I am not a Michael Jackson fan, let’s get this straight. I didn’t cry when he “left”, I do know some of his music, but I am not a pop listener either. I go more towards progressive or sympho rock, so pop is far down on my choices list. And still I was intrigued.

When the “movie” started I was happy to see that we’re seeing footage with him and not some movie where an actor is playing his role (yes, I was that uninformed to not really know what’s going on in the movie). Saw some dancers do their best to be chosen for the shows, smiled when they said it’s a chance of a lifetime. Yes, it was.

Saw some of the “action” and rehearsals and found myself really enjoying the movie. They would work on any aspect and “MJ” was very strict with anything you can think of. Still his almost whispered voice and feeble speech made me realize the guy was never a “man’s man”, the type of guy who dominates with his attitude. He was licking a lollypop in once scene and, seeing him dressed like that and with that face, I laughed thinking ‘what a weirdo’. But the “kid” like guy was actually knowing his stuff. He knew his music well and I loved his ingenious solutions to make that one more step towards something special.

He didn’t fool around, he danced side by side with the dancing team, sang even when he claimed he should “save” his voice, worked hard and demanded perfection, with that feeble voice and 20 “thank yous” and “god bless” when the team would take his ideas on board.

All the musicians were thrilled to work with him. Even if he did push them to the moon and back, one cannot but respect such a musician. He knew his “sh…t”, better than many other artists, had imagination and all kinds of solutions. And worked like crazy to get that perfect solution.

I am not a fan, will repeat this. I don’t really enjoy pop music, but I loved this movie and how we knew to do his job. In this era when people who look OK think they can make millions by howling like idiots, when all kinds of girls with silicone breasts and less talent than my dog claim to be stars, this guy had a huge talent and worked his minds off. When most people make songs from computer software effects and are actually making money with this crap, MJ was MAKING MUSIC, had an army of musicians with him and was able to pick the cream of the crop in most “jobs” he had to cover for such a huge endeavor.

I was left with a sour taste in my mouth though. I was sad to know this guy messed up his career and life in such way, sad to see his life ended when I felt he had a lot more to say in music. This Is It will make you spend some pleasant time listening to some of his best work and admiring a job well done and a guy for whom less than perfect wasn’t an option.

The two brothers visit their old orphanage and find out from the penguin (mother superior) the orphanage is in danger. They owe $ 5000 in taxes, money the orphanage doesn’t have. So they decide to put their old band back together and organize and show that would allow to collect the money.

We travel in many sordid places in Chicago, Jake and Elwood are being pursued by cops, Nazis and another band, making the movie look like Mad Mad Mad Mad World.

If we strip the movie to these “bones”, then it’s not impressive at all, even if it does have its very funny side. But then, music comes in. For people who like some good soul / boogie / blues music, this is a delight.

Aretha Franklin is part of the cast, as owning a South Side soul food restaurant. James Brown is a preacher and there’s an amazing gospel scene, with dancing and everything. We have late John Lee Hooker performing in the street, the entire movie has an amazing soundtrack and all these musicians really bring it to another level.

It’s a “dated” movie, that’s for sure, if we think it’s been created 30 years ago. The 2 main heroes are funny and the rest of the musical cast is simply outstanding. A must see movie, especially if you enjoy that music.

Few nights ago TCM reminded us of Whitney Houston, when she still had a voice and a career, and Kevin Costner and one of the roles that helped him drive a more expensive car. When I saw the first scenes that helped me recognize the movie, I realized I am getting old. Some years ago they’d broadcast some really old movies (for me) and now this one. My oh my, am not 20 anymore.

But we’re not here to discuss my age and the frustration I have for this, but to recall a cute movie.

For the “serious” movie watcher The Bodyguard is just a “cheap” movie, something you really watch while waiting for something better on the TV. Filled with (good) pop singing and a stereotypical plot, the movie offers little for someone more into intense roleplaying. Whitney is the spoiled (bratty) singer with her own group of flamboyant and useless friends and employees. Phew, almost forgot, she’s not “whitney” she’s Rachel Marron (kinda rhymes with morron). Got the same amazing voice (I’ve always had a huge respect for her singing qualities, even if I am not a pop fan) and less passion for drugs. Well, Rachel is not married with Bobby Brown, maybe this would explain it.

Frank Farmer is the ultimate bodyguard. Made a mistake which resulted in Reagan’s entry in the Heavens and he’s still haunted by this. With no interest in any of the high-life, he’s trampling her entire lifestyle. Getting into some altercations with her “bodyguards”, making her regret the decision to hire him.

As the action is progressing, they fall in love (talked about stereotypes before, ok?) and she’s also facing a more prominent threat. Someone is trying to kill her and we need to wait till the end of the movie to find out who and if.

Since I have no intention of reinventing the wheel here and telling you how this ended (it’s been 17 years since the movie was made, I assume you did see it or at least read a synopsis), I’ll just tell you it’s been nice seeing the movie again. A relaxing, beautiful movie, nothing too “fancy” or serious, but still pleasant.

Hearing her voice on the soundtrack I couldn’t stop thinking about how stupid some people can be. Such an amazing voice, excellent career, all gone. Maybe we’re too simple to understand some of this stuff