A TALE OF TWO MUSICALS

Well, Cinemammals, today for your delight and general amusement, I have 2 films for you. The first is the much-ballyhooed, MJ flick, THIS IS IT, directed by KENNY ORTEGA the second is PIRATE RADIO, directed by RICHARD CURTIS. Now, these movies, really aren't musicals, in the strictest sense of the world, but they'll have to do until ROB MARSHALL'S NINE, comes out.

Alright, now I'll be honest with you. I thought the MICHAEL JACKSON, film, THIS IS IT, - which is composed of rehearsal footage for his concert tour, which as we all know never happened, was nothing more than a naked ''cash grab,'' and that I would shun it the way I would the new SARAH PALIN, memoir, (she's a rogue, like I'm a squirrel).

I have to say, I was wrong.

It is a fantastic film. His dancing alone is worth, the price of admission. One forgets, what a phenomenal, dancer he was. His body is so fluid, he is like rubber. Also, to see the joy on his face as he dances is so wonderful and of course, so sad. The editors do a fantastic job, of combining the footage into a seamless, coherent whole and I was enthralled throughout.

Now, from the sublime...

On to PIRATE RADIO. Now, let me preface my remarks, by stating that it's director and co-writer, RICHARD CURTIS, has been involved with some of my favourite entertainments. From BLACKADDER, to FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, to NOTTING HILL, to one of my personal faves, LOVE ACTUALLY, he has always provided smart, funny entertainment. With this film, he has provided a kick-ass soundtrack, but not much more.

Even surrounded by members of his usually reliable, rep company: BILL NIGHY, RHYS IFANS, EMMA THOMPSON, as well as yeoman's work from PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, PIRATE RADIO, founders on the seas of banality. To be honest, I did laugh a few times at this tale set in the 60's about a pirate radio station in Britain, that provided rock n' roll, in those repressive times, from a boat in the water. Also, I'm sure KENNETH BRANAGH, had fun as the scrooge-like Government toady, who tries to shut the operation down. One reviewer likened it to a sub-par ''carry-on,'' movie, I'll second that emotion. It is too long, padded with too many music montage shots of grooving teens and nuns and not enough funny!!! Better luck next time MR. CURTIS.

And as for next time..

T.T.F.N.