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Michael Jackson’s swan song – This Is It

Michael Jackson’s swan song – This Is It

Whether you are a fan of the late King of Pop or not, the movie about the preparations for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concert tour is a super entertaining, ultra-fascinating look behind the scenes. Once you get over the freak factor of Jackson’s weird face and nose, that forced cleft in his chin – that takes about 10 minutes – hopefully you will become fully immersed in the passion, enthusiasm and hard work that so many people were putting in, striving to create the ambitious concert tour that never eventuated.

Just the amount of sheer talent that was assembled is quite staggering. It’s so evident that all these people were working incredibly hard to produce the best show they could, not just worshiping at the shrine of MJ. The costume drawings and concepts promised to be groundbreaking. You cannot keep your eyes off those astounding dancers — only eleven we cast from a crowd of 500, all clearly at the top of their game. Then there are those gifted musicians – especially Orianthi (that 24-year-old Aussie blonde on guitar can shred like the greats) – and, of course, Jackson himself. So vital. So decisive. It’s astounding to see he was still such an expert dancer and — even when saving his voice — a thrilling and haunting singer.

For the record, I don’t own any of Jackson’s albums, but I have always admired his hit songs. So, yeah – I didn’t go in as a rabid fan and I was afraid it might get schmaltzy (it did – only once, in one “heal the world” pro-environment fantasy sequence) so I was really blown away.

Whether you see it in IMAX projection (I didn’t) or otherwise, this movie is essential viewing.

Only playing for two weeks in selected cinemas.  Visit the official site for more info.

review by Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek is a Los Angeles-based arts enthusiast with twenty-five years' experience covering International Film Festivals and reviewing new Theatre, Film and Restaurants.

8 comments

  • Michael Jackson was like a family member to me. I’ve been coping with his death and it has been incredibly emotional for me. I can’t believe how he changed the industries around the world. I wish his family the best. Thank you Michael for the most amazing life!

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