Michael Jackson - This is It Film Review

I recently went to see the documentary Michael Jackson's This is It, a limited engagement. As a fan of his music, I found the movie to be very engaging. In order to enjoy this film, it is important that you really enjoy the music. It feels much like attending a concert as the documentary focuses on featuring footage from the rehearsals for what would have been Michael Jackson's last series of concerts, starting in London.

The documentary reveals a very generous amount of footage from the rehearsals. Michael and his team were definitely planning something big. I think this film is valuable in honoring his effort.

With his strong work ethic, Michael was working tirelessly to put on a dynamic performance and his leadership encouraged his team of gifted guitarists, backup dancers, backup singers and technical experts. They all treated each other like family.

The film took us on a journey of all that was being planned, some of it quite unprecedented. For example, the film includes an interview with a costume designer who was planning to create a costume unlike one that no one, not even Michael had worn before.

The costume was said to have so much bling that sunglasses had to be worn while putting it together. Among the many collaborators for preparing the costume was Swarovski crystal company.

Also impressive was the plan to digitally enhance a scene's background and make eleven backup dancers appear to be eleven hundred backup dancers. It was quite impressive indeed.

I enjoyed all of the music that was covered in the documentary. Michael was planning to perform old hits and new hits - a little bit of everything. There were even some performances of songs from when he was a kid in the Jackson Five (e.g.- ABC). This was done against the backdrop of lots of colorful scenery.

I loved hearing all of the songs but as I left the theater, the song that stuck in my head the most was Human Nature. "Why? Why? Tell 'em that it's human nature. Why? Why?.. do you do me that way?"

I think this film was a really nice tribute to Michael Jackson.

I rate it 4.5/5 stars *****

Rated PG (parents are cautioned about the suggestive dancing)

Starring Michael Jackson and crew