Do you remember "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker"? A movie filled with spectacular music videos, corny narratives and a mixed and confusing portrayal of Michael Jackson himself. As much as it was outrageous and amazing to watch, we get to see Michael as the pop sensation/entertainer we all see - different and out-there, but we never got to see the real Michael. His personality and humanity were swarmed underneath the heavily media-created rumors, controversies and obscurity, dehumanizing him into something he's truly not even after his untimely death. Its a good thing Moonwalker is not the film that shows a lot of his true self. Michael Jackson's This Is It is the way to go out on the perspective of Michael Jackson and to witness the building of the greatest pop music concert in the world that never happened.
This Is It serves as a documentary/concert film depicting the last few months of Michael Jackson and his buildup and rehearsing of his ironically final concert as we get views from the people involved from dancers to musicians to visual artists. While the track list consist of the same, but still legendary songs, we get to witness new creative inputs into these nostalgic songs, updating to the modern times like Michael Jackson green-screened into a 1940s footage of Gilda for the song of Smooth Criminal. The songs still remains catchy and extraordinary, you'll either be reciting or dance in the theater. Although the songs are not actual final polished, but more of like outtakes or rehearsal tapes of songs yet still enjoyable to listen to.
The documentary doesn't touch on the heavily emotional aspect of Michael Jackson's personal life and his death (other than the insight of his philanthropy described during Earth Song). The sadness is already displayed from the beginning as you watch the building and anticipation of a gigantic and extraordinary concert with dancers and players dreaming to work with their idol, which will never happen. The film gets big praise for focusing on the creativity and leadership of Michael, which we rarely get to see. It is funny yet interesting to see Michael, who was known to be a soft guy, taking a commanding and professional lead on his co-workers during rehearsal. There are moments where Michael is arguing with the techs and performers, which makes him human and it is one thing we all appreciate from.
For fans of Michael Jackson including me, this is a must if you want to pay tribute to the legend himself and take a glimpse on what could have been an awesome show. It is worthy to see on the big screen and you'll have a great time watching and reminiscing the King of Pop himself.
R.I.P Michael, show the angels up there your moonwalk
4 out of 5 stars
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