Movie Grade: B

I'll admit I was somewhat skeptical going into this movie. I was thinking that this film would either be a Michael Jackson love fest or it would try to drudge up all the negative things from the late singer's recent troubles.

I was relieved to find that neither was the case: "This Is It" actually explores a third option that never occurred to me, and the movie is, in fact, It an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at what was to be Jackson’s final tour.

Using the tapes Jackson was recording for his own collection, the film interweaves rehearsal footage with the video elements that would have used in the concerts. Seeing the things they had planned, you can tell it would have been one great show. From an army of dancers for his “They Don't Care About Us” to green screening MJ into an old Humphrey Bogart movie for “Smooth Criminal," "This Is It" displays every facet of Jackson's talent, including a brand new 3-D element for Jackson's “Thriller." Fans of his music will also enjoy a wide variety of numbers that span his entire career; from the early days of The Jackson Five to "Billie Jean" and "Black and White."

I found it quite interesting to watch how involved Jackson was in the planning of the concert. It was obvious to me he was not just in it for the money. Jackson truly felt very deeply about his music and always wanted to present it in the best possible way. I said at the beginning that this movie was not an exercise in fluff aimed at trying to get the public to love the sometimes-controversial singer again. I don't think it was the film's intention, but for me, watching "This Is It" gave me a whole new respect for Jackson.

This film helped me remember what I liked about him in the first place: his music. I recommend this movie to anybody who feels likewise, or to anybody who enjoys behind-the-scenes style documentaries. Just don't be surprised if you start spontaneously breaking into Michael Jackson style dancing after watching this.