a better place.... Take a look at yourself and then make a change.
