by Marc Bauer
I typically don’t take the time to write film reviews. I prefer to discuss them once the last reel finishes spinning and talk about the highs and lows at once. This is It is a film that deserves watching, provided you are a fan of the late Michael Jackson. If you are not a fan, or if you still want him tried for the crimes they allege against him, stop reading, turn the page and move on, though I think you would be missing out. Is it hero worship? Without a doubt. But watching the two hours of the film, you never feel that it is contrived, forced or undeserved. MJ is meticulous in his design. He has a tremendous vision, and this film shows what he was working on to see that vision made a reality. In one scene he spends time singing the note he wants the female guitarist to hit. He explains that the band will go silent and the lights will be on her, it is her moment to shine, enjoy it. How many superstars let the background players shine? How many coach them on what to do in order to shine? And this isn’t the only moment where he does this; you can hear him say that the fans are coming for talent, so bring your all. He refers to his team as family, and it doesn’t seem contrived at all. If you are expecting to hear the hits, remember that this was culled together from rehearsal footage, so most of the songs are slower tempos to run through the pacing, and in deference to saving Michael’s voice for the big shows. You will get a good idea of what the show would have been would that it had been, and that show would have rivaled that of Barnum. You find yourself humming and tapping a foot along with the music. The set list was all hits, because, as MJ says it is for the fans, play the songs like the albums, they way they know the songs best.
It is more than MJ in the movie; it opens with the teary eyed interviews with dancers arriving to audition to be back-up dancers back in April. There are candid moments with the musicians working on pieces of the songs. There is footage on the making of the footage that would have been projected on the big screen. Smooth Criminal involved old footage featuring Bogart and Edward G. Robinson chasing MJ in black and white footage; faithfully recreating sets to film and splice together with original film. 10,000 choreographed dancers, 10 human and some great CG work to duplicate and extend the troup to infinity. Thriller used the classing Victor Price narration, but recreated the whole video with 3D footage, floating ghosts, and a haunted mansion feeling. They even take a few moments to talk with the costume designers. MJ has always been known for his style, and this show would have been nothing if it didn’t contain the same couture we’ve come to expect from him. Swarovski crystals and lighting effects, check. One designed ever makes a comment, if it is a joke or not is uncertain, that they have scientists working on new ideas that have never been seen before.
Through out the film you get the impression that This is It, the concert, was a swan song, as MJ said when he initially announced the shows to be, he plays the hits, and he plays them all, including a Jackson 5 medley to boot. There is even lavish pyrotechnical design, a surprise to many who would have thought he to shy away from fire since the famous Pepsi debacle that left him brutally scarred.
For what many will see as a way to recoup the massive losses the AEG were hit with, Randy Phillips and Kenny Ortega deliver a movie that has as much heart and compassion as the icon that it showcases. Sure there were concerns over his health, but this isn’t a movie about that, this is a film about the concert that would have been. This is not the man at his greatest, this is the man preparing to deliver his greatest.
Final Rating: *** (of 4)
Note: Marc Bauer, a friend and member of the Fairview-based e mail network, is employed at The Agency Group, a music talent association based in Manhattan, which has among its clients Jack White. Wonders in the Dark is thrilled to have Marc’s review of ‘Thi is It,’ a concert film that Lucille and I saw with all the kids last night at the Clifton AMC at 7:00 P.M. Marc’s review pretty much reflects our own general opinion.
Marc’s first review at Wonders is superlative. Having seen the film myself last night with Lucille and the kids (Lucille has purchased tickets months ago with the 7:00 P.M. showing in Clifton) I can honestly side with both Marc’s summary judgement and what he chose to highlight. I was amused with the Bogart segment myself, and thought the Thriller sequence boasted some visual imagination. But yes, in the end it was about Michael “preparing” to be the best. I got a chill listening and watching some of the standards like “Billie Jean” and of seeing just how vibrant Michael was. Only rarely did I feel he looked worn out.
Excellent review from Mr. Bauer. I have read some positive things about the production, whichI thinks proves once and for all that Michael was physically fit for the long haul in London. It’s interesting that the ‘pyrotechnical design’ was as effective as it is said to be. I hope to see this over the weekend.
One critic complained about the use of subtitles, which masked the fact that some of the dialogue was undecipherable. But in view of what appears to be a successful venture, I wouldn’t say that was a major concern.
The subtitles were rare, so I never found them to be an issue myself.
Great review by Marc Bauer. I know some of the Jackson family members have objected to the use of stand-ins for Jackson for some sequences, but in the absence of available footage I can see no other alternative. As stated above this film is concrete proof that Michael was physically able to handle the upcoming tour. Sue and I will be seeing this soon.
Quite right there Peter on every count, methinks. The family must be impressed with those b.o. numbers though!
Interesting, sympathetic review. I enjoyed reading it. Despite greatly admiring Jackson as a dancer, I’ve shied away from this release, as it seemed rather exploitative. Yet exploitation often has a heart as well – after all, while the release may be purely mercenary (but then what release isn’t?), the rehearsal itself – i.e. the content, appears to have been a labor of love.
Yes most assuredly a labor of love Movie Man.
I’m sorry I missed this last night, but I will check it out over the weekend. I’ve read good and bad. This is a well-written review.
I can’t wait to see it. Thanks for the fantastic review. I was planning on seeing it last night but couldn’t get away from work
The plan is to watch it on Saturday. My friends did see it and *loved* it, and they’re not as big fans as I am, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Dorothy: I can’t wait to hear what you say. i know you’ve been waiting on this for a while. I definitely think it’s solid and quite moving.
Terrific little essay, my old friend. An altogether enjoyable read. For me though, I’ll put MJ to rest. I do think a movie like this is exploitive. I wouldn’t have minded a film about his life with a section on the preparations for this tour of shows as a “final chapter”. But, and this is JUST me, I think that the speedy delivery of this film after The King Of Pop’s demise is a sour-tasting pill thrust upon saddened fans solely to make a buck off their grief. I have nothing against Jackson, his life or his music and I certainly appreciate and admire your review. However, in a film year that hasn’t remotely revved up my interests or anticipation for anything, this is the kind of film that further pushes me away from the cinemas. Great review. But I’m in no rush to see this film. Hope you’re well, my friend. Here’s hoping you’ll pen more for WITD. Thanx, Dennis
Yep, Dennis, I know many feel its exploitative, but I will stop short of that. Marc did indeed pen a first-rate review, but I’m hardly surprised with his superb musical background. I’d love to see him write more for the site if he has the time and interest.
I think this film is certainly exploitative, but isn’t that the point? At a point we have to state what Michael Jackson is, how we view him, and how he viewed himself. He ceased to be a human (at least to us) around the time of ‘Thriller’. He is, and was a pop product. As recently as his ‘History’ DVD he’s already presenting himself (or eulogizing himself) as a monumental statue complete with marching army, or his famous Pepsi ads where his music (and image/likeness) is as disposable as the product. Or his product (i.e. music) is the product or he is the product. Now sure this could be said of any famous pop star but the pop world was different pre- and post- ‘Thriller’. His death, subsequent funeral, and release of this film, is merely existing within the rules of pop-super stardom that he helped create.
This isn’t to meant to be impertinent towards his death, we just need to realize that his living or dying was never really the point. You may have been saddened by his death, but you are saddened by the death of a product, and it’s inability to create more products in the future. And what of these products… Isn’t ‘Billie Jean’ or ‘Ben’ or ‘Man In the Mirror’ exploitative of his personal grief, or anguish? in short this is all part of the pop spectacle as we’ve created it. If this film is exploitative then what is Graceland (or what the Neverland Ranch is about to become)? Or any future Michael Jackson release?
See or don’t see this film based on your appreciation for the music or the show, not on grounds of ‘exploitation’.
All this is more or less explained beautifully in various places in Greil Marcus’ ‘Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the Twentieth Century’.
This is a fine piece Mark. I did get the CD and now with each review I come across including yours I am tempted to watch this.
Glad to see Sam here agrees with the assessment as well.
I must point out that I did see this film, but unlike Marc, I was NOT a big MJ fan. So, although Marc says this was hero worship, I must say, even if you did not idolize MJ, this film showcased his incredible talent, vision, artistry, and humanity. It is hard to believe that this 50 year old wealthy man was such a caring, simple soul. The media circus surrounding his personal life left me believing him to be very strange, to say the least, and I might have had him convicted in my own head. However, putting that aside he came across as a caring, warm and yes innocent. This film was captivating, and I am glad that I saw it. I must admit two things, I bought the tickets ONLY because it was supposedly sold out. And yes, I am Marc’s mother.