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November 4, 2009

Is this it?

By STEVE OUELLETTE, Movie Review

Those who are big fans of Michael Jackson will be overjoyed with "This Is It," the concert film cobbled together from footage of rehearsals prior to what would have been Jackson's huge comeback series of 50 concerts in London.

For those who aren't fans of Jackson, there's not much in "This Is It" that they'll want to see.

For those who are indifferent to the King of Pop — you probably bought a copy of "Thriller" in the '80s, never listened to anything after 1992 and thought he had grown increasingly strange over the years — "This Is It" will provide some moments of interest, nostalgia and electricity, but not enough to keep you from checking your watch over the second hour.

Taped in the weeks before his death, Jackson hits most of the high notes of his career, even reaching back to his Jackson 5 days. Footage is seamlessly spliced together from different rehearsals — even within the same song, you can see him in three different outfits.

Also included are some spectacular bits of pre-filmed pieces created for what would have been one doozy of a stage show.

Gently choreographed by director Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"), who frequently appears in the film himself, "This Is It" is an odd concert film in that there is, of course, a complete lack of a screaming audience. The only applause comes occasionally from the very talented backup dancers, and it's kind of a weird effect.

The movie also lacks almost anything in the way of backstage interviews and insight, and nothing from Jackson himself — other than that he loves everybody and cares deeply about the environment.

For the ghoulish out there, Jackson indeed looks painfully thin and wan, but he doesn't ever give the impression of being drug-addled or near death. He enthusiastically performs many of his trademark dance moves throughout the film, and the only hints of physical complaint are a couple of times when he cautions that he has to preserve his voice.

The musical performances themselves are fine, though these are, after all, only rehearsals and he's rarely giving an all-out performance. Even then, some of the vocals have clearly been enhanced for the film.

"This Is It" is a satisfying tribute for rabid fans, but there's an inescapable feeling that people are profiting off his death. Also, the needless "two weeks only" release gimmick — which has already been extended — was a little cheesy.

Identify what kind of Michael Jackson fan you are and whether or not you pay for "This Is It" will be an easy decision.

Rental Recommendation: Well, it's certainly no "Spinal Tap." Grade: A.

E-mail Steve Ouellette at: ouellette1918@gmail.com

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