Michael Jackson’s This Is It

In this documentary, we are afforded the chance to experience the artist in his element—largely unencumbered by commentators and social anxiety—as he puts in hard work toward the goal of outdoing a life filled with dynamic performances. After Michael Jackson’s death, This Is It was speedily put together by choreographer/director Kenny Ortega utilizing onstage and behind-the-scenes footage filmed a during rehearsals for Jackson’s planned 50-night, greatest-hits residency at London’s O2 Arena. Ortega does an amazing job of editing together everything leading up to the planned show into another kind of performance. It isn’t a complete, polished concert. What we see instead is the building of a show: the dancer auditions and rehearsals, band rehearsals, set and light designing, the making of film-quality videos and the evolution of individual numbers from walk-through to full dress rehearsal. The best moments are when the band is in full swing at full volume, as in the movin’ opener “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” But even the barely rehearsed numbers are satisfying as Jackson’s emotional commitment is constant, and his uncompromising style comes through despite his restraint. Feather River Cinemas, Paradise Cinema 7 and Tinseltown. Rated PG