Looks like this Thanksgiving is going to be absolute perfection, and not just because I’ll be in The Windy City, but also due to Ms. Knowles! BOOYA!

-Mr. Bohs

Wow.

Genius.

-Mr. Bohs

Going into “This is it,” I feared I would be disappointed since this was only rehearsal footage of one of the world’s greatest talents, only half-assing it in order to maintain his voice/energy for what was supposed to be the huge debut this past summer of his final tour of the same name, “This is it.”  But, the good thing about being the world’s most talented pop artist is, half-assing is still above and beyond all others…even when that person (Mr. Jackson) is 50 years old!

For the first time, we as an audience (and as fans) are shown a glimpse into his insanely creative mind.  His love for his craft perspires through his every movement and his humble heart is effortlessly captured scene after scene. We are shown how he rehearses in preparation for perfection (sadly we don’t get to witness that final concert perfection).  We do, on the other hand, get to see (in some way or another, whether it be digital replicas of unfinished stage decor or recently finished short films), what most of those amazing pieces would have been, with the big final pieces sadly missing: the completely finished concerts.

That’s what makes this film even more tragic.  It’s the feeling/realization of how close he was to having that humongous comeback, not to mention the satisfaction of an umbelievable final curtain call that all would remember for the rest of their lives.  Funny thing is, although it is not quite complete, (and we didn’t get to witness his dancing/singing/performing at top level), having this be the replacement for the unfinished concerts is just as satisfying.  We have all seen him at his greatest, and, to see him prepping and revealing his creative juices, only makes you realize even more of the true talent the world lost, as well as the real candidness of his personality (something that was very hush hush compared to his larger-than-life performances/albums/career).

On a final note, the one thing that impressed me enough to mention, was the way Kenny Ortega (the director of both this movie and the original stage show) put this film together.  Instead of making this one giant weepy, “in honor of Michael,” documentary, he created it in a way that makes you feel as though the concert is almost ready to start and this was just the beginning.  Not once does the movie deal with Michael’s death.  And not once does it stray from the concert (there was happily no news coverage or clips of fans crying).  Instead, the sentimentality shines through just through Michael’s music, sense of humor, charisma, sassiness, love, and talent.

If you are a fan of Jackson’s, see this film.  It is the proper closure to such an iconic man we all grew up loving (and for some, even hating).  But, personal thoughts aside, you have to give the man credit:  he can really put on a pretty damn good show…even if it is in the form of unfinished rehearsal vids…this man delivers no matter what.  So sad he had to leave so soon.  This was his moment to shine!  And, luckily, this film allows that to be seen by the world, it’s just in a more raw/personal way than most of us are used to.

Thanks for the music MJ! You will be forever alive in your fabulous music!

-Mr. Bohs

My love for the elderly grows (even more) every time I watch this….

-Mr. Bohs

This surprisingly really got me excited for Rob Marshall’s new movie, NINE.

Can’t wait for November 25th!!

-Mr. Bohs

Amen.

-Mr. Bohs