'This Is It ' a beautifully assembled tribute

• By JOHN WIRT
• Movie critic
• Published: Oct 28, 2009

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By default, a documentary about the making of Michael Jackson’s planned This Is It concerts has become the show that the star’s death dictates can never be.

Opening for what’s being advertised as a two-week run, Michael Jackson’s This Is It follows the singer-dancer through preparations for what would have been a sold-out series of 50 concerts in London’s O2 Arena. Shot from March through June at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the film presents Jackson at 50, looking not-quite-scary slim but otherwise energetic, engaged and happy about the way his farewell show was shaping up.

This Is It begins with dancers from throughout the world auditioning for the production. A few excited hopefuls among the 5,000 who auditioned express how thrilled they are at the prospect of performing with their idol and inspiration.

The enthusiasm continues with footage of Jackson announcing the concerts in front of thousands of fans at the O2 Arena on March 5th. He promises the screaming throng he’ll perform the songs his fans want to hear and adds, “This is it. The final curtain call.”

Moving back in the Staples Center, stage-show director Kenny Ortega, who’d previously collaborated with Jackson for the Dangerous and HIStory tours, and his star work closely together on the subtlest details. Because his magic didn’t just happen, Jackson, the perfectionist, does the same with music supervisor-keyboard player Michael Bearden.

“You gotta let it simmer,” he tells Bearden as they rehearse “The Way You Make Me Feel.” “M.J. is always hands on,” the music supervisor adds.

This Is It features a dozen-plus rehearsal performances, some in costume, many featuring the star and his dancers and a few accompanied by elaborate short films newly created for the O2 Arena. “Thriller” gets a campy theme park-style graveyard scene featuring a large cast of ghouls. Jackson sends an environmental message via “Earth Song” and the little girl-starring film that accompanies it.

Of course, filmed rehearsals can’t be judged in the manner of a complete, public-ready performance. It’s obvious, though, that Michael Jackson’s personal magic, his extraordinary dancing skills and voice were intact during these few months before his death. Most revealing of all, This Is It chronicles Jackson’s devotion to his craft and audience. It’s a beautifully assembled tribute to this great entertainer.