A bizarre and opportunist piece of film-making.
2 Comments
11/06/09
Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
81
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:159
Fresh:128
Rotten:31
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: While it may not be the definitive concert film (or the insightful backstage look) some will hope for, Michael Jackson's This Is It packs more than enough entertainment value to live up to its ambitious title.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts, Live Concerts, Pop/Rock, Pop Music
Theatrical Release:28-10-2009
Synopsis: Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that... [More]
Reviews for Michael Jackson's This Is It
Difficult, odd, kind, obsessive and funny, This Is It finally offers us a very brief glimpse of the real Michael Jackson.
10/30/09
A concert doc without the concert, this airbrushed vision of Jackson’s final months doesn’t really tally with the tragic reality. Still, it’s hard to take your eyes off the King of Pop as he struts his stuff one last time.
10/30/09
As an exercise in wringing every last penny from Jackson's legacy, the movie may be a success. But if you're looking for a tribute to the man who once took pop to its absolute zenith, this most certainly isn't it.
10/30/09
One of the most spectacular concert movies ever.
10/30/09
The last song we're shown Jackson singing is "Man in the Mirror"; it's a shame the filmmakers did not take a cue from its lyrics to put together an uncompromising assessment of Jackson, rather than delivering another attempt to perpetuate the myth.
10/30/09
Strip away the weirdness, the accusations and the lurid headlines and what remains is a poignant portrait of an entertainer, singer and showman working his socks off to create the best possible concert. No fan could want a better legacy.
10/30/09
While it's not a particularly remarkable film, it's an entertaining backstage glimpse.
10/30/09
Not Bad, but not a Thriller either.
10/30/09
This Is It doesn't have enough revelatory, caught-on-the-fly footage of Jackson to raise it above the level of a well-produced DVD extra.
10/30/09
Because none of the footage here was ever intended for public viewing - only for MJ's library - the film has a unique and welcome authenticity.
10/29/09
A watchable, impressively edited documentary that won't disappoint fans but offers very little if you're a non-believer.
10/29/09
Die-hard supporters of Jackson will find much to admire in This Is It, however non MJ fans may find the movie's inability to reach beneath the surface of the singer unsatisfying, as well as troubled by the slightly grubby genesis of the movie.
10/28/09
It might have been far greater than this curious collection of half-baked moments suggests. We’ll still never really know.
10/28/09
The film is a fantastic monument to Jackson but it does us a dis-service by not giving us a sense of what made him die.
10/28/09
This Is It delivers neither the full-on Jackson stage experience or a revealing portrait of his complex mindset. Yet it does not dishonour his memory and you can’t deny the power of the music.
10/28/09
Top CriticUtterly engaging from beginning to end.
10/28/09
Top CriticWhile it reveals little about Jackson from conversation or dialogue, it offers some valuable insight into his character as a performer and showman.
10/28/09
A strange and ultimately underwhelming way to say goodbye to a troubled, talented performer.
10/28/09
Top CriticOrtega has applied himself studiously to his task, and the film is some recompense for those deprived by his death of seeing Jackson live.
10/28/09
Top CriticLatest News for Michael Jackson's This Is It
November 02, 2009:
Kenny Ortega Talks This Is It DVD/Blu-ray 
If you enjoyed "This Is It" last week, but wondered what was going to happen to all the footage that didn't make it into the final cut, Kenny Ortega has some good news for you:... More...
November 01, 2009:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: This Is It Tops Box Office Worldwide
Four months after his death, Michael Jackson was the king of the box office as his concert documentary This Is It thrilled fans opening at number one. But with no other new... More...
October 29, 2009:
Critics Consensus: This Is It Is Certified Fresh
This week at the movies brings only one wide release: the hotly-anticipated performance documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It, which captures the King of Pop in rehearsals... More...
October 23, 2009:
'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Featurette Unveiled
More...
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