By Montreal Spencer/south news editor
The No. 1 movie on Michael Jackson This is It will have fans saying exactly what the title says, this is it. This is what they waited for, and this is what they will miss.
The film was never meant to be made into a movie. It was just supposed to be rehearsal footage and on-camera interviews. Because of Jackson’s untimely death, the footage was released to the public to run for two weeks to honor the legend.
The footage was shot between March and June at the Staples Center, where he was preparing to embark on his sold-out 30-date world tour in London.
Nevermind the financial problems Jackson faced or the controversy that surrounded his character and career. This is It gave his fans an opportunity to watch him rehearse firsthand as if they had an exclusive backstage pass.
Sure Jackson was not at his prime, but at 50 he was moving better than many 20-year-olds. With every song sung, the audience was in awe and uncontrollably sang along.
Just watching Jackson interact with his dancers and musicians was sometimes comical. The film has several funny parts. At one point, Jackson gave his guitarist instructions on how to play.
“Oh, you want more booty on it,” the guitarist said. Jackson laughed at him saying, “More booty. That’s funny.”
“But you know what I mean, right?” the guitarist said.
“I know exactly what you mean,” Jackson said.
The film gave a chance for the audience to see this man who was in show business most of his life as a human — a man who was serious about his craft and wanted to spread love and joy. Different people of all ages and races can enjoy this film.
Anytime Jackson had to instruct someone on a mistake, he would end his statement saying, “I mean that with love. L-O-V-E.”
The director would say he does whatever Jackson says because most likely he’s right, and the dancers always looked to him for advice because he was a perfectionist.
Also since it is just backstage footage and interviews with no actual script or plot, it may leave some feeling awkward. The possibility for tearing up is present during several of Jackson’s performances.
A fan will appreciate seeing Jackson perform his hits like “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Thriller” and The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”
Jackson fans should definitely see this movie just to provide a little closure, and non-Jackson fans will have the opportunity to see what the big deal is.
However, moviegoers should not go expecting a plot. Otherwise they might leave the theater saying, “That was it?”
