Is That All There Is?

The hype surrounding the Michael Jackson concert documentary "This Is It" has been deafening for months. So it's almost impossible to live up to the expectations.
But is it worth seeing?

The movie is more of a historical curiosity than anything. The film is culled from extensive rehearsals for Jackson's comeback shows in London. Jackson is in all but about 15 minutes of the movie. And when he's on stage there's a workman like quality to his performances. It's like he's desperately trying to regain his old magic but doesn't quite know how to do it.

He only seems to truly be having fun during a couple of sequences working with dancers and musicians behind the scenes. During these scenes Michael Jackson flashes a genuine smile, and seems to enjoy helping the musicians and dancers tap into the soundtrack he hears in his head.

But when he's on the stage, the smile is strained and the moves seem strangely out of sync with the rest of the music on the show. He seems a shadow of his former self. Jackson misses cues, has a hard time adjusting to his earpiece and offers vague commentary about how he's got to just feel the cues, and the need to let things "sizzle" on stage.

It's interesting because it was his last performance. But his albums are a far better representation of the man's musical talents.

All in all this is for only the most diehard fans.

"Michael Jackson's This Is It:" C

You can watch my review online here...
http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=64072@wbbm.dayport.com