toledoblade.com --

Note: A previous version of this review ran in Kirk Baird's online blog Culture Shock at toledoblade.com/cultureshock.

It's been four months since the untimely death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50. And yet, it doesn't really seem like he's left us.

Jackson spent so many years in exile from performing that not hearing him on the radio with a new song or watching him on stage seems oddly normal. Really, the biggest reminder that Jackson is gone is the dearth of sensational stories with his name in the headline, TV coverage of his court appearances, and the ubiquitous reports of his impending financial ruin - hardly the legacy an entertainer wants to bequeath to fans, especially if you're the King of Pop.

Which is why Jackson wanted to perform the 50-night concert stand at London's O2 arena in July; why he needed to perform them. Yes, the hefty payment for the shows was necessary to ease his mounting debt - let's not be nave - but more than that, Jackson desperately wanted to prove to the world he still had it as a gifted performer, despite booming voices to the contrary.

He wanted to remind us of the pop culture milestones moonwalk and "Thriller" and he needed to prove to us and to himself that he still mattered.

Michael Jackson's This Is It goes a long way toward seeing those goals realized.

A collection of footage cobbled together from 100 hours of filmed rehearsals for his London shows, This Is It is a slick, brilliantly edited
piece of music propaganda that dazzles for nearly two hours. While not a complete concert film, This Is It is a sumptuous extravaganza for the eyes and ears, and powerfully captures the essence of the concert musical spectacle that never was. The footage includes Jackson performing his hits- "Beat It," "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Man in the Mirror," among others - and - GASP! - having fun in the process.

Forget Jackson's visage as the frail Gollum-esque creature fragile enough to shatter into a thousand pieces in a strong gust of wind. This Is It showcases a virile, though slender, Jackson dusting off his vintage dance moves and high-pitch shrieks of delight, performing as if he alone is immune to the ravages of age. This was no moribund performer.

The film gives us a lasting image of Jackson not only as he wanted to be remembered, but how we should remember him: the pop music and pop culture icon, whose skill as singer and performer knows only a singular rival, the equally talented and tragic Elvis Presley.

Jackson also appears far more in control as a performer on stage, and therefore comfortable in that environment, than off stage dealing with the drama and spectacle of his personal life. Whether instructing the concerts' music director on how to open "The Way You Make Me Feel," or discussing choreography with the shows' director, Kenny Ortega, who also directed this musical documentary, Jackson was very much in command of the London performances.

This Is It also provides glimpses into Jackson's warmth, generosity, and humanity, as he laughs at jokes during rehearsal breaks, encourages a guitarist to shine during her spotlight solo during "Beat It," and applauds the performers and crew for their hard work and patience in making his dream of a successful musical return a reality.

This Is It leaves no doubt that Jackson was only weeks away from staging a massive comeback for the ages that would have added a great deal of polish and luster to a weathered, tarnished career. That he never had that chance gives the film's finality a touch of melancholy, as well as the lingering question of "what if?"

This Is It refrains from asking for audience empathy, though, and holds steady its mandate as a joyous - and no doubt sanitized - celebration of a performer the likes of which we're probably never going to see again.

As rehearsal footage masquerading as a concert film, This Is It is rousing and uplifting. As the final piece of Jackson's legacy, the film is a powerful testimonial to the King of Pop and a poignant reminder of the brilliant talent taken from us far too soon.

This Is It opened Wednesday with a worldwide debut, including Toledo. The film has a limited run of two weeks before it's pulled from theaters on Nov. 11, though that deadline could be extended.

Contact Kirk Baird at
kbaird@theblade.com
or 419-724-6734.