Sidewalks On The Corner

Throughout the world, Michael Jackson fans were heart broken after hearing about the death of the King of Pop. What's more heart breaking is watching the new documentary of the preparation of his world tour, "This Is It," which is also the title of the film. Now you can experience what could have been – not in major amphitheatres -- but on the big screen.

Follow up:

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images.
URL: www.thisisit-movie.

Directed by:
Kenny Ortega

Produced by:
Randy Phillips
Kenny Ortega
Paul Gongaware

Executive Producers:
John Branca
John McClain

Cast:
Michael Jackson

Studio Synopsis:
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

J.P.'s Take:
In order for me to tell you about this documentary, I would have to start by telling you about my personal experience as I discovered Michael Jackson for the first time. It was 1982, I was just a little tike then; going to elementary school everyday and playing with my friends. You know kids stuff. My dad used to play lots of music in our house. We would listen to almost everything, from Jazz to R&B, Rock to Soul. That's when I fell in love with music. Well, when he threw on Michael Jackson, I could not get his distinct sound out of my head. Even though I was a young thing, I knew good music when I heard it. I would dance and bop all over the house. But I didn't really know who Michael was nor his work. I just knew I liked what I heard. Then, the world premiere of “Thriller” came out, and I remember the start of the video. Although I was creeped out by the eeriness of the people in make-up, I couldn't turn away. I thought, “Wow! What's this?” At that point I found out who Michael Jackson was and that's how M.J. fandom began for me. From then on, I started to pay attention to his work.

During the last decade, we hear his music on the radio, but we have also been witnessed to his controversial life unfolding on TV. But this film does something we usually don’t see – Jackson showing his hard work, passion and dedication in putting on an epic concert.

The film showcases the rehearsals of all the songs planned for the world tour. You will see Jackson taking charge of all aspects of the show. You will see some of the audition process and countless dry runs with the dancers. You will see Jackson working with his band to get the right beat. And best of all, you will see Jackson doing his signatures moves and hearing all of his greatest hits.

I felt chills during certain scenes, especially the preparation for “Thriller.” Working with director Kenny Ortega, they revamped the video – this time planned for 3-D -- with new actors and fresher visuals. Once again, the hairs on my arms, as well as the back of neck, had risen. Goose bumps formed, I was transported back to 1982 again.

Another thing I liked about “This Is It,” Ortega allowed the work to speak for itself. No narration, no celebrity riddled cameos interrupting the rawness of the moment. It was just Michael, the band, the dancers, the crew … and the stage. After watching "This Is It" from start to finish, the tragedy of it all -- besides losing Michael -- was the preparations and hard work of all these people and, sadly, the loss of their dreams and the tour.

In many ways, I expected this to be a retrospective of M.J.'s life work. Instead we get a very rare behind the scenes look at what went on in designing every aspect of his world tour. I must admit, at 50, Jackson looked great in full force. He was pop locking and moon walking his way across the stage. His voice is still strong and in great shape.

As he uttered those famous last words, “This Is It,” during his press conference in Europe, little did we know this would really be his last hoorah. That's what I found so haunting, and, at the same time, fascinating about this movie. I hope fans and non-fans alike will remember him, not for the controversy, but for his love for his work and the people. Well, this is the final curtain call for M.J. May he rest in peace.

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J.P. Langston is a member of "Sidewalks Entertainment" team primarily as a videographer. He loves movies, especially sci-fi horror and action comedies. Some of his favorite films include "Blade Runner" "The Matrix Trilogy," The (original) "Star Wars," "Equilibrium," "Serenity," "Kill Bill Vols 1 and 2," "Appleseed," "Unbreakable" and "Sin City." He has a large DVD collection, which is still growing. Since reviewing films for "Sidewalks," he has been expanding his palette for all types of films.