A final farewell to the King of Pop

Introductions are not necessary. We all recognize the name, we all recognize the songs, we all like to think we know the dance moves. Michael Jackson has reigned supreme as the most talked-about performer from the moment he burst into the spotlight. Whether he was being praised by millions or shrouded in scandal, nobody could deny the man's talent and dedication to his work. In the months prior to his death, Michael Jackson had been preparing his final series of live concerts, his magnum opus. "This Is It" is a collage of hours worth of rehearsal tapes and insight into the preparations behind this monstrosity of a show. It gives his fans one last chance to bid their goodbyes.

This film is a true testament to the power of editing. Director Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical 3"), who was also directing the stage show, had only the limited footage gathered from rehearsals to create the film. There were no second takes, no re-dos, and he takes this into account while making the film. The performances seen on screen are not perfect and sometimes take footage from different days for the same song. Despite this, Jackson's true fans will be glad to finally see how the performer dealt with his rehearsals, something usually held shrouded in mystery by the perfectionist.

As a documentary the movie succeeds wonderfully. It shows the inside and outside of what it takes to create a show of this magnitude. Equal screen time is presented to each aspect of the show, from the singers and dancers to the pyrotechnicians and costume designers. The director's voice can be heard as he tells the crew where to be and what to do as well as getting feedback from Michael. A great job is done in showing the evolution of the show. Footage is taken from the dance studio all the way to its implementation on stage.

Ortega was really trying hard to set the film up as the "would be" concert experience. The pacing flows as a show would and there is even time in between songs for the audience to clap, much like they would if they had been able to attend. The set list covers all of Jackson's number one hits as well as some interesting choices, which seem to demonstrate how Michael was feeling while preparing his last show. Your enjoyment of this film will really depend on how well you know Jackson's music and your opinion on the man. It offers one final goodbye and a chance for everyone to feel what it would be like to be in his concert. This won't change any thoughts on him or create new believers, but it is as the dedication says: for the fans.