Here’s my standing as a Michael Jackson fan: my babysitter in the early ‘80s had the coolest earrings – one was a diamond stud and the other was a white glove; I watched the videos as they premiered on MTV (back when all they played all day were videos); “Thriller” scared me (though I’d never admit it). . .my favorites were “Smooth Criminal” and “Man in the Mirror.” Michael Jackson was just part of childhood, like Barbies, Kraft Mac n Cheese and playing hide and seek with the neighbor kids. I was never what you’d call a fanatic (although I did make a point of buying History at the mall music store the day it came out), but still to this day love those two songs plus a slew of Jackson Five hits (ABC revs me every time).
So when Nic invited me to see Michael Jackson’s This is It, I was definitely interested in going, but wasn’t sure if it’d be appropriate for someone who wasn’t a die-hard like the people who lined up to buy tickets for the limited-release movie. (For those who don’t know, This is It was the name of the concert that was to be Michael’s swan song – his last show and it was going to be a huge blow-out. This movie is a compilation of behind-the-scenes footage from the rehearsals.) I walked out with a new admiration for putting on a huge concert, and for MJ – his career, his vision and his talent. Every now and then during the movie I was distracted by the plastic surgery or some bandages on a few of his fingers or his near-emaciated weight. But overall, I walked away moved by a legend. And hey, it’s nice for AEG to get some of their money recouped. (AEG paid for the concert – they were paying daily salaries for the dozens of people involved in the production; not to mention all the ticket costs they had to return. So it’s nice that they’ll get some moola from this movie’s ticket sales.)
Courtesy of Flikr User Tony the Misfit
I’m bummed that the concert never came to fruition because it would’ve been amazing – not that I had tickets – but I’m thinking about the die-hards that did. There were mini-movies that were to be shown on a giant backdrop while Michael performed in front on the stage. There were pyrotechnics, on-point costumes and spine-tingling dancing – the choreography blew me away. And the songs were all the best ones – Michael said he wanted to do the tracks that the fans wanted.
The movie is a lovely tribute to a legend who influenced music like few have. Is it worth seeing? Definitely. It gives some insight into a man who was so often veiled from the public in his later years. Do you need to scramble to find a remaining ticket? I doubt it – even though they’re claiming this to be a limited release, showtimes are being added as I write. And there’ll be the DVD natch. So even if you’re just a fan and not the full fanatic like me, I say see it.
Seen it? Share your review! Will you see it? Why or why not?
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I was on the fence about seeing this film, but now I’ve definitely got to see it – thanks for the fantastic review, Meg! I completely agree with the sentiment about MJ just being an integral part of our generation… Whether you’re a fan or not, if one of his songs comes on at a wedding or dance club, you will undoubtedly know the lyrics just by his sheer omnipotent pop-culture presence. I was never a ‘huge fanatic’, like you – but, when he died, and I played ‘Man in the Mirror’ on my iPod that first day after his death – gotta admit I surprised myself by getting a bit teary-eyed. Can’t wait to see this film. Thanks!
Great
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Michael Jackson is definitely remarkable. The whole world misses you so much! No-one could possibly debate that Michael hasn’t revolutionized pop music and pop culture everywhere. He was a musical genuis and that he was the inspiration for a lot of artists which were to come after him. I’m sure Michael continues to making music and videos in heaven.