Review #1
Michael Jackson is a revelation in these clips of rehearsal footage. His ability to micro-manage and bring together such a talented and varied pool of performers remains unwavered. Jackson's vocals seem to pierce through in a manner not seen since the HiStory tour (almost 15 years ago). The choreography for the dance routines shows a man more than able to compete with others fully half his age. His ability to retain an almost eeriely air of steel-armoured composure and in such a succinct manner remains a wonder to behold. The perfectionist in Jackson would have made the concerts (at least a fair number of them) a spectacular success.
Grade: A- (8/10)
Review #2
It remains without query that Michael Jackson retained a need to deliver the highest level of performance attainable, ensuring the final product would always be something to be cherished forever by the fans. Almost ten years spent out of the artistic spotlight (for a plethora of reasons, discussed exhaustively elsewhere) and now finally he BELIEVED that the songs that provided the platform for his former glory were ready to be rolled out again.
It was expedient as these songs mirrored a public outlook which would be dwindling towards various interests towards the environment, war, love for each other and so on. The film shows us that these 'interests' were paramount in Jackson's mind, especially as 'Man In The Mirror' was to be the ending note of the encore (a song Jackson had omitted occasionally during the troublesome HIStory tour).
What is the point to be made from this? Well, firstly, fifty shows was an unprecedented statement and more than doubled the number preformed by Prince (Jackson's artistic nemesis). I believe Jackson wanted to make these shows the greatest of his entire career, almost a two-fingered salute to those who had doubted him and seen/documented his downfall since his 'Thriller' heyday.
The footage here shows this to some extent, especially 'Human Nature' and 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You'. However, though the undiminished talent of Jackson cannot be doubted, this was very much a work in progress (not a shock considering the first date was three weeks away). One part of me believes that Jackson was a revelation in these rehearsals whereas the other believes he was merely marking out and warming up. Even if the truth lies somewhere in between, Jackson would NOT have wanted us to see these pictures unless they were perfect. No matter how faithfully and lovingly director Kenny Ortega compiles the footage to provide a tangible whole, the mean does not quite justify the end...
A hagiographic portrayal is more than understandable (from a marketing standpoint and as a goodbye present for us fans) but this is the same man who died days after much of this footage was taken and very little emphasis is put on the pressures and demands put on an artist who was clearly underweight and ultimately taken advantage off. It leaves a sickening taste in the mouth for sure, as under the bridal veil something far more evil lurked.
Grade: C (5/10)
N.B. The original purpose of the tens of hours of footage taken were for Jackson's private home collection and therefore not for us to see (no matter how great and loyal fans we may be). I haven't even made any reference to the cash grab this is (looking at Sony here, not the film producers) or how, without a crowd in the Staples Arena, the atmosphere at times is a little apathetic in nature (it's a rehearsal, duh!). But again this just reinforces the point that although Jackson is very good here (and at points, great), THIS IS NOT IT, it was merely the beginning...
Final Grade: B- (6.5/10)
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