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Feature article
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Michael Jackson at the top of his game in dazzling ‘This Is It’
By Lane Blevins
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“This Is It”
4 stars (out of 4)
STARRING: Michael Jackson, Kenny Ortega
DIRECTED BY: Kenny Ortega
RATED: PG for some suggestive choreography, scary images
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 52 minutes
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I had no idea what to expect from this concert movie. In the 10 years before Michael Jackson’s untimely death, it seemed as though the only news we ever heard about the self-proclaimed King of Pop was bad news. REALLY bad news.
And now, after his death we are seeing a portrait of Jackson materialize that shows a man in the throes of a serious drug addiction.
Honestly, on my way to the theater I wondered if “This Is It” would show a man who could no longer hide his demons. I imagined a frail Michael Jackson, lightly crooning (or perhaps even lip-syncing) some of his old tunes to the best of his ability — all of it concealed by bombastic tape tracks backing him up as he tries out some of his old dance moves.
But that’s not Michael. Not no way. Not no how. “This Is It” blew my mind in all the best ways. It is an experience that somehow manages to contain and convey Jackson’s legacy all in just under two hours.
Now, understand — I am NOT a diehard MJ fan. I grew up on his music. He taught me what a song hook was and he was just as responsible for my early musical tastes as The Beach Boys and The Beatles were. However, his eccentricities and prowess for generating negative press were hard for me (and many others) to ignore. That being said, no amount of strange rumors can keep me from blasting the radio volume when “Billy Jean” comes on.
“This Is It” is, for all intents and purposes, the ultimate MJ experience. It is a collection of rehearsal footage, behind-the-scenes material and new film content for what was to probably be the last 50 shows he would ever do. These shows take you on a tour through MJ’s career, with updated versions of all his classic hits.
The dancers, musicians and crew were the only witnesses to this gift MJ was about unveil to the world live from London.
From the moment the music began, it was crystal clear that Jackson was still on top of his game. In fact, he had transcended his game. The concert opens with a dazzling display of special effects and pyrotechnics. When MJ is finally unveiled, he breaks into a dance that can only be described as the Moonwalk to the tenth power.
He seamlessly glides along the stage, exerting unbelievable control over every muscle in his body. And then, he begins to sing. No tape tracks. No lip-syncing. Instead, the live voice being projected is jaw-dropping, especially when you consider it is coming from a 50-year-old man.
Every sound you hear in the film is generated by a human being. To cover all of the many layers in Jackson’s studio recordings, “This Is It” had a band the size of an orchestra, complete with several back up singers and an entire troupe of principle dancers. Everyone involved was at the top of his or her respective field.
There was so much to love about this movie. For one thing, as concert films go, “This Is It” is a masterpiece. Mixed in with the concert rehearsal footage was behind-the-scenes material that demonstrated the sheer scope of this massive concert experience. Interviews with the players revealed how much of a dream come true the whole experience was, some to a painfully awkward extent.
Best of all, however, was watching MJ be completely involved with every aspect of the show. He was the consummate musician and performer. He knew what he wanted and how he wanted it. Watching Jackson perfect his craft painted an intimate portrait that few were ever allowed to see.
Michael Jackson was many things. He was an icon, a singer and a dancer to name only a few. And while his personal life often overshadowed his career, he still had a rare gift. He could make you forget it all — the rumors, the allegations, the eccentricities — all in the course of a three-minute pop song.
As I walked out of “This Is It,” I understood for the first time since his death what exactly it was we all lost. “This Is It” will only be in theaters for another week. Go check this one out on the big screen. Even moderate fans like myself will be blown away.
--------GoTriCities--------
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