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November 6, 2009
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Movie Reviewers, The Friday Flyer
If you want to see the greatest concert that never was, this is it. If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson, a fan of music or just want to be entertained, this is it. Given the King of Pop’s bizarre behavior over the last several decades, our expectations were extremely low. But here he is different. Actually, he’s always been different; but now different in a good way.
Grocery bags are white plastic and dangerous for kids . . . just like Michael. He once called Boyz II Men, thinking it was a delivery service. Okay, we’ve heard them all, so we just grabbed a gallon of Purell and went to see “His Weirdness” perform. Choreographer Travis Payne explains, “He wanted to do the best show the world has ever seen.”
Earlier this year, over 100 hours of rehearsal footage was captured at Staples Center in preparation for an unprecedented 50 sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. The 50-year-old Jackson was hopeful to repeat that phenomenon in other countries as part of a three-year world tour. His unexpected death made a profound impact on the entire world.
Despite MJ’s physically thin frame, he does not appear weak or frail. However, in his remarkable performance, we’re reminded of a powerful racehorse collapsing near the finish line. We gain not even a peek into his tortured and troubled soul. But, maybe it’s better that way; not morbid or morose. Instead, the camera captures his genius and creative element. Mostly, we see clearly how seriously he takes his music and audience.
Here Michael puts on a new face for this exhilarating celebration of showmanship. He demonstrates our favorite and familiar dance moves and his voice is pure and full of emotion and purpose. The word charismatic is an understatement as he works the non-existent audience sufficiently to launch his inevitable music immortality.
Veteran dancers, singers and musicians are caught on camera in awe of their mentor’s creativity, precision and execution. And those not familiar with his past work will say, “I get it, this is it.” MJ had planned to use the rehearsal footage for his personal use, but director Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical” series) had hoped to make a music video.
Then, the startling turn of events changed everything. Michael has left the building; and ascends into a place called Neverland. We were avid Jax fans in the ’80s, but since then, we watched his personal life steadily decline, disintegrate and moonwalk into a surreal freak show; again rivaling no other performer. So, with this movie tribute, we brought a covered dish and planned to pay our solemn respects to what once was.
Instead of seeing the equivalent of a “fat bloated Elvis,” MJ rekindles his connection to the audience with an inspiring, innovative and entertaining performance of spontaneity, dynamics and pace. MJ is in control and hands-on with the technicians of the booming sound system, extravagant wardrobes, choreography and CGI supporting his magic.
The mastermind clearly expresses his vision. And, because he is in a hurry, quickly loses patience for laggards who can’t keep pace. At times he seems a prima dona, but the perfectionist is just pushing the boundaries into extraordinary results. Part of the brilliance is featuring other performers, such as Judith Hill in a duet with “I Just Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” and the astounding Aussie guitarist Orianthi Panagaris on “Beat It.”
“This is It” is 112 minutes and rated PG for suggestive choreography and scary images. Michael Jackson was more than a paradox, he was an absurdity. Was the man in the mirror masculine or feminine, man or boy, black or white, good or bad? We only know he was a certified thriller who didn’t have to be weird, but it helped.
MJ’s personal life had more moving parts than his dance steps to Billie Jean. He will be cussed and discussed for years to come. Our last positive image of the performer was attending the Jackson Victory Tour concert at Dodger Stadium 25 years ago. So, which was better, the live concert or this movie? Both were memorable, but this is it!
Ron’s Rating: A- Leigh’s Rating: A-
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