Michael Jackson's This Is It

There comes a time in everyone's life where they realize that they are watching true greatness. An absolute genius...a talent beyond anything they have ever really known. Watching this film on the final rehearsal of what would have been his incredible return to the stage in over a decade, was an awe-inspiring experience. I sat and watched this musical documentary which included interviews with his musicians and back up dancers, as well as lots of MJ dancing and singing. This man was a musical talent that will never be replaced. I was a fan of Michael Jackson when I was in grade school. I remember going with my mother to see the Jackson 5/Michael Jackson concert that came to Vancouver when I was in grade 7 or 8. After all this hulabaloo came out about his personal life, I really left MJ behind. I discovered new artists and started experimenting with different musicians and bands. When I met my husband, I was quite surprised to see that he was a huge MJ fan. Unbelievable. He listened to the music and appreciated the enormity of this talent. I couldn`t get past the children in the same bed stuff...yucky, insane stories of what seemed to me a very sad man. Now decades later, this incredibly controversial talented man has died. It was a mixed day for me. I really didn`t know what to think. I found that it was sad that this man who was so young (not even 50) and was a father had died. I hadn`t figured out that it was as monumental as it was until yesterday.
Watching him, a 50 year old man, dance and sing on stage with 20 year old dancers and back up singers was incredible. He was in fantastic shape and moved like a cat. The respect that was given to him by all - the director, musical director, dancers, band members - everyone was quite something. It reminded me that Michael wasn`t a tabloid joke. He was a human being, a father who made mistakes like everyone else. The true difference is that when I make a mistake, it`s never on CNN. His entire life was out there for the public to see and thus criticize. This would make anyone crazy. While watching this film, I found a new appreciation for his huge number of hit songs and infamous dance sequences. Regardless of how this man lived is life, the contribution that he made to the music industry is undeniable. The film allowed me to appreciate what I had enjoyed as a child - before I got caught up with all the tabloid craziness. It was a great way to reconnect with a superstar. Go see this film.