When I got to the theater at 9:00 for the 9:30 screening of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”, I was amazed to see that there was already a line of devoted fans waiting to see the midnight viewing of the concert movie. I guess I shouldn’t really have been surprised, because it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you are from, you have somehow been influenced by Michael Jackson.
“This Is It” is a compilation of rehearsal footage recorded in 2009 for the concert tour that never happened, due to the untimely death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Throughout the almost two hour movie, we get to see what it takes to create a world tour. From the backup dancer auditions, to dance rehearsals, set design to special effects, we get a behind the scenes look at everything. Although this was all rehearsal footage, and therefore not polished to perfection, there was some finished material. For example, the video that was created for the intro to the song “Smooth Criminal” was amazing.
All the hits are covered, including “Wanna Be Startin Something”, “Beat It”, “Man in the Mirror”, and “Thriller”. This is the closest thing to seeing the King of Pop live, and it was fantastic.
And boys and girls, remember, even though this isn’t a “real movie”, it’s still a movie – which means keep your damned cake-hole shut!! Yes, I am talking to the two people in the back of the theater that were beside me talking non-stop throughout the movie. I really could have done without your distractions.
Bottom line: a must for Michael Jackson fans (and let’s face it, who isn’t??).
