This Is It

This Is It is for the fans. If you’re not one of them, or if you don’t have even a grain of curiosity about the superstar that is Michael Jackson, then do yourself the favor and skip this movie. For the rest of us, This Is It is the much needed last glimpse of the Gloved One.
 

He sings, he dances, and most memorably, he laughs. All preconceived notions of the man and of his health during the timing of this movie and everything leading up to its release should be left at the door. He put his all into this production and it shows. The audience is treated to a backstage pass for over-the-top performances and an intimate showcase of his vocals.
 

The only moment of eeriness comes when the ending credits begin to roll. Michael Jackson’s song, appropriately titled “This Is It”, begins to play. The song is hauntingly good. The lyrics start with: This is it/ Here I stand/ I’m the light of the world/ I feel grand. It’s such a beautiful song that perfectly closes out the movie and the sad ending of such a musical genius. After watching Michael Jackson perform in his rawest form and seeing him give his soul to this work, the movie ends and the magic is taken away—the man is taken away. And you’re left thinking: This is it. This really was it.
 

Bottom Line: The man did still have it.