Michael Jackson's "This Is It"

Sony released “This is it”, a documentary which traced Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for the would-have-been concert, this Wednesday on the 28th of October. The 112 minutes movie showed footage of the time between April and June when Jackson had been rehearsing for the “sold-out concert” which he was going to stage at the O2 Arena in London. The concert sadly never happened, but some intelligent minds and hardcore fans like Director Kenny Ortega and some Sony Pictures executives brought out this idea of the documentary film. The whole behind-the-scenes régale is a treat to every Jackson fan and brings alive the real charisma of Jackson.

The documentary shows the rehearsals held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center and the Forum. Sony paid $60 million to get the rights of the more than 100 hours of footage. Ortega, who had been the creative director for MJ’s Memorial Service, compiled the interviews, backstage extras and rehearsals into a film that a fan recounts was “overflowed with his energy, passion, and dedication”.

Keeping the global Jackson-appeal in mind this documentary was released in 99 countries including Japan, South Africa, Brazil, China, Norway and the U.S. (of course). Fans all around the world got to see their beloved “King of Pop” at the premiere on Tuesday night. Although the film started at an extremely late hour, fans still remained faithful to their Pop-Czar.

The midweek release of “This is it” earned $7.4 million in U.S. and an additional $12.7 million from around the world. The total grossing in the first day was $20.1 million. This is supposed to be the highest for an October midweek release. For the individual money-scores, U.K. turned out to the highest seller grossing $1.9 million, just a little before France with $1.4 million. The global phenomena can be seen as Japan, Germany and China followed France with $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $730,000 respectively.

These numbers, although, might still turn a sad face for the Sony producers as their sales projections were much higher than this. They had expected a return of $20 million only from the U.S. which was not achieved. It is now to be seen whether the next few weeks will bring in the expected returns of $30 to &50 millions or not.

But, looking at the whole picture, this is a tribute film made for the fans, by the fans, to the fans. Let us just let it remain there and not remunerate them.

What say?

John Travolta

Actor John Travolta will have to face an emotional testimony today. The Hollywood actor is one of the witnesses  at a Bahamas trial. The court officials have revealed that case has two people accused of trying to obtain a sum of US$25 million from the movie star

Soon after Travolta’s son died of a chronicle disease in the Bahamas, an  ambulance driver along with a former Bahamas senator allegedly targeted the actor. They have been taken into custody. A charge of postulating money in exchange for not bringing a document associated to 16 year old Jett Travolta’s treatment in public eyes, have been brought against them.

The Jury selection will begin on Monday morning. Travolta is listed among the prosecutors, who might be called to testify, as stated by Bahamas Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez. The trial, which will be held at the capital city of Nassau, has brought the city to spotlight again. Earlier there had been many such celebrity cases whose trial had taken place in this island chain off the Florida coast. In 2006, it was revealed by the court here that the death of Anna Nicole Smith’s 20-year-old son Daniel was the result of an accidental drug overdose.

Followed by an extortion complaint with Bahamas police filed by Travolta in January, the case had begun here. Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, have pleaded  innocent to charges including conspiracy to commit extortion. They tried to  revive Jett after he collapsed on January 2nd.

Travolta has reported that the duo threatened him with a document that would have brought out emergency respondents from any obligation if the family refused an ambulance. The defendants are now free on bail.

John Travolta

John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston got support from their close knit family and friends. Travolta and Preston are yet to return to normal life after their son Jett’s recent death. Jett’s private memorial service was held on Thursday,8th January.

The grieving family, including young daughter Ella Bleu, flew back to their home base in Florida for the moving service. Jett was cremated on Monday after an autopsy was carried out to confirm the cause of death.

Several Press persons and photographers surrounded the Travolta house. High security was hired to keep media intrusion at bay. Tom Cruise, a fellow Scientologist follower and several other well-wishers showered Travolta with strings of condolences. Tom Cruise was so full of grief that he found it real hard to find words to convey his grief on U.S. TV show The View, saying, “It’s horrific. Both of them are doting parents. Wonderful people.” Backstreet Boys star Brian Littrell has sent his condolences to John Travolta and Kelly Preston following the death of their son Jett.

Travolta and his wife have never confirmed about their son’s Kawasaki. Jett allegedly died following a seizure at the family’s Bahamas holiday retreat last Friday (02Jan09).

Celine Cawley

Celine Cawley’s funeral mass took place at the Church of the Assumption in Howth. Ms.Cawley, the 46 year old media executive was found brutally murdered at her home in north Co Dublin last week. She is due to be laid. The founder of Toytown Films, a leading producer of TV adverts was found with serious injuries at the rear of her home in Howth last Monday morning.

Her husband and business partner, 51-year-old Eamon Lillis, appeared in court charged with her murder. The case is under process. The couple have a a 16-year-old daughter, Georgia. Cawley’s husband is due to appear before Cloverhill District Court this morning.