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The new Michael Jackson film "This Is It" is already a box office hit. According to studio estimates, the worldwide release made $2.2 million on Tuesday night when it premiered, and that's just in North America.
"This Is It." The title carries so many different meanings. For the hard core Michael Jackson fans this is the chance to see the pop icon as he and an amazing cast of supporting performers prepare for the most anticipated concerts in memory.
For those who viewed Jackson with curiosity and dismay, "This Is It" will underscore how unique, weird, and yes, even fragile he was. For appreciators of the pop culture in general, wow. To call what was anticipated a mere concert is a gross understatement. These guys were preparing for nothing less than a highly choreographed Broadway show with split-second timing, incredible staging, spectacular costuming and talent-- simply off the charts. How sad that the pay-off never happened.
The rehearsal footage is simply amazing; the production pieces designed to be part of the show were in the can and ready to go. Basically, we get a raw version of the never realized concert featuring new, original songs mixed with the all-time classics.
Now, I know the opinions on Jackson's controversial personal life are all over the charts, but regardless, Director Kenny Ortega has done a masterful job of delivering not only a compelling film, but a riveting look at these final moments of Michael Jackson's on-stage genius.
"This Is It" gets 3 stars and it's rated PG.
