You Know What I Mean?

Just as Michael said in the film, you've got to feel it. This Is It is a documentary-style film, directed by Kenny Ortega and created from the backstage footage captured during Michael Jackson' Los Angeles rehearsals for his comeback tour. This Is It, is really all about the love, the L.O.V.E. If you are a fan of Michael Jackson's greatest hits then this is the movie for you. At times it is hard to stay in your seat and not get up and dance.

This film is truly amazing and it is really great that it was able to be executed.  Michael Jackson was booked to perform 50 sold-out shows for an audience of over a million people at London's Millennium Dome. This was scheduled to be his comeback tour after over a decade of absence on stage. On June 25, 2009 - Michael Jackson had a fatal cardiac arrest and this left his fans all over the world, his family and of course all of those that were working on this tour in a state of disbelief.

You will be amazed at how much Michael Jackson still has the moves and still has the voice we recall him having in his recordings. I was most moved when watching the scenes for 'Human Nature' and 'Man In the Mirror'. The most impressive set designs and choreographed dancing were demonstrated through the rehearsal footage for 'Thriller', 'Wanna Be Startin' Something' and 'Smooth Criminal'. I enjoyed his interactions with his band and his dancers and even found a lot of his dialogue humorous at times.

It is certainly a tragedy that all the dancers and artists that were scheduled to be a part of the MJ tour in London were not able to hit the big stage, but this film puts everyone a part of it in a position of credibility and recognition. You will get the chills up your spine when you hear the Australian guitarist, Orianthi perform 'Bad'. She makes it look like she is playing a game of guitar hero, when in actuality she is playing the anthem to pop-culture in the 90's. You will laugh when you hear the keyboardist, Mo Pleasure interact with MJ and talk about "booty". Overall, your heart will feel touched by the community-like collaborative efforts, put forth by everyone on stage with Michael. This is no reality TV show, so stay at home if you are looking for an episode of Making The Band or America's Next Best Dance Crew.

Michael Jackson will always and forever be an iconic figure in the history of pop and dance music. Don't believe me, see This Is It to understand the hardwork, the dedication, the creativity and the passion Michael puts into his music and his performances. After-all, his dancers are shooting up from the stage at toaster-oven speed, not elevator speed. His band is directed to let it "simmer". The production staff takes their cues from MJ himself. This is a no joke production, in fact everything you would dream a performance for Michael Jackson would be, was scheduled to take place. He does it for the fans and This Is It is for the fans to understand MJ's artistic process. From Michael Jackson's sparkly on stage outfits, to his nose jobs, to his high-pitched feminine like voice; we all have something that we have been skeptical or intrigued about when thinking of Michael. Well This Is It, puts the man we all wish we understood a little bit more, on the big screen in a professional, humorous and artistic manner. Get to know Michael Jackson in the light he should be remembered.

In theatres 10.28.09. Get your tickets for This Is It now.