Michael Jackson's This Is It

When the news dropped that King of Pop Michael Jackson had died at the age of 50, MJ fans worldwide went into meltdown.

Those with tickets to his sold-out concerts at London's 02 Arena were, perhaps, even more distraught because the comeback concerts that were set to re-ignite the megastar's career would now never take place.

Whilst it won't ever be possible to see Jackson in action again, thanks to director Kenny Ortega (the man behind the super-successful Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour) and the Michael Jackson Estate, the most extraordinary stage show that never was is brought to life in This Is It.

At 112 minutes, This Is It is a meaty, behind-the-scenes compilation of rehearsals, interviews and  hours of stage footage that shows Jackson and his team of performers getting ready for the hyped London shows.

For fans, it's a breathtaking insider look at the man and the madness that surrounded arguably the world's greatest (and most controversial) entertainer.

Dancers and band members gush at the honour of performing with their “inspiration”, while Ortega continually talks to Jackson in an almost paternal voice (“Is that OK, Michael? “Are you sure, Michael?” “Can we check that for Michael”).

And then there is the man himself. Aside from his all-too-evident physical frailty, there are continual flashes of genius from the man who was once the biggest-selling artist in the world.

His insistence on continually practising things that are wrong, his attention to pitch and tone, the strength and range of his vocals and the famous dance moves are all apparent... as is his firmness and humility in dealing with his team.

Jackson never talks to the camera directly, nor do we ever see any 'negative' footage of the artist, but it does give insight into the character of the most famous man on the planet and the immense effort that such a mighty production requires.

We will never know what platform and opportunities the London concerts would have given the star,  but it is clear that Jackson, contrary to press reports, was on form and and ready to give the comeback that he yearned for his best shot.

Lisa Porch