last night a group of friends and i went to the movies to see the new michael jackson documentary “this is it”.  i’m not sure any of us really knew what to expect.. i just knew i wanted to see it.

i can safely say that it was an excellent decision.  i’m really glad i went.

first off, i’ll start by saying two things that it’s not:

1) exploitative or cheap

2) overly sad

the film is 95% rehearsal footage - complete songs mixed with intermittent footage of michael working with the band and crew to fine tune specific elements.  that, to me, was one of the most fascinating elements of the film.  you hear so much about how michael was out of touch and crazy, but when he is working and on-stage in this film, he is one-hundred percent engaged and focused.  he is particular and detailed and knows exactly what he wants to see from his band and dancers.  it’s really amazing watching him work and communicating the things he wants to hear/see.  you see this whole other side of him that hasn’t been seen before.

on top of that, the dancing/singing is incredible.  michael still totally had it.  you hear about all this pain he was in and being prescribed these crazy drugs, but you never see it on screen.  as he performs some amazingly complex dance moves, he shows no sign of pain or fatigue.  at 50, he was still completely at the top of his game.

the only sadness throughout the film is the underlying fact that you know how it all ends.  the crew’s shared excitement over this yet-to-happen concert run is visible throughout the film.  everyone involved with the project can’t believe that they’re actually working with michael jackson and that they’re about to unveil this over-the-top cutting edge stage show.  knowing that all this work and effort will end in tragedy adds a sad undercurrent to the entire film.  but they never go for the jugular at any point.  i’m sure there were so many opportunities to make this a cryfest and the director just never goes there.. which is why the whole thing never felt exploitative to me.

if you thought michael jackson was an amazing performer, go see it.  you won’t be disappointed.