Wednesday, October 28, 2009

REVIEW : THIS IS IT… A VIP PASS ONSTAGE!


This is not just a movie. It is not even like attending the real concert, but better than all that. It feels as if you have got a VIP pass from Michael to accompany him on the stage or wherever he goes during his concert rehearsals. THIS IS IT is an incredible piece to see Michael (who literally like monster) devours up the audience with his great showmanship. The movie showcases the most intricate details of how perfect Michael gets when it comes to performances. Apart than being a fan, I would call this as a BIBLE for any performing artist. See THIS IS IT and you will know why Michael’s performances were so legendary.

It is unbelievable to see Michael Jackson (at the age of 50) perform the dance moves, hit the high notes, scanning every small aspect of the whole performance, guiding musicians and dancers and improvising his performance every single time. I was getting difficult for me to watch him dance on the stage and not dance in the theater. I was singing all the time without giving a damn to what anyone else would think. Soon some more fans joined me. Some of the audience who were not fans were also overwhelmed by the whole scene and couldn’t stop their praises when Michael did his trademark moves. The only thing that I missed in the movie was the moonwalk. The movie grips you hard. It seems short in the end making you want for more.

There is one scene that seemed funny to me. While performing a song Michael tells a musician, “Watch me when I do that (cue)”. I wonder if he was joking or the musician was really not watching him. How could anyone present at that venue not watch Michael rehearse even though they might have done that more than ten times before. I miss the aura of Michael when alive that would have captivated the audience far more than what the movie does. Thankfully the movie does not in any way appear to generate hype like earlier of MJ promotions or DVDs did. It appears too realistic to fans as well as non-fans and that’s why it generates more respect for the KING OF POP.

There is a group formed by some of the fans amongst us – THIS IS NOT IT. I understand the sentiments and the reason behind formation of the group. They say that the footage where Michael apparently appears very sick and weak has not been shown in the movie. According to the group, this movie is another money making machine for anyone who is profiting from it. What I would suggest as a fan is for time being forget about that and see what THIS IS IT shows to millions of people around the world regardless they are fans or not. The movie showcases Michael in a positive way and full glory. The movie is better than any Michael Jackson DVD released before, I am sure this one will be released on DVD late this year.

None of us can bring the magic of Michael back, none of us can see him perform live again, but this movie gives us a chance to be with him on the stage and watch him perform as close as we can get. No one who understands craftsmanship and art should miss THIS IS IT.

On the last note I would say that the movie made me believe a very sad doubt I had in my mind. I now believe that Michael was murdered, not just by his doctor but was murdered by someone with a motive. The doctor was just an instrument. I don’t know whether this mystery will ever be solved, but I wish it does. I wish that criminal charges are filed against the doctor by the family. It is very strange to see people forgive a murderer, no criminal charges brought up and so much profit made around to so many people just because 1 great person died.

P.S : I request fans not to pressurize any non-fan unless that person is interested to see Michael. The movie is enjoyable if you know most of the songs featured in it.

Image Used with permission from www.CLUBMJ.com (THE OFFICIAL INDIAN MICHAEL JACKSON FANCLUB Authorized by SONY BMG INDIA & MJJ Management)