This is It
Posted on October 28, 2009 at 11:19 am
B+| Lowest Recommended Age: | Middle School |
| MPAA Rating: | Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images |
| Profanity: | None |
| Alcohol/ Drugs: | None |
| Violence/ Scariness: | Gruesome images of ghouls, ghosts, and monsters |
| Diversity Issues: | Diverse characters |
| Date Released to Theaters: | October 28, 2009 |
“This is It” is here to rescue us from the tabloids and remind us what true star power looks like. There are moments of aching sadness as we get a behind-the-scenes look at the concert tour that never happened, but it is the very intimacy of the preparation process that makes the film so enthralling. Jackson comes across as the consummate professional, always polite and appreciative but with a stunning mastery of the smallest detail and the biggest special effect in putting together what would have been a ground-breaking performance.
Jackson seems physically frail at times, conserving his voice and his energy in the musical numbers as the back-up dancers give it performance-level power every time. In one lovely moment, he falls so much in love with a song he is rehearsing that he cannot resist giving it full power and, as happens more than once in the course of the film, all of the people working on the show just stop to watch and listen, utterly entranced. In another moment, we glimpse his quick, private smile of satisfaction with a number that has come together. When he sings “I’ll Be There,” we can’t help being reminded that even though he is gone, his performances will be a part of our lives forever.
There’s a glimpse of the auditions, the dancers almost overcome with the chance to try out for what they consider the zenith of entertainment. He tells one musician to “let it simmer” and demonstrates a guitar riff for another. He is unfailingly appreciative and thoughtful, over and over thanking everyone and unfailingly respectful in giving direction, almost apologetic when he says that the earpiece is making it harder for him to hear. The endless series of bizarre outfits with their military stripes and Munchkin-like shoulders, seem irrelevant when we watch the way he interacts with people and the way he thinks about the songs and dances. Appropriately, the most thrilling moment is “Thriller.” Jackson says he wants to take us places we have never been before, and in this combination concert film/documentary, he reminds us of the power of imagination and talent and the reason he was a star.
Parents should know that this film includes crotch-grabbing, pelvic-thrusting dance moves, and grotesque and grisly images of zombies, ghosts, and monsters. It also has some excellent examples of how to work together with respect and high standards.
Family discussion: What do we learn about Michael Jackson from the way he tells people what kinds of problems he is having? What is your favorite Michael Jackson song and why?
If you like this, try: “The Wiz,” with Michael Jackson as the scarecrow
I got to see The Wiz on Broadway with Geoffrey Holder in the role he created. It was astounding. We were in the very back row in the highest balcony, but I could still sense the style and grace he brought to that role.
I think the movie version got short shrift by critics and the public. It was very much in the spirit of the books, but representing a different culture and generation. There was creativity and spirit in it that deserves more than a dismissive wave. And I still like to sing “Ease on down, Ease on down the ro-oad! Come on now”
I saw the road show of that production and it was spectacular. I agree with you about the movie! It was a mistake to make Dorothy an adult, but the music is spectacular.
“Consumate professional” is the phrase that has come to mind during the past couple of weeks as I’ve watched clips from “This Is It,” Nell. I’m glad you liked this film.
Michael Jackson was a brilliant dancer and performer and musician. It is also understandable why someone who was such a perfectionist in his professional life might have difficulty letting go in order to get a good night sleep.
Dana Stevens of SLATE also loved this movie, and said it was the very opposite of exploitative, which I am very glad to hear.
“Consumate professional” and “electrifying performer.” Dana Stevens is one of my favorite critics — I hope you listen to her “spoiler specials,” which are always a lot of fun.
i saw the movie with my nieces aged 4 and 6, the loved it! i loved it too. it’s a great movie and i like michael’s clothes,thank you