10 MJ Projects To Get Ready For The Movie

 

We are a week away from the highly anticipated release of Michael. The biopic of Michael Jackson, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying him. If you know me, you know MJ is one of my favorite artist. So, while you've been getting ready for the film by listening to your MJ Playlist. Or picking out cosplay costumes, I'm providing some material for your viewing pleasure.

10. The Legend Continues

This documentary originally aired on the Showtime cable network in 1988, and was narrated by one James Earl Jones. It provided some context on MJ's life, creativity, and success of his albums. From his time with the Jackson 5 up to his BAD album.

Once again YouTube saves the day.

9. Captain Eo

From 1986 to 1998 MJ had a theme park ride/experience at Disney theme parks. Featuring a short film where he played a space pilot leading a motley crew on a mission. The short film was a companion to a theater ride at the parks.

After his death in 2009, Disney revitalized the ride in 2010 as a tribute to the legend. Keeping it in parks until 2015, and the short film magically appeared on YouTube.

8. This Is It

During rehearsals for his planned London run of shows. MJ had everything recorded and documented, so a year after his death. This Is It was released in theaters. Documentinting rehearsal footage with interviews from performance and crew members.

Giving some insight into MJ's creative and artistic drive. How much of a perfectionist he was on stage, and some subtle clues about his health before his death.

Since the biopic debuts this month, you gotta pay on any streaming app if you wanna see this one.

7. Ghosts

Ghosts is a short film and dare I say spiritual continuation of Thriller. It has become a Halloween staple in my household. Originally conceived as a short film to accompany  and incorporate parts of 1993's Addams Family Values. 

That plan was dropped and the short was released in 1996. Following a angry town mob led by The Mayor (played by Jackson), intent on kicking the Maestro (also played by Jackson). Out of his home and the town, well The Maestro has other plans.

Interesred in seeing it YouTube is your friend here

6. Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown To Off The Wall

This 2016 documentary directed by Spike Lee (who directed They Don't Really Care About Us music video, and Bad25 documentary). Focuses on the creation and impact of Michael's debut solo album Off The Wall. Featuring interviews by those who worked alongside Jackson and who were inspired by him.

Sadly this isn't readily available to watch anywhere.

5. Live In Tokyo

Michael Jackson's Bad Tour was a world wide tour which I believe at that time, was the highest grossing tour ever. I first saw the concert around the time of his death, thanks to some downloading from the likes of Frostwire.

Watching this concert, if you never saw a MJ performance before. Would show you why he was so captivating and one of the greats. He gave everything he had each night.

You don't need to download when YouTube has the whole concert, ready to get you dancing.

4. Jacksons: An American Dream

When it comes to TV-movie biopics Jacksons: An American Dream is the creme de la creme. Following the Jackson family story from Joe and Katherine first meeting up to the Victory tour. With a lot of singing, dancing, and drama thrown in.

Released in 1992 on ABC network, it has received non stop airplay over the years on VH1, BET, hell Tubi even had it for a long time. If you havent seen it by now, not sure what to tell you.

3. Live In Buchacrest

I remember seeing this concert on HBO when it debuted in 1992, in support of his Dangerous album. I think it was a Saturday night which usually was reserved for new blockbuster films, HBO was airing for the first time. Just to give you an idea of how much things have changed.

Anyway, much like his Tokyo concert MJ put on for this concert. Adding more effects and energy, and being a few years older I'm not sure how he maintained that energy all the time.

My only gripe is Remember The Time wasnt performed.

If you're ready for some high energy exercise here you go.

2. Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration 

In early September 2001 a two night concert was held to celebrate MJ's 30th anniversary as a solo artist. Counting his song from the 1971 film Ben as his solo debut. CBS aired the concert in November of that year, editing footage from both nights.

It featured modern artists performing hits from his Jackson 5 and solo albums, as a tribute. As well as MJ performing his biggest hits and at the time the fresh single You Rock My World, from his Invincible album. And being on stage performing with his brothers for the first time since the mid 80's.

Again, where would we be as a people without YouTube.

1. Moonwalker

1988's Moonwalker is a very interesting project/film. The first half is a random assortment of short clips and music videos highlighting MJ's popularity, Fandom, tabloid criticism, and much more. While also including clips from music videos from his BAD album.

The later half is a short film which includes the music video for Smooth Criminal as the centerpiece. Jackson is a average guy trying to save children from a local drug dealer played by Joe Pesci. Who has a military style army of henchmen at his disposal. All Jackson has is his dance moves and shooting stars in the sky.

It's actually better than it sounds, and well worth the watch.

You can pay $6 to rent it on Prime, or enjoy it on YouTube