THIS IS IT (PG)
!!!
When Michael Jackson died in June, he was only about two weeks away from beginning his sold-out, 50-show concert series in London — a big comeback after not touring for more than a decade. From rehearsal footage of the theatrical spectacle, dubbed “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” and with permission from Jackson’s estate, director Kenny Ortega cut together this concert film, along with some unnecessary interviews of Jackson’s dancers and band about how incredible the artist was.
The buzz: In theaters for only two weeks, “This Is It” can be seen as a treat for fans who want to see Jackson live, or as a quick, cheap way of earning money from a product Jackson never really intended to be public. Even if it’s both, would that stop you from seeing it?
The verdict: Jackson, a relentless perfectionist, responds to mistakes with “That’s why we have rehearsal,” suggesting he may not have wanted fans to see raw footage in which he works to protect his voice and his energy. Yet even these trial performances are a wonder to behold. Jackson sure doesn’t move like he’s 50 (his heels must have propellers in them), and his presence and conviction during hits like “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “I Want You Back” put nearly every other performer to shame. “This Is It” proves that no one can pull off glittery pants like Jackson and, more importantly, that no one will ever fill his shoes.
ALSO OUT
21 and a Wakeup (R)
0
“I’ve seen better acting by hungry animals in dog food commercials.” See the full review at metromix.com.
