Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG)
Verdict: Not Bad, but not a Thriller either ***
IN the opening credits of This Is It, it only takes three little words to set the alarm bells ringing.
"For the fans." Clangalangalangalang.
Because this film is not just for any old fans.
It's for Michael Jackson fans - the kind of sweaty-browed crackerjacks who'd hail This Is It as the new Citizen Kane, even if it was just two hours of footage of Jacko on the bog.
Mercifully, the film's a lot better than the intro suggests.
A mash-up of rehearsal footage and specially-filmed sequences for the epic O2 concerts that never were, This Is It gives a fairly interesting behind-the-scenes look at the gigs, while still delivering enough crackpot moments to fuel an entire new series of Bo Selecta.
Easy to say now, of course, but although Jacko's clearly throwing himself into rehearsals, the man does not look well.
Clearly a few of the vocals have been, ahem, tidied up, and in one shiny get-up he looks like Mumm-Ra in tinfoil.
He does manage a fair bit of dancing, too - nothing too vigorous, although given what we know now, it's a wonder to see him doing anything else than rolling around the stage on a stretcher.
Naturally, there are plenty of sickly moments, such as the Earth Song segment, which is in sore need of a cameo from Jarvis Cocker's bum.
But there are some serious highlights, too. Jacko airbrushed himself into a clip from 40s film noir Gilda for the cinematic intro to Smooth Criminal, which is inspired, ego-crazed madness.
And the choreography, designed by director of both the show and the film, High School Musical's Kenny Ortega, is never less than great.
So, one "for the fans," then? Probably. The thing plays out like a two-hour DVD extra, and if that doesn't appeal then you're better off saving your cash.
But the Jacko fanbase will cherish the chance to see their idol perform for one last time. And in the end, that's all that matters, isn't it? Well, that, and the concert promoters making a big old pile of bunce.
OUT NOW
This article has 9 comments
i was lucky enough to see MJ in concert 2ce in London, i enjoyed the movie, mesmerised by his perfection and what a show it wouldhve been. i think he looked so happy and the stage was his home. There is only 1 word to describe Michael Jackson "unique" just totally "unique" I hve also seen Thriller musical few weeks ago, it was very good but no-one could ever touch him on stage. God Bless you and thanks for your talent and music. Dont think you will ever be forgotten. RIP michael xxx
By annhailey. Posted November 14 2009 at 1:16 PM.
Plenty of talk floating around the place of THIS IS IT recieving an oscar for best music concert documentary.
By raffe. Posted November 8 2009 at 3:19 PM.
I saw the film and thought it was well put together .
By isa. Posted November 8 2009 at 10:53 AM.
This film cannot be critisized, at the end of the day people and fans knew what to expect, rehearsal tapes...nothing planned and rehearsed to be in a film; just simply what was happening behind the scenes, on a big screen its fantastic with all his classic numbers. The actual show would have been absolutely amazing, RIP MICHAEL JACKSON
By Jennie Bird. Posted November 8 2009 at 12:31 AM.
Verdict:Not BAD, not a THRILLER...but perhaps approximating THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.......certainly had me SPEECHLESS.
BEAT IT!!!!!!
By raffe. Posted November 3 2009 at 7:52 PM.
I thought the 'This is It' film was brilliant and gave MJ fans a chance to see what Michael was planning for his tour. The press can't hurt him anymore, RIP Michael Jackson.
By Linda. Posted November 1 2009 at 2:28 PM.
The movie was great. Even though this is only a rehearsal footage still he looks good, sings great and dance like no one can. I highly recommend this movie to everyone, young and old.
By liz medina. Posted October 31 2009 at 6:09 PM.
I saw the film yesterday, i think it was great to watch it, just wonderful, for fans and non fans. It takes you, and will by the dvd for sure, but watching it on a big screen, just great
Gregory lens 'belgium'
By gregory lens. Posted October 29 2009 at 3:08 PM.
Thanks for making this public as i and lots of other fans didnt get to see this musical Hero live and this make us truly believe what we already knew WOW.
May he look down on this film and us his fans and know how sadly we miss him. Thank you Michael
By Lisa . Posted October 28 2009 at 6:47 PM.