Michael Jackson - The Entertainer

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Remember the Michael Jackson who first shocked us with Thriller? While still undeniably one of the most talented entertainers in history, The Michael Jackson who recently passed away was not quite the same as the one-glove trendsetter we remember.

Jackson secluded himself from most of society, perhaps in part because of the media circus that surrounded him. From the child molestation court case to media rumors surrounding "Jack-O," life in the spotlight took a toll on Jackson and his music.

Back in the 1980's, Jackson was a trailblazer in sequin socks and a single glove. He continued to produce music for decades until his death, with mixed reviews. Some believe another collection was in production at the time of his death.

It's hard not to be curious about an icon like Jackson. Whether for the shock factor or due to sincere admiration of his music, most people couldn't get enough of Jackson. Few can argue that his passing was a tragedy.

Jackson's last recorded performance, a rehearsal for a planned world tour, is not available on the movie "This Is It." which was recently released on video. Fans will be happy to have one last performance given by the king of pop.

Reviews of "This Is It" have been very positive. Even critics of the pop icon have commented that Jackson's performance brought back memories of the more classic Jackson performances of decades past.

Jackson was 50 years old at the time of the video, yet danced like he did 20 years ago. While he was known to have been in a weak physical state, this was not evident in his performance.

An unusual aspect of this movie is its real footage. Because it was merely a recorded performance, the viewer gets the real deal - all the impact without all the effects. Whether you are a fan, a critic, or just a lover of music, you really must see this film.