​MJ’s magic the topic of second Jackson doc by Spike Lee

Spike Lee’s second documentary on one of the most unforgettable, electrifying, and controversial superstars of the 20th century doesn’t compare to the filmmaker’s finest nonfiction features. But the cumbersomely titled “Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall” celebrates an exciting transitional period in the performer’s life with plenty of visual and auditory fireworks.

o-produced with the endorsement and cooperation of MJ estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain, Lee’s film, which plays on Showtime Friday, February 5, 2016, keeps its eyes and ears on the music.

Lee refocuses our attention on Jackson’s recording legacy, reminding viewers that race-based discrimination was a de facto reality of the era in which “Off the Wall” emerged. And while the presentation of information is essentially a straightforward compendium alternating between new interviews with an eclectic roster of talking heads (from Jackson family members to David Byrne to Rosie Perez to Questlove and a bunch of key album contributors) and some tasty and eye-popping archival footage of Jackson from the estate’s vault, Lee recognizes the importance of Jackson as a black artist making a huge commitment to achieving mainstream acceptance and success.

Leading up to the creation of the “Off the Wall” album, Lee explains Jackson’s desire to emerge as a solo artist and distance himself from the groups associated with his siblings. The movie’s amazing stories of Studio 54, the unexpected popularity of “Ben,” and clips of the Jacksons on stage during the 1979 Destiny Tour keep company with accounts of Michael’s role as the Scarecrow in Sidney Lumet’s film of “The Wiz,” responsible for placing Quincy Jones in the path of an ascendant Jackson desperate to shake off doubts that he was a has-been child star with no future. It seems farfetched now, but Jackson’s lone “Off the Wall” Grammy didn’t even make the broadcast. It was presented during a commercial break.

Once the film reaches the section focused on a track-by-track analysis of “Off the Wall,” the most devoted will be wishing we arrived at that point earlier. Expectedly and deservedly, tunes like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock with You,” and “She’s Out of My Life” receive solid workouts, but Lee glosses over others – even if it is a “throwaway,” Paul McCartney’s “Girlfriend” is dispatched quickly and the title song certainly merits an even weightier examination. Followers of the Nick de Grunwald and Martin Smith “Classic Albums” rock documentaries hoping for super-nerd dissections of mixes and multitracks won’t find that series’ level of nirvana, but Lee digs deep enough to whet appetites.

The post-screening Q & A at the Sundance world premiere almost immediately turned to the possibility that Mr. Lee would complete a Jackson trilogy with a future installment focused on “Thriller” – a pretty safe bet. “Thriller” was unprecedented, but so was “Off the Wall,” a multiplatinum game changer for the twenty-year-old phenomenon and his growing army of listeners. After the sights and sounds of Jackson himself, the best parts of Lee’s film capture what it means to be a fan. Over the end credits, Lemon Andersen delivers his poem from Lee’s first “Brooklyn Loves MJ” birthday tribute in 2009, reciting in part:

Go find your spot in the parkSwing, slide, see-sawYou were our shot in the darkYou gave us a better night life51 years of victoryNow enjoy yourself, enjoy yourselfEnjoy yourself for me…

“Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, now plays on Showtime, and will also be available in special “Off the Wall” anniversary reissue packages.