This Is It

Amidst fedoras, sequinced gloves, and other MJ memorabilia, I sat in eager anticipation at the advanced screening of This Is It (by My33). I felt like a little girl who was nervously awaiting her favorite (& legendary) performer take center stage at the concert of a lifetime that she would never forget. So close to the stage, she would retell the story over and over to her kids, grand kids, and great grand kids.

For anyone that believes in love and believed in Michael, this film is for you. For all the haters and those who tried to bring him shame, it is even more for you. For those who never understood, it is for you. This Is It is for the world.

The beauty of this movie is not that we can see Michael rehearsing and enjoy his music again, although I assure you everyone in the theater truly enjoyed the performances; the thing about the movie is that it reveals the Michael that everyone wanted to know but had no means to do it. His eccentricity, perfectionism, and passion for his art and what motivated him is what really shines here. We already knew and loved his music, that's not new, but we didn't all know to the extent that he wanted to do it for us, his fans.

"I want it to sound like how I wrote it...how the audience hears it," MJ tells the music director when they're modifying one of the songs.

The film truly showcases MJ as the musical genius and dedicated and talented performer that he was, and what he meant to the music and dance community. The film takes you through auditions, rehearsals, pyro sets, and the filming that was going to be a part of the actual concert performance. The stage production was spectacular; this was going to be the show that would have everyone talking about it for years. The choreography, digital effects, costumes, music, everything was at its best, just like Micahel asked.

I always dreamt of going to a MJ concert, and now I feel like I did. The film brought the audience together and felt like a real concert with everyone singing, clapping, and cheering. It was a wonderful experience.

Michael wanted to share a message, This Is It.

MJ, may he rest in peace, as his music and love live forever.


-------- a fan at the screening won a soundtrack CD for best costume






PS stay through the end of the credits ;)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Stepfather

Last night I attended an advanced screening by My33 of "The Stepfather," and I am so glad I didn't pay for that ticket!!

Ok, first let me say that I hate being scared. I can't sleep at night, the paranoia is just intolerable. I should also warn that I am very easily scared. I saw "The Ring" mostly through my sweater, and I screamed and jumped countless times. But, being the masochist that I am, I agreed to go see Stepfather.

Now I've never seen the 1987 movie, but I can assure you that if it's horror, thrills, and fright that you're after, PLEASE skip this year's version.

Now, don't get me wrong, the acting was good quality, and the storyline in and of itself is plausible/amusing, but the execution failed miserably at delivering an exciting, suspensful film.

Why? This couldn't have been a more cookie-cutter "scary" movie. Not one single scene/incident was unpredictable. And the character of the stepfather even came off foolish and his secret sins were messy.

I mean, I know if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but I think this level of predictability certainly needs some work. The music, the clues, the situations, spice it up a bit please!!!!

The only somewhat exciting (although still predictable) part was the final chase between the son and the stepfather.

I actually found myself laughing (not nervously, but mockingly) at various points, and was just happy to see the whole thing come to a [predictable] end. But I do pray to the movie gods that they bury it there and do not produce a sequel.

For those completely unfamiliar with the plot:

A son, Michael, returns from military school to find his mom engaged and living with his soon-to-be stepfather, "David," As they get to know each other, Michael grows suspicious of David's intentions and identity, especially after noticing the great resemblance to a most wanted killer known for murdering his new family.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone