Michael Jackson is back. He is on the big screen. For those who have been living under a rock and don’t know, Michael’s “This Is It” is a behind the scenes look at his preparations for his 50 London shows that were to take place at the O2 arena. Sadly, we all know the tragic ending that took place before Michael had the chance to mark his return to the stage.
As a die hard fan, I have seen the movie twice already. Yes, it is that amazing. It may have only been rehearsals, but Michael Jackson never missed a beat after being away so long from the stage. His voice is beautiful, his dancing mesmerizing, and most of all, the most down to earth, humble human being. Michael was the biggest star on the planet (still is) and, in my opinion, one of the few who had every right to have an ego. However, you do not see that. Whenever someone made a mistake or he wanted something to sound different, he would say, “That’s why we rehearse” or “I know you mean well….God bless you” or “With love.” He respected everyone around him and wanted his crew to have their moment as well.
The word genius also comes to mind when watching this movie. I do not use this word regarding many people, but I have to with Michael since it is a fact. Michael’s dance moves were genius in it self, but he also knew everything about every single one of his songs, including the notes. All of this is coming from a man who never had any formal dance or music training. However, his fans already knew this about their idol. We knew how special Michael Jackson was. Now, it looks like other people are finding that out also.
When watching this incredible man rehearse the classics like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Smooth Criminal” (just to name a few) you forget that he is 50 years old. His back-up dancers who were half his age seemed in awe and inspired by this man showing them the ropes. His legendary dance steps will never get old in my opinion. “Billie Jean” was incredible! I cannot even put into words. I wish he would have done his full moonwalk, but everything about that man’s dance was flawless. After watching this movie, you will sit and think about the huge loss to the world we suffered back in June.
Honestly, I was nervous before I went to see this film. I was mostly thinking about what kind of emotions I would have during the movie. I knew that most of the film would show rehearsals from the last couple days he was alive. I also knew before going into the movie that when he rehearsed “Thriller,” that was his last night alive. While watching him move to his world famous zombie dance from the biggest selling album in history, I could not believe this man was gone from us just a short time later.
I surprised myself though. I did not cry during the movie. Sadness obviously came over me towards the end of the film, but I mostly smiled throughout this documentary. You could tell Michael was happy and that he was back doing what he loved the most: performing. The concert would have been one heck of a show. “Thriller” 3-D would have been amazing. He had so many ideas and was such a perfectionist. He wanted to make sure his fans had an unforgettable experience during what might have been his last tour. In regards to his work, everything that man did was for his fans. He knew he had the greatest fans in the world. We are….loyal to the end and beyond.
My wish is for the haters to go back in the caves they came out of after watching this film. The same haters who said Michael was not ready to come back to the stage, he was too old or unhealthy, or that he lost focus. The most hateful: That he was a raging drug addict. Seeing this film, there is no way! Do you know what I saw? He was ready to perform again, he danced like he was still in his 30’s and he looked sharp and focused. He was still in control.
I hope his 3 children, if they haven’t already, one day watch their father’s final piece of work. He also did the tour for them. He wanted them to finally see him perform and to understand what the fuss was all about. Furthermore, I wish his dancers and band were able to experience that first show and feel the adulation and screams from the audience. For anyone who really wants to know what Michael was all about, this movie is a must see.
I have to say, though, that the most difficult part was getting home after seeing “This Is It.” I realized that was Michael Jackson’s last piece of magic he created and the last time we would get to see him perform. What’s next? I thought about how much I wanted him back. I do want him back really bad. This is the reason why I went to see the movie again and might even see it one more time on the big screen. This is also the reason why I might wear out my DVD when it is released early next year. I want him back, and while watching this film, he is back to me. For 2 hours I had him back. However, no matter what, Michael Jackson is inside of me forever. Nothing will ever change that. I will always love him.
In the words of Michael Jackson: “It’s all about love, L.O.V.E.”
Note: For tickets go to: http://thisisit-movie.com/
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Day the Music Died
On June 25th my heart broke into a million pieces. The day the world lost the greatest entertainer to ever walk (or should I say Moonwalk) the face of the earth. When Michael Jackson died I was shocked and devastated. After hearing he had been rushed to the hospital, I figured he would get better and fight like he always had. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case this time. This is a blog I wish I never had to write.
Looking back, I thought this moment would come 4 years ago during his trial. He looked weak and extremely sad at times and I was not sure if he could survive the ordeal. However, Michael fought and made it through the nightmare. After that, I thought Michael could survive anything.
Michael Jackson has been a part of my life since I was 11-years-old and probably even younger. Though I never met him, Michael’s music always brought me comfort. His music brought me back up whenever I was sad or depressed. Not very many artists’ music can do that. Somehow Michael’s music and videos were always escapism from whatever crap I was dealing with, whether it was school, work or personal relationships. He was, to me, simply magic. That is why the day he died I felt like a part me died along with him. However, for some reason I did not shed a tear. I think pretty much numbness took over along with a loss of appetite. But no tears…..until his 11-year-old daughter spoke at his memorial and broke down into the arms of her Aunt Janet. If us fans feel this heart broken over Michael’s passing, then imagine how his three young children feel? His children are what make Michael’s death more painful. Knowing that he will not be able to see them grow up breaks my heart. But I am sure they will do him proud seeing how well he raised them.
Honestly, it was tough at times being a Michael Jackson fan, especially the last several years of his life. We had to constantly defend him against the haters. We were always calling out the media and trying to get people to read the facts first before judging someone. However, my loyalty never faltered. Yes, there were times when I would look at a picture of him and laugh to myself saying “What in the world does he have on?” But then I would say, “Well, that is the Michael we know and love.” By the way, I cannot name one musical genius who was not eccentric or did not beat to a different drum. However, the media continued to single Michael out and that could not have been easy for him. I will not, however, go into details on what or who I think caused his death. That is a totally different blog if I ever feel like writing it.
I truly hope people will remember Michael for his accomplishments rather than the scandals. He needs to be remembered for his music, songwriting greatness, dancing and the fact that he broke down barriers for African-Americans. He was the only artist I know of who had African-Americans, white, Asian and Hispanics dancing or crying along to his music at his concerts. I do truly believe that people are starting to remember Michael for his huge accomplishments, but I only wish he could be around to see and feel the love and adulation that has expanded these last few weeks. It is actually sad that people, now that he is gone, are supporting him again and finally remembering what an awesome performer he is. I call those bandwagon fans. Where was that love the last couple years of his life? That love could have saved him.
I mentioned his dancing above. I love to watch Michael Jackson dance. He was a dancing genius. I would look at his videos or concert footage in awe and wonder how in the heck he could do those moves. The lean in the “Smooth Criminal” performance was always my favorite. I wonder if he would have done that move in his comeback shows, which would have began the other night.
Looking back on my time as a fan, there are things that I regret. A few examples are not trying to purchase tickets for his 2002 American Bandstand performance in L.A. (turned out to be his last televised performance), I should have tried to get tickets to his 30th anniversary shows in New York (though part of me is glad since 9/11 occurred at that time) and I should have took time off of work one day and supported him at his trial like so many other fans around the world were doing. I did, though, visit Neverland in 2002 to drop off a book for his children. It was my favorite book as a child. I sure do hope he received it to give to them. I just wish I had the chance to tell Michael face to face how much he meant to me and that he knew I existed. I will just have to wait until I get to the other side to tell him.
I hope his children will do whatever they can to continue his legacy. I think he will be bigger in death than Elvis. Michael touched the lives of many more people than Elvis through his music and dance.
What I have to keep reminding myself is Michael is not really “gone.” His music will live on forever for generations to come. If I ever have children, they will know Michael Jackson and how he changed music forever. I just cannot believe I will be talking about him in the past tense. My husband and I were discussing this the other day. We are just lucky to have been able to be in the same world as him and witness his genius. People who have not been born yet will have to hear stories about him, but will not witness his genius like we did. We also feel like a part of our childhood is gone. I think anyone who grew up in the 80’s feels like this. At least in my lifetime, we will never see another Michael Jackson. Artists today can try to be at his level, but they will not succeed. Michael just raised the bar too high for that to happen.
So, rest in peace Michael Jackson. We will try our best to get along without you, but you will live in our hearts always. I know you are dancing with the Angels now, which will continue to give me comfort.
Looking back, I thought this moment would come 4 years ago during his trial. He looked weak and extremely sad at times and I was not sure if he could survive the ordeal. However, Michael fought and made it through the nightmare. After that, I thought Michael could survive anything.
Michael Jackson has been a part of my life since I was 11-years-old and probably even younger. Though I never met him, Michael’s music always brought me comfort. His music brought me back up whenever I was sad or depressed. Not very many artists’ music can do that. Somehow Michael’s music and videos were always escapism from whatever crap I was dealing with, whether it was school, work or personal relationships. He was, to me, simply magic. That is why the day he died I felt like a part me died along with him. However, for some reason I did not shed a tear. I think pretty much numbness took over along with a loss of appetite. But no tears…..until his 11-year-old daughter spoke at his memorial and broke down into the arms of her Aunt Janet. If us fans feel this heart broken over Michael’s passing, then imagine how his three young children feel? His children are what make Michael’s death more painful. Knowing that he will not be able to see them grow up breaks my heart. But I am sure they will do him proud seeing how well he raised them.
Honestly, it was tough at times being a Michael Jackson fan, especially the last several years of his life. We had to constantly defend him against the haters. We were always calling out the media and trying to get people to read the facts first before judging someone. However, my loyalty never faltered. Yes, there were times when I would look at a picture of him and laugh to myself saying “What in the world does he have on?” But then I would say, “Well, that is the Michael we know and love.” By the way, I cannot name one musical genius who was not eccentric or did not beat to a different drum. However, the media continued to single Michael out and that could not have been easy for him. I will not, however, go into details on what or who I think caused his death. That is a totally different blog if I ever feel like writing it.
I truly hope people will remember Michael for his accomplishments rather than the scandals. He needs to be remembered for his music, songwriting greatness, dancing and the fact that he broke down barriers for African-Americans. He was the only artist I know of who had African-Americans, white, Asian and Hispanics dancing or crying along to his music at his concerts. I do truly believe that people are starting to remember Michael for his huge accomplishments, but I only wish he could be around to see and feel the love and adulation that has expanded these last few weeks. It is actually sad that people, now that he is gone, are supporting him again and finally remembering what an awesome performer he is. I call those bandwagon fans. Where was that love the last couple years of his life? That love could have saved him.
I mentioned his dancing above. I love to watch Michael Jackson dance. He was a dancing genius. I would look at his videos or concert footage in awe and wonder how in the heck he could do those moves. The lean in the “Smooth Criminal” performance was always my favorite. I wonder if he would have done that move in his comeback shows, which would have began the other night.
Looking back on my time as a fan, there are things that I regret. A few examples are not trying to purchase tickets for his 2002 American Bandstand performance in L.A. (turned out to be his last televised performance), I should have tried to get tickets to his 30th anniversary shows in New York (though part of me is glad since 9/11 occurred at that time) and I should have took time off of work one day and supported him at his trial like so many other fans around the world were doing. I did, though, visit Neverland in 2002 to drop off a book for his children. It was my favorite book as a child. I sure do hope he received it to give to them. I just wish I had the chance to tell Michael face to face how much he meant to me and that he knew I existed. I will just have to wait until I get to the other side to tell him.
I hope his children will do whatever they can to continue his legacy. I think he will be bigger in death than Elvis. Michael touched the lives of many more people than Elvis through his music and dance.
What I have to keep reminding myself is Michael is not really “gone.” His music will live on forever for generations to come. If I ever have children, they will know Michael Jackson and how he changed music forever. I just cannot believe I will be talking about him in the past tense. My husband and I were discussing this the other day. We are just lucky to have been able to be in the same world as him and witness his genius. People who have not been born yet will have to hear stories about him, but will not witness his genius like we did. We also feel like a part of our childhood is gone. I think anyone who grew up in the 80’s feels like this. At least in my lifetime, we will never see another Michael Jackson. Artists today can try to be at his level, but they will not succeed. Michael just raised the bar too high for that to happen.
So, rest in peace Michael Jackson. We will try our best to get along without you, but you will live in our hearts always. I know you are dancing with the Angels now, which will continue to give me comfort.
Friday, April 17, 2009
2009 NBA Playoffs
The following are my 2009 NBA playoff predictions which begin this weekend:
Western Conference-First Round
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-1
(8) Utah Jazz
(4) Portland Trailblazers
Rockets win 4-2
(5) Houston Rockets
(3) San Antonio Spurs
Mavericks win 4-3
(6) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Denver Nuggets
Nuggets win 4-2
(7) New Orleans Hornets
Eastern Conference- First Round
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-1
(8) Detroit Pistons
(4)Atlanta Hawks
Heat wins 4-3
(5)Miami Heat
(3) Orlando Magic
Magic wins 4-0
(6)Philadelphia 76ers
(2) Boston Celtics
Celtics win 4-2
(7) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-1
(5) Houston Rockets
(2) Denver Nuggets
Nuggets win 4-2
(6)Dallas Mavericks
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-1
(5)Miami Heat
(2) Boston Celtics
Magic wins 4-2 (this is depending on the health of Kevin Garnett)
(3) Orlando Magic
Western Conference Finals
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-2
(2) Denver Nuggets
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-2
(3) Orlando Magic
FINALS
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. L.A. Lakers:
Champion: L.A. Lakers win series 4-2
Western Conference-First Round
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-1
(8) Utah Jazz
(4) Portland Trailblazers
Rockets win 4-2
(5) Houston Rockets
(3) San Antonio Spurs
Mavericks win 4-3
(6) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Denver Nuggets
Nuggets win 4-2
(7) New Orleans Hornets
Eastern Conference- First Round
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-1
(8) Detroit Pistons
(4)Atlanta Hawks
Heat wins 4-3
(5)Miami Heat
(3) Orlando Magic
Magic wins 4-0
(6)Philadelphia 76ers
(2) Boston Celtics
Celtics win 4-2
(7) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-1
(5) Houston Rockets
(2) Denver Nuggets
Nuggets win 4-2
(6)Dallas Mavericks
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-1
(5)Miami Heat
(2) Boston Celtics
Magic wins 4-2 (this is depending on the health of Kevin Garnett)
(3) Orlando Magic
Western Conference Finals
(1) L.A. Lakers
Lakers win 4-2
(2) Denver Nuggets
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers win 4-2
(3) Orlando Magic
FINALS
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. L.A. Lakers:
Champion: L.A. Lakers win series 4-2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
