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THIS IS IT ( ENGLISH , 2009 )

Director : Kenny Ortega

Cast : Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson , the King of Pop , was supposed to perform a series of concerts in London , but 3 weeks prior to the kick-off , passed away unfortunately.

This is It , chronicles MJ's preparations and rehearsals for what would have been one of the most spectacular concerts ever in history . Footage shot during the preparations from all stages , from conception , to auditions , to design etc has been used to make this special feature.

I was never a serious MJ fan , and at best can be termed a casual MJ fan. But after his death , I was more intrigued by his nature and performances and the man behind the music. And that's what led me to watch THIS IS IT , on it's opening night at the Theatre.

This is easily one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Extremely pleasing to the eye , this movie is not just for die-hard fans , but for all music lovers. A wide array of MJ's most famous hits will keep the viewer entertained throughout the film's duration.

It shows the preparations for the path-breaking concert , right from the dancers audition stages , goes on to show the set design , the music setting , the sound-checks , and the actual rehearsals. MJ is omnipresent in all stages , and is very much an integral part of all the work that has gone into setting up the concert. Every care has been taken to ensure no stone is left unturned in making this a once in a lifetime experience.

MJ's music has countless fans , who would just do literally anything to just be close to him. And this love and passion for the man and his music , is reflected in the faces of the dancers who rehearse with him. The opening sequences consist of a series of small interviews with the dancers , and everyone seems truly blessed to be up close and personal with the King of Pop. Ecstatic , is an understatement , especially when quite a few dancers grew up dancing to his tunes.

The film is visually stunning in every sense of the word , right from the opening minutes till the very end. Actual videos which were made , to be shown in the backdrop during the concerts , left me spell bound. Especially the Thriller track , which re-created the Ghosts and Zombies magic of yesteryear 's iconic music video , and this was apparently conceived as a 3D version . Smooth Criminal's prelude has MJ in the middle of an old Black and White Hollywood film , and sets the tone perfectly for the song which remains one of his most electrifying pieces.

The actual music , is truly breath-taking . A team of highly talented musicians all come together and join hands with MJ to give us a stunning display of musical intensity . And MJ being the energetic chap that he is , makes it a point to improvise in all ways possible. Just watching him make suggestions to the Keyboard Artist , proves his dedication and commitment to give his fans the best. And MJ does what he does best .. sing and dance.

The dance movements are beautiful and every song's brilliance is increased manifold , by the steps which the dancers perform . Everyone just seems to be so overwhelmed dancing alongside MJ , and just perform with so much intensity and energy , its almost infectious.

And MJ as always goes that extra bit to ensure his fans are satisfied . He seems to be perfectly at ease , climbing onto a manually operated crane , which would zoom onto the crowd and MJ would be amidst hordes of screaming fans .. I only wish this happened. But nevertheless , we get to see MJ starting off " Beat It " atop this crane.

Michael Jackson's image just seems to keep you hooked onto the screen. Whether it be sitting with his team and selecting dancers from the auditions , or giving suggestions to his artists , or grooving to music in aplomb , there is that characteristic MJ style all through the movie.

His singing is more or less the same as the MJ we know , belting out hit after hit . And his dance moves which have kept fans enthralled for years , appear to be as graceful and unbelievable as ever.

Michael Jackson has always been a top-notch stage performer , and he seems to have enjoyed himself to the core , during the preparations and rehearsals for " This is It " . He looks to be possessed with some supernatural energy , and it was just amazing to see him groove to the sounds of the electric guitar , alongside a stunning Orianthi Panagris who just rips the guitar to shreds in a dazzling musical storm , especially during " Beat It ". MJ prolongs the ending of " I just cant stop loving you " , and if any other artist were to prolong a song for so long , I would have felt irritated . But MJ , oh gosh , just prolongs it with so much passion and the final " you " is directed at his audience , which in this case , would be his staff , technicians and the dancers.

The setting for the concert is what people call a feast for the eyes . It varies from a robot whose exterior is made of Video Screens , from which MJ would have made his grand entrance , the 3D version of Thriller's dead creatures , the Jackson 5 backdrop and many more stunning pieces.

The touching video for "Earth Song " , specially made for the concert , will strike a chord for sure. MJ's love for the planet and it's people and all creatures , is reflected in this moving piece.

Towards the end of the film ,we see all the dancers and staff standing in a circle with MJ , thanking everyone for their efforts . This would be a tear jerker for any die-hard MJ fan , especially the shot of him hugging everyone involved with him.

I see absolutely no negatives in this movie at all. Maybe it could have been a wee bit shorter , but am sure no one would notice as you would be too engrossed with the music and the man and his dance.

Please do not exit the Theatre when the credits start rolling out. It is probably the first time in my life , I have seen people still unmoved from their seats when the credits start rolling. I am just crazy about " Heal the World " , and this is one reason I was waiting even after credits came and was blessed to hear it play loud and clear .. Finally , the girl from the " Earth Song " video , comes hugging the Earth , and the screen displays " Heal the World " , and an autograph from MJ , saying " I love you " sent the audience crazy into rapturous applause .

Like I said , I was never a true MJ fan and it was only after his death I started realizing more and more about him . His charity work is beyond words . He had done so much to help the poor and the needy and Africa especially had always been his concern. No wonder people all over the world mourned his death , as if they had lost a family member. And Michael says " We are all family " when he stands in a circle with his staff and crew towards the end . Indeed a very moving moment.

It is highly unfortunate this concert never materialized . If the preparations were so grand , I cannot even imagine how the actual concert would have been. London must have gone crazy when MJ would rise above wild screaming fans crooning " Beat It " from atop that crane.

MJ had always advocated the need to Heal the World , through love , peace and harmony . Peace is what his music stood for. Harmony echoes in his every intention , and love.... Here is a man who loved the entire world , even though the media always hounded him as if he was a criminal. For someone who was tortured a lot by the media , he never vented his anger much . He always hit back , doing what he did best .. sing and dance. And his songs and dance shall continue to live on forever.

MJ performed in India only once , and this was an initiative by the Thackeray led politicians in Mumbai/Bombay , India. Michael Jackson always stood for peace and love. And ironically , a certain Thackeray does the exact opposite now . Such is life :( C'est la vie.

I will go with 4.5 out of 5 for this phenomenal film .

This is It. The final show from the greatest performer we have ever had. I just wish i was a bigger MJ fan , after watching this film. Michael Jackson has passed away , and we have to move on. Michael , wherever you are , I know you must be smiling down at us , the people of the world , and I know that even though you are mortal no more , you shall still love this world always. The world is in turmoil now , as you know very well MJ .. but Michael , your music is immortal , your dance is never-ending... and I just pray and hope that one day , even if ONE person is moved and touched by your music ,and gives up violence and turns over a new leaf after being inspired by you and your work for humanity , that will be your biggest success. We might not have 50 sold out concerts .. London will never witness you live .. The world shall never go mad again when you sing or dance live .. But... I know you had a far more important goal in life than money , fame and sold out concerts . One fine day , your spirit shall be content , when we people unite and Heal the World. Thank you MJ for everything.. the music , the dance and above all for making an effort to make this a better place , for you and for me and the entire human race.

R.I.P Brother ... God Bless you...

VERDICT : 4.5 / 5 ( UBER )