'This Is' A Hit

For me, Michael Jackson will always be a hit.

I saw the documentary Tuesday night, and MJ's performances, even while rehearsing were phenomenal. Yes, he was a brilliant dancer and singer, naturally gifted, but let's remember he was also 50-years-old. Pretty amazing. And in many moments, incredibly moving and sad. He left us too soon.

I talked to "This Is It" director Kenny Ortega, as well as the tour's choreographer Travis Payne and musical supervisor Michael Bearden, yesterday and willl post the interview soon. But, for now, I will say this, all of these men loved working with Michael, and all were in awe of his talent and perfectionism (which you see in the picture as well -- there's a wonderful moment in which MJ tells Beardon to play the beginning of "The Way You Make Me Feel" like, as Jackson says, "you're dragging yourself out of bed.") They also saw his human side and felt protective of MJ. Whoever might suspect this picture exploitative will be surprised by how much a touching curtain call the film really is.

A chronicle of the 50 shows Jackson had booked to perform for millions at London’s Millennium Dome -- his comeback after 12 years, "This Is It" is a beautiful celebration of MJ. And having worked on his Opus book, and really studying the man's dancing (I wrote three chapters, one entirely about MJ's dancing) and beyond the love and joy it's brought me since childhood, I grew misty watching those kicks and hoots and crotch grabs and pure beautiful grace. I would stare at his feet, I would notice every subtle move. He truly was Fred Astaire, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and Gene Kelly rolled into one. And of course, pure MJ.

And fans will love the movie. It's already performing fantastically.  Studio estimates place late-night screenings of "This Is It" at $2.2 million for the North America box office. Sony has called the returns "unprecedented" for a Tuesday in October. The picture opened in 99 countries, expanding its release Wednesday. Sony is already expecting "explosive" box office. The movie is only running two weeks. I certainly hope they extend that release. I'm going to see it again.  I suspect many return viewers.

Rest in Peace Michael. And...Viva MJ!