It was supposed to be the music event of the century. If you were a fan, this was the ticket you had to have, because this was it — the supposed last time Michael Jackson would perform live.And then, well, we all know what happened
I would not call this film a movie because its a documentary rather then a film. You will take a closer and inside look of how the man himself get prepared for his concert. I'm amazed by the creativity putted in this concert. Director Kenny Ortega is truly a man out of his brain for giving out those ideas. The songs played in this movie sounds more catchy and sexier then the original records, and I recommend you to watch this movie at a cinema which have a good sound system. Seriously, you'll be thrilled. The song sounds very fresh yet more catchy, sexier, funkier thanks to the awesome lineage of guitarist, drummer, keyboard, precision and so on.
Some highlights include:
- Jackson rehearsing “Black or White,” in which Australian guitarist Orianthi Panagaris (she's hot for F sake LOL) takes center stage to jam along with Jackson.
- The new “Thriller” portion, which showed Jackson and director Kenny Ortega (he also directed the “Disney’s High School Musical” movies) watching with the actors through 3D glasses.
- His vocal in the song Human Nature and I Just Can't Stop Loving You is so pure and sexy, just to remind the fans that his falsetto voice is beautiful. It gives me chills to hear Jackson singing these two song because this song is where he use his vocal more in high range note.
- The beautiful and elaborate video sequence for “Earth Song,” Jackson’s environmental tune, featuring a young girl who wanders through a rain forest, falls asleep and wakes up to find the forest destroyed by man.
- Green-screen rehearsals for “Smooth Criminal,” with old black-and-white movie footage merged with a highly choreographed dance sequence.
- The time where all the dancers are practicing Michael's signature crotch grabbing move at backstage. Hear and watch closely as the instructor (a woman!) tries to show how it is done.
There is no doubt that the “This Is It” concert would have been one to rock the ages. But sadly, that happily-ever-after ending was not to be. I watched it twice!
The film, however, is nice tribute, enabling the fans to have one last look at the man who, regardless of his quirks, eccentricities and legal woes, knew how to entertain a crowd and who had made the world smile since he was a cute little 6-year-old.
Just a hint for moviegoers — stay until the very end. You’ll listening to Michael's new song titled This Is It. Trust me, its addictive once you get use to it.
I rate this documentary 4 out of 5. The camera and footage can be better but all that can't be blamed, because people never knew Michael would left us after that. After all it was intended for his library of his show collection. But I know we all love Michael Jackson, including myself; and you will feel quite sad towards the end of the documentary because you know you won't see anymore live performances of him. Allah bless you Michael.
Some photos:
Photo credits: MichaelJackson.com
Zamil