Greatness in itself, only comes along ever so often. When that greatness comes in the form of the legendary musical perfectionist known as Michael Jackson, the anticipation mounts with each second up until the moment you reach its helm. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to go to the movies to see, Michael Jackson’s final concert documentary, “This Is It”. I went into this adventure with skepticism because of the rumors surrounding the movie. Rumors like; a double was used, it wasn’t very good, MJ looked weak, etc. People let me tell you, for almost two hours, I set mesmerized, hypnotized and mystified as a 50 year old Pop legend, danced, sang and commanded the stage during every performance in the movie, in the company of dancers well under half his age. Shot in a combination of scenes from various rehearsals, Michael delivered the magic that he did during the height of his stellar career, without missing a single beat. With the exception of struggling through some of the old classic Jackson 5 songs, vocally, Michael delivered with perfection, every note that we hear on some of his most popular albums like “Off The Wall” and the history making “Thriller”. The movie opens with footage of some of the concerts background dancers and singers telling how Michael had influenced them and how fortune they were to be able to perform with Michael on what would have been his final concert tour of his career. Shortly therafter, Michael, looking strong, svelte and very much in control both emotionally and artistically explodes on stage with his hit, “Jam” like a General in control of his Army. The choreography is on point, the lighting and pyrotechnics are queued so that with each turn or beat of a drum something announces that Michael is back with a vengeance. The excitement to me was reminiscent of the day I rushed home from school to see the world premiere of Michael’s industry changing music video for the song, “Thriller”. This tribute was befitting of the King of Pop and rightfully so because on every song, you thought to yourself with mental awe, where and what you were doing when you first heard that song. However, never to remove yourself from the essence of the movie one can only wonder, what it may have been like to take part in such a historical celebration. Although the ill-fated tour never materialized, Michael left us with something that we can all truly say to each other, that he was indeed back! When watching the movie, you are engaged in a supernatural experience that in an instant you already know that those that were not even born when Michael reigned supreme, can now live the breathtaking excitement that those of us over 40 years old, did 25 years ago. The man… sheer talent, the movie…sheer brilliance…the legacy, endless. A must see. Long live the King of Pop.
WYLD STYLZ
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