This Isn’t It Is it poor taste to cash in on MJ’s legacy so soon? By Angela Espinoza o each his own; we strive to be individuals in the world. Some may be talented actors or musicians, while others may be gifted academically. But those lacking the support and confidence to nurture their gifts rely on the successes of others, from philosophers, fictional characters and, of course, celebrities. Many people take pride when they mirror the trends created by these “god- like” creatures. When stars rise, we follow their every move. They become a significant part of our lives. Sadly, as we all know, one of these stars shone for the last time this past summer. Whether you loved him, hated him, or just felt neutral, the death of Michael Jackson was one of those rare occurrences that brought the world to a standstill. On March 5, when Jackson revealed his first set of concert dates since 1997, long-time fans, music enthusiasts and media personnel were in awe. With a record- breaking demand for tickets, 10 dates were expanded to 50. Jackson spent months preparing for his big come back, promoting and training excessively. “This Is It” was anticipated to be one of the most prominent moments in recent musical history, venued at the O2 arena in London, with elaborate routines, state-of-the-art equipment, surprise supporting acts, and the King of Pop himself. The last rehearsal before his death was filmed in high definition and recorded audibly in hopes of releasing the content as a CD/DVD package. After his death it was decided that the would-be-DVD is to be released as a musical documentary about the production for the planned concerts, Michael Jackson's This Is It. Like the concert dates, tickets for the preview screening of this film broke several records for the speed and number of tickets sold. Fans camped out for several days in order to be the first to get preview tickets. These dedicated fans have the opportunity to see the film before anyone else, on October 27, one day before it’s official release—limited to a two-week run in no more than 15 cities worldwide. The release of This Is It is seen by many as Jackson’s final curtain call: a respectable tribute to a talented performer. Personally, I can’t decide whether I’m excited about this movie or not. The film is bound to be intriguing and will certainly have some enticing candid and personal moments, so why shouldn’t I be excited? Well, I’m what some people consider “stubborn”. For example, I’m a dedicated Nirvana fan, but I refuse to ever read Kurt Cobain’s published diary or play his character in Guitar Hero 5. Similarly, I also refuse to see the final cut of This Is It. Although I want to, I can’t help thinking that this film is just a shameless excuse to cash in on the death of another big name. The release of a two-disc soundtrack, production on Blu-Ray/DVD releases, the surplus of Michael posters and the unavoidable “Long Live the King of Pop” and “I <3 MJ” shirts in popular name brand stores isn’t exactly changing my mind about the issue either. I’m not saying the film is a bad thing; in fact, seeing it may change a few minds on how they feel about Jackson. It’s also comforting to know that portions of money made from all these products eventually go on to financially support his three children. Nevertheless, you probably won’t find me at This Is It, because until everyone can draw their own conclusions about Jackson without being influenced by the media’s “popaganda,” “this” will never be it. By Stephanie Trembath et excited, because this year marks Vancouver’s 28" International Film Festival! With a selection of 377 films, the festival takes place October 1-16 with contributions from over 70 different countries. Simple or strange, love stories or action flicks, exposés or fiction; whatever your film flavour may be you'll t be sure to find it at this year’s festival! { Established in 1982, The Vancouver Film Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Canada and North America. | The festival’s aim is to promote the art of film, to encourage better understanding of other countries through the art of film, and to further the film industry in Canada and B.C. Each year the festival separates the shows into a number of different categories to help narrow down the variety of films presented during the festival. Categories include “The Way of Nature,” with disturbing news on the pollution and destruction society creates, and the possible ways to reconnect with 14 Rte ee _ Catch me while you can: The Vancouver 2009 International Film Festival nature; East Asian contributor’s theme of “Dragons and Tigers;” “Spotlight on France,” portraying the achievements of France in the art of cinema; “Follow the Money,” entertaining films illustrating the financial mess the world is currently in; “Images of Canada,” representing our country; and the “International” section that presents original cinematography from around the world. Feature films for this season include Facing Ali; starring Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali and his most famous opponents in a recount of Ali’s career; Princess Raccoon, a playful comedy about a shape-shifting raccoon who turns into a princess and falls in love with a banished prince; and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Heath Ledger’s last film done in collaboration between Canada and the U.K. Showtimes start at 11 a.m. and run until 9 p.m. seven days a week, and can be viewed at select theatres throughout Vancouver. Tickets cost $8—11 depending on the film. Detailed show times, ticket pricing, and theatre information can be viewed online at Straight.com.