"This Is It" (What Could Have Been)

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/