14 DAY TRIAL // “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” the docu-film made of footage shot during rehearsals at the Staples Center for the London’s O2 Arena shows, is scheduled to drop at the end of the month. While fans and the media are nothing short of psyched about the release, reports are coming in that the Jackson family – parents Katherine and Joe, in particular – are not that pleased about the idea, as TMZ informs.
As the celebrity gossip e-zine / paparazzi agency puts it, something is not right in Jackson land. Word on the street has it that all members of the family have been extended invitations for the premiere and have even been offered the possibility to see the film during a private screening, both of which they have turned down. Meanwhile, Michael’s mother, Katherine, has reportedly made up her mind not to see the film at all, while father Joe is saying “This Is It” is bad and will be thrashed by critics.
“Fact is ... Katherine doesn’t want to see the movie. She tells TMZ as far as she’s concerned it’s not a real movie because there is no acting – just rehearsal footage. But we’re also told Jackson’s three kids have been telling Katherine they want to see it... bad. Joe Jackson insists ‘This Is It’ is mostly body doubles and ‘the media is going to tear this movie apart.’” TMZ writes, after speaking to members of the Jackson family and their representatives.
As it happens, Joe and Katherine are not the only two to disapprove to some extent of the “This Is It” film. Just recently, sister La Toya Jackson subtly put in her two cents about the release, by saying that she knew for certain Michael would not have liked the film because it was made of rehearsal footage. She, however, said that at least she was happy one of Michael’s singles was getting airplay – referring to “This Is It,” the recently released track –, because that kept his legacy alive.
“You know what, that’s a very, very, very good question.” La Toya said when queried about whether Michael would have liked the film. “Truthfully, my opinion – no. Michael always wants to give his best. This is a rehearsal. He wasn’t giving his all. He loves to give his all always. That’s just the way he is. He wants people to see him at the top of the ladder and not half-stepping because he doesn’t want to do a full-out rehearsal.” the singer added.
Be that as it may, the Jacksons have no intention of blocking the theatrical or DVD release of “This Is It.”