I know that not everyone is a Michael Jackson fan but I grew up with him—I mean we were almost the same age! We had to be out of the house for an open house on Saturday so I “suggested” we go see the documentary on his life during that time and since we had seen all the other movies that we were interested in that were showing the hubby agreed! So off we went! I anticipated a huge crowd but I guess Mason City is not in the population that loved Michael Jackson or something because good grief—there was hardly anyone there!

But I am glad we went. It was worth it and it made me a little verklempt (thanks to Mark Ralls for that vocab word) while I watched it. It was not a movie in the usual form but a documentary with clips of rehearsals, short interviews with some of the musicians and dancers and all in all an overview of what the This Is It tour would have been like. I am sad that he was not able to do it. It would have been nothing less than spectacular.

We were both overwhelmed with the talent, the creativity, the imagination and professionalism that went into the making of the tour. It boggles my little mind to think of how they had the knowledge and skill to put it all together. Amazing. Simply amazing. The dancers were amazing and to think that they were hand picked by Michael himself—what a testament to their ability when one of the best entertainers of all times says “you’re the one I want on stage with me”. Wow.

There were also increcible musicians that were a part of the tour including the keyboardist/trumpetist Mo Pleasure. Now you GOTTA love a guy with that name! Honestly! And perhaps one of the persons who was best showcased was 24 year old Australian guitarist Orianthi Panagaris. Wow. You have to find some of her stuff on YouTube or buy an album. She jammed with Carlos Santini among others and played with Carrie Underwood at the 2009 Grammies. That is where Michael saw her and asked her to be a part of the tour. Amazing talent.

I was happy that the film was positive and focused on the good things and not the sadness that MJ just have had throughout his life. Of course there was drama surrounding him in the past years but I am focussing on the positives in his life and not the drama. Suffice it to say I enjoyed the movie, the music, the staging, the presence of the self proclaimed King of Pop. Amazing talent taken too soon.