Post by StevePulaski on Dec 14, 2009 7:09:16 GMT -5
Michael Jackson dances to "Smooth Criminal" in his film Moonwalker.
Rating 4/4 stars.
After seeing the new This Is It, I thought I'd go back a few decades to see a film released in Michael Jackson's heyday. Moonwalker breaks all rules and laws in the filmmaking book by creating such an involving and amazing special. It's completed in a phenomenal fashion all leading up to the highlight of the film. A triumph comic-book texture short entitled "Smooth Criminal" which I'll discuss later.
Besides being subject to jokes and media, we need to remember that back in the 80s everyone was into Michael Jackson. So having a movie on him named after his dance that only a handful knew was a big deal. The film is what you would call a montage of Jackson clips, so Ill have to do separate paragraphs to sort these out so I dont do block writing entirely. Though I may combine some since some are very short.
The movie opens with Michael Jackson singing "Man In the Mirror" at a live concert. He is covered in sweat and singing his heart out just to please his fans. Then it cuts to a kaleidoscopic view of MJ's career leading up till 1988. We see early clips of The Jacksons 5. From "ABC" to "Beat It", it's all there.
Then we get a short clip of "Bad", entitled "Badder". The kids are amazingly talented, doing back flips, front flips, everything while lip syncing key point of the MJ song. It was sort of unnecessary having this on the tape seeing as I didn't want to see kids sing one of my favorite songs. Sure they were lip syncing, but I would like to see my one of my favorite songs sung by the artist.
Followed by, my favorite of the film, "Speed Demon" which is MJ being bombarded by his fans who are claymation figures. The scene, is overall colorful and very upbeat. MJ acts natural, as if he has done this before (which he probably has). Overall, this is the best thing on the tape, so far.
"Leave Me Alone" is a heartfelt crowdpleaser, showing MJ dancing in front of a crowd, announcing to everyone who can hear him to, well, leave him alone. It's a catchy tune that is definitely and underrated portion of the film.
The next clip, is the main course, and the point of this whole film extravaganza. It is Michael Jackson, playing a superhero trying to stop Mr. Big (Joe Pesci) from drug-dealing crime boss with an army of henchmen. Michael Jackson, at the same time, is protecting Katie, Zeke, and Sean three homeless kids who spy on MJ. After escaping Mr. Big's clutches, MJ goes into the club and begins dancing to "Smooth Criminal" while defeating Big's henchman. Thats all you can say without giving anything away. It is a real standout from the movie and the dance choreography is stunning. Michael is probably the at his most lively stage yet, and not putting himself or dancers into any grueling treatment.
Then the last two segments are minor, though serve a purpose. "Come Together" isn't the greatest thing to come out of the tape. It is a little long, but still not awful. "Come Together" is a song originally written and sung by The Beatles being sung by Jackson here. In my opinion it should have stayed sung by The Beatles.
"The Moon is Walking" and the music video of "Smooth Criminal" closes this heartfelt film. My only complaint is that this movie is unsure of what it wants to be. First, it wants to be a documentary, then it wants to be a compilation of music videos and music clips. It jumps around and at points is confused. But for the most part, Moonwalker is a sensational movie that is sure too please MJ's fans.
Starring: Michael Jackson and Joe Pesci. Directed by: Jerry Kramer.