'Michael Jackson's This Is It' review

Having something is better than nothing, though the King of Pop probably wouldn’t agree

By Matt Pais

Posted October 28, 2009

Metromix

When Michael Jackson died in June at the age of 50, he was only about two weeks away from beginning his sold out, 50-show concert series in London—a big comeback after not touring for more than a decade. From rehearsal footage of the massive, theatrical spectacle, dubbed “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” and with permission from Jackson’s estate, director Kenny Ortega cut together this concert film—along with some unnecessary interviews with Jackson’s dancers and band about how incredible the artist was.

The buzz: In theaters for only two weeks, “This Is It” can either be seen as a treat for fans who want to see Jackson live or a quick, cheap way of earning money from a product Jackson never really intended to be public in the first place. (The rehearsal footage was meant for him and possibly to be used in the stage show, but certainly not in the way it’s presented in “This Is It.”) Even if it’s both, would that stop you from seeing it?

The verdict: Jackson, a relentless perfectionist, frequently responds to mistakes with “That’s why we have rehearsal,” suggesting he may not have wanted fans to see raw footage in which he works to protect his voice and his energy. Yet even these trial performances are a wonder to behold. Jackson sure doesn’t move like he’s 50 (seriously, his heels must have propellers in them), and his presence and conviction during hits like “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “I Want You Back” put nearly every other performer to shame. “This Is It” proves that no one can pull off glittery pants (or orange ones) like Jackson and, more importantly, that no one will ever fill his shoes.

Did you know? A choreographer notes that for dancers to be hired for Jackson’s show they need to have ooze coming out of them. She has only herself to blame when radioactive cartoon monsters show up to her next open call in tights.

Find IMAX theater showtimes for "Michael Jackson's This Is It."

Video: Watch Matt's review of "This Is It"