MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT

The rest of us will discover a surprisingly moving last hurrah from the king of pop.

Slickly edited from extensive rehearsal footage, This Is It captures all the behind-the-scenes preparations for what would have been a series of spectacular concerts in London.

No expense appears to have been spared for a greatest hits extravaganza in which Smooth Criminal is given a Hollywood twist with Jackson dodging Humphrey Bogart’s bullets, additional 3D effects enhance Thriller and everything else is tweaked, changed and choreographed to add a little something extra.

Jackson appears humble and gentle. He doesn’t seem like a man near death as he dives into exhausting routines with nifty footwork and soaring vocals.

There are times when he seems a little tired and tentative but it was a rehearsal after all.

Strip away the weirdness, the accusations and the lurid headlines and what remains is a poignant portrait of an entertainer, singer and showman working his socks off to create the best possible concert.

No fan could want a better legacy.

VERDICT 4/5
(Cert PG; 112 mins)