This Is It?

Yes, it is. Like it or not.

Surprise. I liked it.

Granted this is not the Michael Jackson documentary I really wanted to see. In my humble opinion, the really entertaining story would have been a hidden camera look at the rest of his family on the days following his death, er, murder. The dirtbag dad looking for easy money. The old lady clinging to her baby and his (?) children. All the brothers and sisters fighting over who got to sit where in the limousines headed to the funeral. It would have been the comedy of the year.

But, "This Is It," comprised of lots of rehearsal footage for the farewell shows Michael would never do, managed to entertain me nonetheless. Granted, I am neglecting to remember quite a bit as I absorb MJ for one last time. Pedophilia. Insanity. Drug addiction. The guy is being inappropriately canonized, but, then again, it's not the first time some undeserving asshole has been embraced by the public. But, we're not talking politics here today.

I cannot deny one thing. Michael Jackson was musically gifted.

This film was produced by the Michael Jackson Estate, so it naturally paints him in the most positive light possible. Whitewashed. But, then again so was Michael, so it's all following the designated plotline. But, as you watch the alleged King of Pop working with the producers, the crew, the singers, and the dancers, you can't help but see somebody who is truly devoted to his craft. And assumes very much a team player mentality as they work hard on the musical production numbers no one would ever see in person.

If you're looking for moments of diva-ism, they are not there. Although clearly crafted from a loving point of view, the candid camera does not lie. At least, with these folks on this bare Staples Center stage, Michael was a good guy. When there is a screw-up in a number or with a lyric, Michael doesn't explode. He keeps saying over and over. "That's why we rehearse." There are some genuine moments of kindness and professionalism that I truly did not expect.

This London show was destined to be a humdinger. Most of the background videos had already been shot. Michael cavorting with Rita Hayworth from "Gilda" or Humphrey Bogart in old film clips. A 3-D version of "Thriller" with the wonderful Vincent Price back from the dead one more time. "Beat It" performed with Michael scarily aloft on a cherry picker.

Still, it's the simpler moments that I really enjoyed. A sweet duet with one of the girl background singers. Working on choreography with some of the male dance team who would be propelled from holes in the stage like your morning raisin toast. The ultra-respectful words of advice he gives some of the musicians. For one song, Michael tells the music director that he wants an intro to sound like "somebody getting out of bed in the morning."

That jarred me back. There was one last morning where Michael himself didn't get out of bed. And, at the end of that day and his days, it was really all his own doing. But, at least, with this movie, you can put all that aside. And do the only thing he wanted you to do. Listen to the music.

A word of advice on seeing "This Is It:" Choose a theater in a decent neighborhood. I saw it in Westwood. The audience was quiet, appreciative, and applauded nicely at the end. But, I have heard tales of some screenings in, well, some less than nice areas. The audience screams constantly. Talking to the screen. People coming in costume, complete with sequined gloves. And sobbing throughout.

You get the gist, right?

Dinner last night: Grilled ham and cheese panini from Clementine's.

And tomorrow: Deep from the heart of Dallas, Texas. With a very different Wednesday rant.