8 out of 10

Michael Jackson's This Is It is a tough film to review. Culled from rehearsal footage for his planned 50 shows at the 02 Arena in London, This Is It isn't really a concert film nor is it a documentary offering an intimate look into the enigmatic entertainer. It's more like an intimate peep. Nonetheless, watching Jackson prepare for what was sure to be an amazing concert is quite magical.

To call the show he was preparing a concert is almost an insult. It was going to be a spectacle like no one has ever experienced. Jackson was taking every amazing element from his prior tours and planning on topping them. If nothing else, this look in to his creative process shows a man who was supremely talented and ready to conquer the world for a final time.

Since his death, the outpouring of love and support for the singer has been overwhelming. Gone is the cynicism surrounding his eccentric lifestyle and allegations of molestation. People have embraced him for all the good he has created through his music, dancing and showmanship. They are celebrating a truly one of a kind entertainer who has touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals throughout his career. No matter how you stand on whether Michael Jackson was a misunderstood angel or whether he was a monster, it's hard not to be in awe while watching him perform; even at half speed.

This Is It is essentially a documentary detailing the work that Jackson was putting into his final tour. You don't walk away with any real sense of knowing who he truly is. The man behind the performer remains a mystery. The brief bits you do see in between performances of every hit song imaginable, portray a soft spoken, humble man who is also extremely confident in himself as an entertainer. He wants everything the way he wants it, but he gets people to do what he wants through kindness and support. There is not a trace of oversized ego in any of his words and for a man who has been proclaimed as the King of Pop, that is quite inspiring. It is clear that when Jackson performs, his major goal is to spread love, peace and happiness to the entire audience.

Kenny Ortega, the creative director of Jackson's shows and also the creator of the High School Musical series, was hired to pull together all the rehearsal footage and make the movie and he has done a very proficient job. The film is structured like a concert in the sense that each song is performed in its entirety by splicing together various rehearsals. I can't say enough how incredible it is to watch Jackson perform. Even while half heartedly going through the motions he is a powerful force of nature.

Ortega starts the film with brief interviews taken from dancers who were auditioning for the show. They all express their excitement of having the opportunity to audition and possibly work with Michael. Some of them tear up as they are expressing what Jackson means to them and how he helped transform their lives and it a powerful few minutes to say the very least. I dare you not to get goose bumps. The audition process is shown and it is almost like watching a season of So You Think You Can Dance in ten minutes.

My only real complaint about the film is that it is too long. It could've been a half hour shorter and been just as powerful and inspiring. Maybe for diehard fans of Jackson, the film doesn't over stay its welcome, but for a casual fan or someone who is just curious to see the film, it can become slightly boring.

To sum it up, This Is It is an intimate look at what Jackson had planned for his shows and based on what I saw, they were going to be epic; the kind of concert that you remember for the rest of your life. Michael's magic is on full display here and is hard to resist. Whether you are his biggest fan or his biggest detractor, it is impossible to watch this movie and not walk away with a sense of how great he truly was.



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