This is NOT It…

Michael Jackson’s new film (can we even call it that?) opened this past week to plenty of hype and the top box office numbers over the weekend. I’m afraid “This Is It…” revealed more about the American public than it did about the man himself.

Let me explain in detail.

Better Off Dead

Can we finally all reach an agreement that most controversial “has-beens” are better off dead. Let’s face it…five years ago no one cared about Michael Jackson. We had all finally reached a conclusion that Jacko was a strange, twisted little man who just wanted his peace and quiet.

The proposed upcoming tour was suppose to restore his image but instead we received a tainted, over blown portrayal from the media after his death. Jackson died, the explanation as to why became a circus, and then the media crowned him poster boy of ’09. Jackson was no longer this strange ‘white’ dude but now a pop sensation and a hero. Jackson was beloved again. Al Sharpton wanted to create a national holiday in his honor. Thousands attended his funeral and thus also made that a circus.

Now we’re suppose to believe that this film, an actual collection of just raw footage and material from his rehearsals is the final hurrah similar to Tom Hanks send off in “Saving Private Ryan”?

Get real.

Sadly, we all wrote Jackson off as a nutcase during his last few years on earth. Now that he is dead, it’s acceptable to like him again.

Dead Celebrities are Huge Money Makers

I was in Wal-Mart the other day and I saw a collection of Michael Jackson posters for sale in the kids department. Oh that makes sense! Let’s sell a poster with some strange looking dude to children because they see his face all over the media. Surely then will they appreciate his musical brilliance! I mean, I know for a fact they all grew up enjoying all his classics.

A lot of people have banked on Tupac Shakur’s death for years now, and if MJ’s paranoia for death was as great as Pac’s, I’m guessing dudes would pound out record after record of unreleased music for years in the future too. But you don’t need the music because there are t-shirts, posters, and bumper stickers dying to be sold.

I truly feel bad for the Jackson family, but I do believe (whether they comprehend it or not) are turning their son/brother into a marketing ploy while greedy businessmen laugh all the way to the bank.

The American Public Will Bite Anything You Feed Them

Now for the ultimate test. Imagine filmmakers trying to pitch an idea about a film showcasing Jackson’s incredible talent to studio executive’s five years ago. Do they take the bite? I don’t think so. Why? Because Hollywood will only purchase what they think will sell. Rock and Roll sells. Sex sells. Michael Jackson five years ago? Not a chance.

What about an uplifting story transforming Jackson’s sad spiral downhill to one of restored fame thanks to the hottest tour this year? You’re right! Robert Downing Jr. would be perfect!

Now Jackson is dead and the average American public “has to see this film.” Joe Jackson believes the film is “Oscar worthy.”

Maybe the film is really good? I don’t know because I haven’t seen it.

I do know I refuse to be the next sucker who flocks to a theater while others take advantage of emotions (and the average naiive American) just like they did after 9/11.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t support Jackson or feel remorse for what happened, but were you honestly a fan? Sure you liked a song or two, but five years ago would you have went to a movie that featured Michael Jackson?