As a person that personally was going to attend a This Is It concert date, this comes as a bittersweet documentary. The whole film is heavy on clips of him rehearsing that were intended for his “personal collection,” but would be great tack-ons as bonus features on a concert DVD. It goes through most of the big hits (surprisingly without a single one from Off The Wall) and gives you an inside look on Michael Jackson’s newest ground-breaking tour that never was.
It shows you how far into the planning the crew has gone. There were full dress rehearsals, amazing concert props, pyrotechnics and a full band. it is almost but without the enthusiasm and the crowd. Even the props that haven’t been finished yet were made into special effects to portray the intensity of what was to be Michael Jackson last tour.
Even as the viewer is shown the full course of the set list and stage antics, there was a frail yet adamant Jackson on the screen. Also, you can see what can of sordid atmosphere MJ was living in filled with Yes-men and money-pinchers.
As always, the music is the focal point and Michael never misses his mark. He did the songs that everyone wants to hear from “Billie Jean,” to “Black & White” and we got treated to a great version of “Human Nature.” Also, newcomer Orianthi was featured heavily in the movie.
The documentary, however, did not do anything much than showing the world what was to become of his residency in London’s O2. Side interviews served as explanations to the concert. It was basically everything but the concert.
It would have been nice if family members were involved, and some history was thrown into the mix. Even the ending had no mention of Michael’s death, which should have been included to add to a more dramatic ending. The film closed off with Michael latest and worst single “This Is It,” which probably would not have seen the light of day as this version had Michael been alive and well.
At any rate, right now, anything from Michael Jackson is welcome. Let’s just hope that there are some recordings stashed away that will receive the right producers to release to the world as we surely haven’t had enough of the one and only King.
