This Is It

Directed by: Kenny Ortega Cast: Michael Jackson Running Time: 1 hr. 52 min Rating: PG Release Date: October 28, 2009

PLOT: As the King of Pop readied his choreographed troops for a final hurray, Kenny Ortega kept the cameras rolling. This Is It gives us an inside look behind the final preparations for what was to be Michael Jackson's farewell tour. Unfortunately, the curtain fell before the shows could even get underway.

WHO'S IT FOR? Those who have dismissed Jackson as a sinewy character of the shady variety shouldn't entirely balk at the chance to catch a glimpse of the man's genius. Sure, he's had a large falling out with middle America, but the man knew what he wanted, and politely directed a cast of ass-kissers until they fell in line. For true MJ fans, this film is an essential invitation behind the scenes. You're never going to see Jackson under a more honest telescope.

EXPECTATIONS: No idea. As a life-long Jackson fan, I was really hoping this film would wow me. Despite much staunch optimism, there was lingering sensation of doubt as I neared the theater. Would this film only reinforce the drastic distance between Jackson and "normal" people? Questions like these raced through my subconscious as I strode to my seat. Surrounded by both critics, and fans donning single gloves and red leather jackets, I held my breath and hoped that this was, in fact, "It."

SCORECARD (0-10)

ACTORS: Michael Jackson as Himself: Documentaries aren't normally associated with this category. Everyone who plays themselves isn't really acting, right? This is an extenuating circumstance because so much of Jackson's personal life has been shielded from us since he burst onto the scene before many of us were born. Who WAS he? What did he BECOME? What makes this film worth seeing is the tiny glances of the man behind the myths. He really comes across as an honest, determined entertainer who truly cares about his art, and doesn't settle for anything less than top quality. He doesn't appear distracted by anything other than imperfection. The show is very important to him, and he has a hand in every aspect of its production. When he sees (or hears) something he doesn't like, he wastes no time voicing his objections. These are the funniest/most memorable moments because he's not a fist-pumping dictator, rather a courteous front man who thanks his subordinates before admonishing their efforts. He sees potential in their plight, but insists he knows best... and he's right. He's very awkward. Gawky. But, he's also charming, helpful, and encouraging. He sees the finish line, but takes his time getting there to ensure brilliance when the world gets to see the final product. Score: 9

Rest of Cast as Themselves: The film opens with a video-colleague of young dancers who had just been granted the chance to dance with Jackson. The tears (shockingly!) begin to flow before most of them can utter a word, but once you get past the cheesiness of this proven cinematic tool (for erecting goosebumps), you realize you'd probably be as emotional having been given the chance to back up your childhood idol. This film is shot from a "we're all below him" angle, and much of the movie reveals a sense of brown-nosing at near-absurd levels. This is going to be your initial take, anyway. However, as time goes on you see these people aren't kissing MJ's behind because they feel they have to. He's very much the superstar, and they're very much his minions. What makes this dichotomy befuddling is that he's so nice to everyone (almost painfully so), so you're unsure why they're all so oh-my-God-let's-just-bow-at-his-feet-and-laugh-at-everything-he-says-because-he-might-kill-us-if-we-make-direct-eye-contact-with-him, and he's so I'm-just-lucky-to-be-here-and-I'm-humbled-by-your-allegiance. Once you get used to Jackson's friendly, but distant relationship with his "little helpers" the film becomes much easier to follow. Score: 8

TALKING: Michael Jackson could have been a comedian. However, it's unclear whether or not he would be aware of his new profession. Jackson's sense of humor doesn't so much jump off the screen as it stirs in the cinematic air before someone is brave enough to laugh at how absurd some of his statements can be. Still, most of them are VERY funny. I don't know how much medication he was on throughout the film, but his flighty persona takes the edge off the dynamic between he and everyone else on set. This ironically gives the film its edge, and presents a worthy story, rather than a one-sided reinforcement of his mystique. Score: 8

SIGHTS: Man, Jackson can still move! What was he, 50? No way. James Brown aged about as gracefully as a quick-moving tyrant of dance possibly could have, but MJ trumps the Godfather of Soul by pulling off every move he used to master as a youth. His back-up dancers are nearly as impressive, and the stage-sets are masterfully concocted. It's a shame he didn't make it to opening night. It truly would have been a sight to experience. Score: 9

SOUNDS: Though there are several instances during which Jackson insists he needs to save his voice, he hits every note required of him in mesmerizing fashion. Though at times he looks like he's being propped up by strings, the King of Pop earns his title as he reveals he still had the whole package. As a songwriter, his keen ear for how to perfect his own songs provide stand-off moments with the musical directors onset. He insists he's right about cadence, mood, and delivery. He's always right, and it's amazing to see his ideas all but erase those brought to the table by those paid big money to back him up. Score: 9

PLOT SPOILERS

BEST SCENE: Any scene in which Jackson needs his musicians to "pick it up a bit," or a "que" to be altered. He runs on instinct, and the amount of money that went into this show must have been substantial. The fact that everyone in the room trusts a man who goes with his gut rather than ordinary logic should be befuddling. But, it seems he's always right, and furthermore he knows it.

ENDING: Bittersweet. There is a quasi-ceremonial meeting between all members of the production, and Jackson addresses them with compassion and thanks. The film, however, trudges on past that a little further than it should. Though it middles to the close, the footage all but erases any boredom that would otherwise ensue.

QUESTIONS: Where is the doctor who over-prescribed Jackson? He should be put away for life.

REWATCHABILITY: Yes. The songs sound great, and are set to ignite any dance party you're looking to throw. Invest in the DVD/Bluray. Jackson (cosmetic alterations and all) looks great, and does this film.

OVERALL

This film could have easily come across as a love letter to a fallen legend. It would have also been taken as a slap in the face to an already tarnished legacy left behind by a dimming star. This Is It is neither. This is a film that cuts deep, and leaves a memorable scar of hope. Jackson may have been an odd seed, but at least he wasn't a sheep (black, OR white). He had heart, faith, and an understanding of what brilliance sounded (and looked) like. What we see here are both moments of defying confidence, and others of coyly depicted shy self-doubt. Throughout the movie there are tiny increments that skillfully reveal both sides of Jackson's peculiar persona. The unabashed unapologetic honesty utilized by director Kenny Ortega is a fresh breath of reality in a world littered with scripted so-called "reality" TV shows/films. I've alluded to the fact that the film ran a tad long. Maybe it did, but Jackson's life certainly didn't, and we owe him our attention throughout. If this film will be remembered as anything, it's as a reminder than the definition of "entertainer" should always have an iconic image of the King of Pop right there next to it.

FINAL SCORE: 9/10