This Is It

K: It was truly stunning to watch Michael Jackson's concert rehearsal footage for his never-realized This Is It concert. This footage was taped over the course of a few different rehearsals each at different stages of completion. Michael Jackson was involved in every part of this production from the instrumental music, vocals, dancing, staging, lighting, special effects and everything in between. I found it interesting to see how he inspired everyone to achieve excellence through his passion, commitment and, most refreshingly, his genuine kindness. And in an age where many singer's voices are dubbed and digitally corrected due to (extreme) lack of talent, it was awesome to hear him sing and sound just like he does on his albums. And, of course, his dancing is phenomenal.

I loved some of the phrases he used while giving directions during rehearsals. In one scene he was trying to get the tempo right on The Way You Make Me Feel. He wanted the beginning slower and with a specific overall "tone" (for lack of a better word on my part). He told the keyboardist that he wanted the musical feeling of "just getting out of bed" - which, when you listened to it, was an accurate description of how it sounded. Then the keyboardist started adding more music too quickly, and Michael Jackson corrected him by telling him that he wanted the music to "simmer" for awhile before it kicked in.

I was enthralled with this whole movie. I want to see him perform this concert live. It's clear why the 50 shows he had scheduled sold out almost instantly. I wish we could turn back time and somehow prevent his untimely and UNNECESSARY death. It's clear that he was physically healthy and excited about performing these shows. I am both inspired and heartbroken. *sigh* Anyone who has even the slightest interest in Michael Jackson should go see this movie. You will not be disappointed.

J: It was hard to watch this movie & wrap your head around the idea that a few days after his final pep talk to his crew - Michael Jackson was dead. This is something the movie never addresses & I do understand why. His fans needed a final farewell & a reason to celebrate - this film gives them exactly that. We also can be grateful that film will provide a record of this talented star after an untimely death. But there is a huge hole in this movie - the enormous bit of unfinished business that is the songs half sung, the dances merely sketched out & blocked, the Wow factor of the costumes that would never be. That is the tragedy of this film. So many of the participants in this concert talked about how much Michael Jackson had influenced their art - some even talked about personal salvation. All were there not for "the gig" or the paycheck, but to participate in a holy pilgrimage & the worship of their idol. Those are the people I felt sorry for - what became of them? What happened to their dreams?

Regardless of what is said or written about his very strange life, Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. But as joyous as this film tries to be, I can't help the feeling that the untimely death of Michael Jackson will only continue to be a circus & for all the claims to the contrary, that it will foster the kind of back-biting & greed we have seen in even the best & allegely most altruistic families. The cash-cow will finally be gone, after the movie & assorted final CDs have come & gone. What will happen when the family starts fighting for every penny in order to maintain the lifestyle bestowed on them for their loyalty to the Kind of Pop? Its a frightening idea - I hope I'm wrong about it but don't hold out much hope. Anyway, it was fun to watch Michael do his "thing" & enjoy the raw talent he surrounded himself with - too bad he wasn't as careful in his choices of confidants or physicians!