Michael Jackson: The Life and Times of the King of Pop 1958-2009

It's hardly surprising that various entrepreneurs have tried to capitalize on Michael Jackson's death in June 2009, or that their products were of dubious quality and questionable merit. That description certainly applies to this inoffensive but slapdash offering from filmmaker Wilson Ebiye, which adds precisely nothing to the King of Pop's legacy. Title notwithstanding, Jackson's “life and times” are almost incidental; instead, we're treated to the 911 call for help and scenes of the ambulance arriving at Jackson's Holmby Hills, CA, mansion on the day he died, followed by excerpts from the memorial service held at the Staples Center a few days later, where Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Al Sharpton, Usher, and various Jackson family members sing, cry, and pay tribute (some nice moments, all previously aired). Afterward, a “reporter” talks to some fans in attendance, whose penetrating insights include “it was amazing,” “he's an icon,” and “awesome.” Also included is some footage of Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, along with brief clips from such events as the accident during the making of a Pepsi commercial when his hair caught on fire, his participation in the “We Are the World” music video and performance at the 1993 Super Bowl concert, and his child-molestation trial. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (S. Graham)