Mr. Jackson’s Final Curtain Call
Photo credit: File photo
In September, I wrote about This is It, the documentary chronicling the rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s 50-show comeback at London’s o2 Arena, which sadly never came to be due to his untimely death in June. The month has now passed and one of the most-anticipated films of the year has hit theaters, and is sure to delight the King of Pop’s many fans.
On the Tuesday night of October 27, people lined up inside the lobby of the AMC 1000 Van Ness theater in San Francisco, a couple hours ahead of the very first nationwide showing of This is It at 9 p.m. PST (12 a.m. EST on October 28 on the East Coast). Some arrived in their favorite MJ t-shirts, others emulated the King of Pop in sparkly black garb and white socks. The ropes to the auditorium were opened at 8 and a theatre worker in a Jackson-esque (in his Bad days) wig sold MJ t-shirts and the movie’s companion CD at the concierge.
The roomy auditorium was almost filled to capacity, and the crowd stayed silent as a written text introduction scrolled on the screen, as well as the intro featuring the press conference where Jackson first announced the O2 Arena run in March, and of his young dancers speaking heartfelt words of their mentor and role model.
For the next two hours, Jackson was brought back to life once again, if only through film. Shot through different angles and piecing together various days of rehearsal (Over 100 hours of footage was shot for Jackson’s personal use), the King of Pop performed some of his biggest hits like “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Thriller”, and “Man in the Mirror.” In some of the performances, footage of the videos that would’ve played in the background were integrated into the stage action. For example, an all-new 3-D sequence featuring ghouls, goblins, and zombies was shot for “Thriller” and the making of the sequence was documented as well.
Interviews with show director Kenny Ortega (High School Musical series), crew members, band members, and dancers give a more in-depth look into the making of the stage spectacular. They speak lovingly of Jackson – not just of his performing ability, but of his character and work ethic. In turn, viewers are able to see the interaction Jackson has with all the people who help create the show. He speaks firmly and with conviction to make sure his show runs like he wants it to (Making sure the opening “growl” in “The Way You Make Me Feel” is played at the right spot after the jazzy opening) yet at times, goofing off (Waving and giggling as he is lifted on a cherry picker). Candid moments delivered many laughs, cheers, and applause amongst the audience.
The strenuous dancing and singing Jackson had to go through to prepare for the tour – as well as helping out with the show’s logistics – is proven through this film. While there are still questions lingering that such preparation may have contributed to his death, there is no question about this: the King of Pop was more than ready to make his comeback.
From beginning to end, This is It will entrance viewers and will reiterate why Michael Jackson was indeed, and will always be, the King of Pop.
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Tags: michael jackson, movie, music, review, this is it
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