Jon Peters: There’s no denying Michael Jackson’s status as one of our best performers, and if you needed further proof, Kenny Ortega’s Michael Jackson’s This is It, which captured the final months of his life. But the film isn’t going for a tragic tale, even though that opening silent text has a deep foreboding atmosphere to it, if anything this concert film/documentary is a final send off to the King of Pop.

Mike Cook: While we were both fair hesitant and a tad excited for the movie, there was still a little air of despair. This wasn’t alleviated any at the first opening scenes. The somber opening text doesn’t really jar the viewer into depression, just a little realization that aside from the fact that film is probably the only way they’d see the concert to begin with, but that it’s not a possibility anymore. The “documentary” turned into just a concert movie. Much akin to Iron Maiden’s Rock in Rio.

Jon: As much fun as it was to see MJ do this thing, as well as the general and sincere appreciation everyone working on his This is It tour, Ortega’s approach to the film is a bit messy. I’m fine with the concert film/pseudo-documentary approach he took. I imagine he must have had a bear of a time picking what to show from the hundreds of hours of film, but it feels aimless. We get plenty of songs in their full glory, but I enjoyed more the creative process and banter MJ, Ortega, and the team had, in creating what seemed like a mammoth undertaking. We just get a little of this here and there, and from what I’ve read in interviews with Ortega, I felt he dropped the ball in really showing the genius of MJ as work.

Mike: I thought that the presentation was very matter-of-fact. Being a veteran of stage productions, I’ve seen my share of dress rehearsals. That’s exactly what this was. A record of a few final dress rehearsals blended together with visuals and tech demos of the final show. Granted the few demo shots of missing components were fairly out-of-place, but the blend of early, mid and late production adds a sense of growth to the show as well. But this narrator-less doc shows Michael Jackson doing what he does best: honing his craft. Much like Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, or Picasso in his studio, the lack of narration lets the audience appreciate the talent without overlaying unnecessary narrative or biased opinions.

Jon: Yeah, totally. We had a rare opportunity to see a true artist at work, and for that, it’s superb. But we also had an even rarer chance to see MJ’s creative process at work. I mean, seeing MJ mess up, or perhaps an argument would have made this more thrilling. But maybe that’s in the deleted scenes, and I don’t think that would have been what they wanted. What did you call this film after it ended?

Mike: “An opportunity for the production company to recoup some expenses”. But I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Michael Jackson’s wardrobe alone makes Chanel look like dollar-store bargains. The technical aspects of the show alone made my mouth water, and the fact that they had to contact scientists for wardrobe reasons give a little justice to the release. I think it’s a lot better to have an insider’s eye to the show that normal people wouldn’t be able to see regardless of the production went on then to just keep the archival footage in the Jackson Estate.

Jon: True, and I hope people don’t get us wrong. MJ is electrifying and I couldn’t help but want to get up and dance. There’s real energy he puts off into each song, dance moves he never repeats, and if we feel this excited just seeing him do his thing, imagine what it would’ve been like to attend this concert in person? I think that’s why, despite are gripes, Michael Jackson’s This is It is special. Did you have any favorite sequences?

Mike: I think the harder part is to pick which weren’t my favorite. From the first shots of the dancers before auditions to the final dance sequence, just the obvious talent that Michael Jackson had for his music was awe-inspiring. From the scenes with him and the music director in the studio to the final modifications on the stage, the gears were always turning and it was always noticeable. Though at times he seemed a little disconnected from what he was doing, that later turned out to be concerns about his voice and physical demands, the entire experience for someone who grew up with Michael Jackson’s music was overwhelming. Even now, I have his songs, as he performed them in This Is It, stuck in my head. As the credits rolled, we also heard MJ’s new single, aptly named “This Is It”, which, though not my normal psychobilly chic, I thought was impressive. Jon?

Jon: Well, “This is It” is a decent MJ song, but I was hoping it would have been performed on stage. They sort of just threw it on the credits. Look at us, we both liked the film, and it seems we didn’t! I loved what they did with Smooth Criminal; the old gangster movie footage with Bogart and Edgar G. Robinson shooting at MJ was killer. The jazzier opening to “The Way You Make Me Feel” was really cool, and actually added to the song, one that happens to be my favorite of his. Jackson fans will love this documentary, plain and simple. It won’t win any new fans over, but there’s like only 5 people who don’t like his music, right? We lost a legend, and here we get a rare glimpse and what he was trying to do before his death. People wanting anything else on MJ, look else where, this is a celebration of a man we called The King of Pop.

Mike: Agreed, and you totally called out “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal”, my favorite performances bar-none. This movie captures MJ is his element,which many should find impressive. This is absolutely a must-see for sure. Much like watching a legendary painter paint without any distractions, just watching Michael in his element was powerful in and of itself. I think the feeling of disappointment Jon and I both convey comes from both of us appreciating Michael Jackson’s contribution to entertainment, music, and pop culture… and not wanting the movie to end. While the King of Pop will be missed, this unlikely documentary shows that MJ loved what he did, and that his talent is one surely to be missed. His impassable talent will never be seen again, as shown in This is It. From us, the cats at Killer Film, Rest in Peace, Michael. Thank you for the memories. This is exactly what everyone hoped it was going to be.

Jon’s Grade: Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Mike’s Grade: Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Insiders said Ortega wanted to make a picture with elaborately staged musical numbers at a budget of $30 million or so. Par production chief Adam Goodman wanted an edgier drama with less emphasis on the musical numbers and a budget around $25 million or less.

Paramount and Ortega confirmed the split but took the high road in a statement attributed to Ortega’s camp: “Coming off the extraordinary project, Michael Jackson’s ‘This is It,’ director Kenny Ortega has decided it is premature for him to commit to his next film and will not be moving forward with ‘Footloose’ as previously reported.”

“This Is It” is expected to moonwalk into theaters on October 28th with a two week limited release date. With the over abundance of hype surrounding the rehearsal footage film on Michael Jackson, this feature could follow the same path as “Toy Story/Toy Story 2 in 3D” and possibly stay open longer. Paramount is in the middle of hunting a director for the Chase Crawford starring picture which also is a remake of the 1984 Kevin Bacon movie of the same name.

(October 2^nd)

Zombieland

Jon: I’ll admit that I do not know how much more life (pardon the bad pun) can be injected into the zombie-horror/comedy genre, that Shaun of the Dead didn’t already inject. Plus, in my own personal opinion, I’m not too big on horror/comedies. But after seeing the trailer and some of the behind-the-scenes stills, Zombieland looks to be a lot of fun. See It.

Donny: Don’t listen to Jon’s crazy talk, horror/comedies rock! I’m a huge fan of Shaun of the Dead, but I’d argue that Return of the Living Dead and American Werewolf in London are the films that really kick started this beloved sub-genre. Zombieland looks like it could be a funny, blood filled romp. See it.

Whip It

Jon: Say what you will about Drew Barrymore’s acting career, but everything I’ve seen and heard about this film-her directorial debut-is all positive. Ellen Page returns in her awkard Juno-like role and with some supporting actresses and the roller derby angle, I am very excited for this one. See It.

Donny: Hot girls, in short shorts beating each other to a pulp while darting around in a circle on roller skates! I am sooooooo there. See it.

Capitalism: A Love Story

Jon: Love him, hate him, whatever, I think Michael Moore creates documentaries that at the very least are topical discussions that need to be looked into and talked about. What’s wrong with that? I know he’s the most controversial American director working, and isn’t that enough to get your liberal or conservative butts in the theater seats? See It.

Donny: I’m not really a fan of Michael Moore’s stuff. I’m an independent that doesn’t want to be preached to… period, so it goes without saying that this isn’t my bag. I am really stoked to see The Invention of Lying though. Skip it.

Also Opening: The Invention of Lying, More Than a Game, and A Serious Man (in select markets)

(October 9^th)

Law Abiding Citizen

Jon: Saw meets Death Wish? I’m so there! Sold! See It.

Donny: I get excited just thinking about this flick. Good old fashioned revenge with a side of ass kicking. Hell to the yes! See it.

Couples Retreat

Jon: This looks fairly routine all around, and while I like the cast, it just looks to “meh” for me to see. Luckily, I’m single (hey ladies!), so I don’t have a real reason to see it. The funny thing is, not the supposed comedy in this film, but that Donny’s wife will drag him to see it! I laugh! Skip It.

Donny: Sadly, Jon is right. My wife is totally going to drag me into the theatre to check this one out, but as long as I’m at the movies with a large bucket of popcorn and a cold drink I’m good. I’m gonna recommend skipping it even though I’m gonna have to see it.

Also Opening: St. Trinian’s, An Education, and Trucker

(October 16^th)

Stepfather

Jon: Here’s a remake of a little cult-like classic (well, borderline classic), a film that spawned four sequels. It looks mildly generic, but there is something about it that I like. Maybe it’s this delusional American family aspect that he shreds or the guilty pleasure level of camp appeal, but I say See It.

Donny: I could care lees about this flick, so I’m gonna do what I do second best and let Jon see it, so I can skip it.

Where the Wild Things Are

Jon: There’s something about this trailer, that swells up tears of joy and excitement. My inner child feels alive at the sight of the poster or trailer, and I fully expect this to be a special film for all ages. If this is good, I don’t doubt that many will claim it as their personal favorite of the year. I’m so glad Spike Jonze fought for his vision, because it looks wonderful. See It.

Donny: What Jon said. See it.

Also Opening: New York, I Love You and Black Dynamite

(October 23^rd)

Saw VI

Jon: With the announcement of a 3-D Saw VII next Halloween, it sort of undermines the once touted last Saw film. Still, I’m a huge fan of the series: the traps, Jigsaw’s games, the characters, and plus, I want to see what Melton and Dunstan have up their sleeves! The game comes full circle…oh, yes, there will be fun. See It.

Donny: I’m with Jon on this one, I’m a fan of this franchise and am looking forward to checking out this new installment. What else can I say other than see it.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant

Jon: I think this looks stupid. I know that isn’t very scholarly to say, but vampires are played out worse than zombies now days, Reilly looks ridiculous as the vamp, the story reeks of franchise set-up, and well, you know Jigsaw owns this weekend. Everyone will be there that is over 16 years old. Skip It.

Donny: I agree with Jon, Reilly looks pretty goofy, but I’m probably gonna check it out, because for some strange reason it reminds me of Something Wicked This Way Comes. Although I’m gonna see it, I’m gonna recommend that our loyal readers skip it, because it really does look like it’s gonna blow goats.

Amelia

Jon: I know this looks like an Oscar bait film, but I suspect it will overcome that and be a decent film. Good cast, solid director, a great idea for a biopic, this should be a winner. See It.

Donny: I have no desire to see this flick. Skip it.

Antichrist

Jon: Probably one of the most polarizing films out on the market is Lars Van Trier’s satanic themed film, with some crazy happenings within. I think it might be too art-house for some, too un-scary for others, but I’m eager to see what Lars has for themes. Should be wild, violent and dark-perfect for Halloween and for fans of a mature horror film. With reservations, See It.

Donny: I’m strangely aroused by this flick’s trailer, so based on that fact alone I’m gonna see it.

Also Opening: Astro Boy (rescheduled from September) and Ong bak 2

(October 30^th)

House of the Devil

Jon: This is getting a lot of positive buzz and is hitting theaters for a limited run, before DVD. Serena thought it was okay, but I think it looks like a fun, ’80s throwback to low budget horror cinema that littered the drive-ins. See It.

Donny: I really want to see this movie! This flick did something to me that hasn’t been done since I was a kid. It made me want to see it based solely on how awesome the poster is. See it.

This Is It

Jon: Whatever Michael Jackson was planning for his next tour can be seen here. I’m sure there’s plenty of great moments that might make it worthy to see on the big screen, but for concert films, I’ll wait to see it. Plus, I feel a bit dirty to see a dead man dance. Skip It.

Donny: I know that this flick is probably gonna open up to good numbers and I’m cool with that, but Madonna’s concert films are way better than this is gonna be. I’m just saying… I mean if your gonna watch a pervert perform, at least watch one that doesn’t do creepy things with youngsters. Absolutely skip it.

Also Opening: Gentlemen Broncos and The Boondock Saints II: All Saint’s Day

Some markets will be getting some great indie films and documentaries, so if you have a question, feel free to contact us about a release. Keep it here, all month long for reviews of all of these films and more, only on Killer Film! Contact us by leaving a comment below or at: donny@killerfilm.com and jon@killerfilm.com

This Is It is being pushed out by Sony, with the support of Michael Jackson’s Estate. Directed by former choreographer Kenny Ortega, director of Newsies, Disney’s Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus concert movie and all three of Disney’s High School Musical movies, his rap sheet does a great job of articulating his style for extravagant large-scale dance numbers and live concert performances.

Not completely rehearsal footage, the movie offers a “rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his concerts” and allows almost everyone to see the legendary performer rehearse his sold out show.

Keep your eyes on the official site: ThisIsIt-Movie.com

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Source: FirstShowing