Michael Jackson's This Is It
posted October 28, 2009 8:52 AM
A tribute to talent
"The Church of Rock and Roll!" yelps tour director Kenny Ortega as the crew rises to its feet for Michael Jackson's rehearsal of "Billie Jean." No question: to fans, Jackson was the messiah. And this documentary is his resurrection. This reverential but genuine before-the-concert film corrects the tabloid impression that Jackson spent his final days (years?) as a pill-addled hasbeen. Here, we see the master close to the top of his game—a feat for practice footage of a 50 year old who hadn't toured since 1997. This is his ’68 Comeback Special and audiences will show their gratitude at seeing the legend restored with thrilling ticket sales during its two-week run.
First, we must confront the legitimate fear that This is It is exploitative. Our recent post-mortem culture has given us cause for concern. (Google "Anna Nicole Smith.") If Britney hadn't survived her head-shaving meltdown, I'd boycott any producer who tried to gild her final project into a special event. But as the film's director, Ortega is as slaveringly solicitous to his subject as he is in the rehearsal footage where he appears. (Between helming the tour and this film, he also directed Jackson's Staples Center memorial.) 100 hours of casual footage were shot and the two hours we're given haven't a hint that Jackson will die of a painkiller overdose eight days before the tour crew decamped to England. This is certainly due to a legal clause between Jackson's estate, Sony and AEG Live that "footage that paints Jackson in a bad light will not be permitted." It might—just might—also be that Jackson was fine. (The flick doesn't do any favors for the doctor still hounded with a manslaughter investigation.)
For a man dismissed as a recluse, we here see his smooth teamwork as he receives compliments with '"God bless you" and offers criticisms capped by "With love. L-O-V-E." For a rumored heavy pill user, he's alert enough to vamp even a simple arm wave into eight small, crisp flourishes of shoulder, elbow and wrist. For someone on his last legs, he's less winded than his backup dancers who have 30 lbs of extra muscle and 30 fewer years on him—plus he's singing. And for a quick cash-in borne of financial desperation, Jackson's attention is on every single drumbeat of the show. (I wanted to kick the chair of a nearby guy who snickered when musical director described the King of Pop as "hands-on.") Based on his preparations for the show, Jackson sincerely believes he's creating a gift for his fans—even hooking up Swarovski with scientists in the Netherlands to make sure his sparkles are the world's sparkliest. He climbs out of giant spiders and halts prop bulldozers with a single, "Hooooo!" "We want to show them talent they've never seen before," he emotes to the crew. And for 44 years, that's just what he tried to do.
We're used to the idea that athletic live concerts are grudgingly allowed some lip-syncing. We even take it as the rule. But we learn that Jackson was committed to singing, and did so even through these rehearsals, apologizing for protecting his voice as he belts out an album-perfect chorus. Stretched out through these ten intensive practices (my rough estimate based on his outfits), that's dedication—especially with 50 exhausting concerts ahead. Those who never saw him live and only knew him through slick singles, videos and appearances get a tiny thrill from hearing the rawness that comes from his commitment to craft, those moments he skips a lyric because he's shifted attention to his feet.
I choose to take it as a sign of old-fashioned celebrity politesse that Ortega allows Jackson to be remembered for his talents. He's human here—at least, far more than we're used to seeing him—his worst fault is his affection for Christian Audigier and t-shirts with Popeye spackled in bling. To snipe that a pop star doesn't merit the reverential rank of Mother Teresa is petty (and proof one hasn't read Christopher Hitchens' savage takedown The Missionary Position). But the film doesn't ask experts (read: celebrities) to wax on about his worth. The only people that talk about him are the only people who should—the crew who knew him when he was at his most-Michael: performing for the public, the only constant in his life. Every hand on deck gets a turn, from the backup dancers who wept when they were cast, to Orianthi Panagaris (the 24 year old blonde lead guitarist that I want to be when I grow up), to the in-ear monitor audio technician given his due in the credits. Jackson is the star, but Ortega is clear that this isn't a one-man show. The tour Jackson called his "final curtain call" might be his last bow, but his inspiration lives on.
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Cast: Michael Jackson
Director: Kenny Ortega
Producers: Paul Gongaware and Randy Phillips
Genre: Documentary/Music
Rating: PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images.
Running time: 112 min.
Release date: October 28, 2009
68 Comments
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Karen said:
This Is It movie is a Must See!!! The best documentary this year bar none.It's inspiring, riveting ,bittersweet and funny.The world lost a genuis and great humanitarian. I am saddened by this great loss. Michael is still King. I did not want the movie to end.Run to see it!!!!!!!
October 28, 2009 4:56 PM
Louey said:
This movie shows a totally different side of Michael, shows you how a perfectionist he is and the funny side of him. What a joy to watch.
October 28, 2009 7:28 PM
Baigal said:
Wonderful movie. I wanna watch it again.
October 29, 2009 9:00 AM
raghuram said:
great movie ,it is a great treat to see michael jackson, he is fantastic , I am going to see once again .
October 29, 2009 2:37 PM
VwDrago said:
*** MUST SEE ***
This movie is a wonderful look into MJ's preparation into what would have been his upcomming shows in London. I walked away thinking WOW what a show that would have been.
What a legacy.
October 30, 2009 10:47 AM
Josh (cleveland) said:
I saw it Tuesday night Wednesday night and Thursday night...I will see it every night until it is no longer in theaters then I will buy 10 copies of the dvd..Yes I truely love MJ!
October 30, 2009 12:27 PM
Berry said:
This is such a good thing to show how MJ is a genius for his things. He is truly entertainer of all time and no one like him again.
October 30, 2009 2:57 PM
Lacey said:
Well worth it, I'd love to see it again!
October 30, 2009 9:55 PM
GaryM said:
i miss Michael Jackson so much till i cried after i watched his movie......... truly saddened by the lost of humble and divine soul.............. Now the critics and all those hypocryte,s will shut their mouth after watchin this movie...................... god bless u michael
October 31, 2009 4:04 AM
Ève said:
It's been the 2nd time that i watch the movie and it was even better then the first !!! If you don't already saw it i don't know what you're waiting for ! SO GO SEE IT ! it's REALLLY Good :)
October 31, 2009 9:27 AM
Jason said:
What an amazing performer. I never seen him in concert, but I can only imagine how amazing this tour would've been. I can hear the crowds yelling and screaming their adoration for this legend.
October 31, 2009 2:32 PM
Michelle from Toronto, Canada said:
Michael will live in our hearts forever, I saw the movie on Wednesday and I want to see it again, I am saddened by how the media bashed him for so long. What a talent! WHAT A WONDERFUR HUMAN BEING, HE WAS TOO GOOD FOR THIS CRUEL WORLD, GOD NEEDED MORE ANGELS AND I BET HE WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST OF GOD'S ANGELS.
October 31, 2009 4:15 PM
champaloux said:
KING of rock was : ELVIS
KINGS of pop were THE BEATLES
M.J. was simply a good dancer , not a great sngwriter/musician , not an instrumentalist but for sure a pedophile ! R.I.P. but don't forget victims !
October 31, 2009 5:21 PM
rechampaloux said:
If you don't like him why post here, this is about the documentary and are you kidding me? Elvis was living with Priscilla when she was 14 and he stole his music from black artist,did not sing his own songs and he did not write and you are dare to talk about MJ who chreograpghed, produced, wrote and sang? You are just biased and you need to grow up, if MJ molested you show us the prove otherwise get yourself a life and give credit where it is due, beside wasn't this about the mobei? Oh I forgot you probably haven't even seen it, but haters are ganna hate. And Liz and the fans named him the King of Pop. And you might just be right MJ isn't just the King of Pop, he is the KING of entertainment, ask the whole world, not just North America, they most likey will ask you who Elvis is in Asia, Africa, Middle Belt and South America.
The movie was great. Seen it twice already and it seemed better the second time than it did the first time.
October 31, 2009 8:04 PM
Agnes said:
Amazing. A true genius. And a lovely man.
We lost a true icon.
November 1, 2009 2:53 AM
navanice said:
Why do people hate so much? Michael Jackson was/ and will always be the best entertainer of all time. People need to realize that and quit with the old rumors, which were not even real. The kids who "claim" they were molested came out and admitted that their fathers just wanted money. Bad will come to them. I've seen the movie twice, bought the CD, and can't wait until the Bluray comes out!
November 1, 2009 6:05 AM
ghada said:
Im going to see it today in cinemas, and by what i have heard from almost everyone is that its really good and i can't wait to see it.god bless michael where ever u are hope u are happy love you who dosent :)x
November 1, 2009 7:57 AM
Marv said:
I just saw it and I loved it! I definitely want it on DVD.
I just kept thinking if this movie of rehearsals is this good then how great his show would have been! But I am so glad to get to see the behind the scenes footage like this. He knew what he wanted but was never a diva and always kind to everyone. You get to see the REAL Michael like never before!
I know that if Michael were alive he would never want us to see this but I feel like now he is looking down and is pleased that the world is enjoying his genius and not just London.
I smiled through most of it but the ending was very emotional for me. I felt a little raw because I just miss him so much and realize what a great loss he was to this world!
November 1, 2009 9:13 AM
justloveMJ said:
Michael Jackson is, was and will forever be a great man and entertainer, whose undeniable hard work and talent made him who he is today. The movie was great to see that he cared so much about us to go through the work he did to entertain US. I will see the movie again and definitely bye the DVD when it comes out. Only go if you want to have a good time.
November 1, 2009 10:19 AM
lourens said:
so good..
no words can describe what the real show must have been like. its surreal how this 50 year old man supposedly on heavy drug usage still danced the new generation away. he was a great conductor and a better performer. the movie shows critics that he was in the best shape ever. he did not want to kill him self he wanted to show the world once more what he does best. his perfectionism is just out of this world everything must be perfect but he never was disrespectful to anyone working on the show.
the world misses him!!
November 1, 2009 11:06 AM
Mary Ann said:
No One Is Better That Micheal Jackson U See People These Datz Tryiin To Be Like Him But Their Will Never Be Anyone Better That Him xx
November 2, 2009 1:34 AM
Anonymous said:
hi
November 2, 2009 5:30 AM
VINAY SONI said:
GOD HAS GIVEN US WOLRD BIGGEST GIFT IN MUSIC WORLD WHO ENTERTANIRE US ON THS PLANET FORM LAST 50 YEARS HE HAS DONE HS DUTY BUT UNFOUNTNATLEY FEW PEOPLES WHO WAS CAME TO MJ"S LIFE AND DESTORY HIM . HE IS A PIONEER OF MUSIC WORLD NO ONE CAN BIT HIM . I LOVE HIM FORM MY BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND GOD HAS SEEN THAT ON THIS PLANET WHO IS DESTORYING THE MY ANGLE . GOD WAS VERY UPSET WANT SEE THEM LIKE THIS . BUT I BELIEVE THAT MY HEART IS SAYING THAT ONEDAY IT WILL AGAIN MIRICALE WILL HAPPEN SURELY AGIAN MJ WILL COME IN OUR LIFE WITH MORE AND MORE MORE MUSIC ,JOY AND TRULY ENTERTANIRE IN THE MUSIC WORLD . GOLD BLESS YOU MJ WITH MY HEART .I LOVE YOU LONG LAST BREATH......
November 2, 2009 6:29 AM
Chloe said:
Woow it looks really ogoo
November 2, 2009 6:43 AM
Ravi Kumar Ledalla said:
Michael Jackson is a king and will always a king and special thanks to god who gave such a person to this world and he who is the ruler of music, all the way i wish his sole rest in peace for ever and i am sure his music and his name will be remain forever in this world
Long Leave My Dear King Michael Jackson
November 2, 2009 8:09 AM
casey said:
FAB!!! hes only 50 and a star singing and dancing a fantastic person should not had died
November 2, 2009 8:51 AM
ELIAS said:
I WACHED THE TRAILER OF M.J AND IT WAS A GREAT TRAILER I AN GOING TO WATCH THE FILM OF HIM
November 2, 2009 9:43 AM
Minny said:
What a great movie to watch. MJ, the King of POP. so sad, he's gone too soon. Will watch it again...
November 2, 2009 9:44 AM
ELIAS said:
I WACHED THE TRAILER OF M.J AND IT WAS A GREAT TRAILER I AM GOING TO WATCH A FILM OF M.J
November 2, 2009 9:48 AM
Tyra said:
I saw the Movie Tuesday night and was simply blown away at the talent this man still had. Michael didn't miss a beat.He still at 50 gave his 20 year old dancer a go for there money when he out danced them. As fans we needed to see this film to see that the media basically made MJ out to be a self indulging drug addict.The movie gives you another perspective of this genius of a man and and talent. Point being MJ still had it. He only wanted to get some much needed sleep. Bless you MJ and may you now sleep in peace my dear Prince!
November 2, 2009 10:57 AM
shoshahnnah said:
michael is so fine i wish i meet him before he died !!!! i love u michael
November 2, 2009 11:26 AM
Lily said:
Went to see This Is It! with my children who LOOOVVE him. Seen him in concert and sorry my kids will never. He's gone too soon, a talented superstar gone too soon. Rest in Peace MJ. We love you. xox
November 2, 2009 11:46 AM
ManUtd4eva said:
this documentary doesnt deserve a 5 star.. only reason everyone is gushing over it its because the dude is dead..when he was alive there was 9 people condemning him and 1 person standing up for him..now that he's dead there is 9 people standing up for him and 1 person condemning him..
the 9 people standing up for him were probably the same people condemning him when he was alive..what a bunch of hypocrites... the documentary is just as it is..mediocre at best..just like Michael Jackson was. Honestly speaking..how many people would really play michael jackson song while he was live? that dude cant sing..but he sure can dance...that about it.
November 2, 2009 5:18 PM
Min said:
Michael will live in our hearts forever.He is a kind man or like children and honesty.
we must be memory Micheal Jackson.
November 2, 2009 7:12 PM
Ever said:
If anything, this film simply proved how much we didn't deserve him. Someone like Michael could never have survived in a world as chaotic and evil as this one. "This Is It" shows us how lucky we were.
November 3, 2009 9:34 AM
willy said:
Great performances. Troubled person, so talented, King of Entertainment. Mixed up emotions, genius in some ways, a fool in others. Anyone who is black, tries to make himself white, goes through countless surgeries, was missing somehting. Never really grew up, except in talent. We have certainly lost a King and this production demonstrates just what we, the world, lost. I loved the show, loved Michael as seen in this production, but am mystified in his ability to survive in the real world.
November 3, 2009 12:50 PM
myself said:
The Best Movie since.....I can't remember !
they're talking about it for the Oscars !
Don't miss it !
November 4, 2009 7:00 AM
Savio Noronha said:
MJ was a genius and a realised being.
Its pathetic what the tabloids do to make money through blatant lies and ridiculous stories. He gave the world music which none in the past and future can compete with. Love you MJ.
November 4, 2009 9:18 AM
Cecelia said:
I saw this movie and I would give it a 10 star if there was such a thing. I thought it was the best thing I have seen in a long, long, time. Michael was very, very good for a 50 year old man. Looked and acted younger than a lot of people. He was in excellent form. Mean people can say what they want but, MJ will live in all our hearts forever. The ones that love him for his talent and his heart! What more can a person give? He will always been known for his generosity, as well as his loving kindness and heart. Everyone should see this movie.
November 5, 2009 1:27 AM
MB said:
This movie is a must see. To see Michael rehearsing for "This is It," what would have been his last concert tour is phenomenal. He was the greatest entertainer (dancer) and truly the King of Pop. He had such a kind heart and said everything with love. Michael Jackson will live in our hearts forever.
November 5, 2009 7:32 PM
LISA said:
Well i saw the movie it was wonderful words cant explain..but for all the bafoonies coming here talking SHI% about MJ Could go to hell and say whatever y'all want..well its tru that their is alot of people turn their back on him and all b/c he's dead everyone trying to play a role.they are two types of supporters the one turn their backs on MJ when he need them them the most and now they want to support him when he's dead and then you have the ones who stood by him no matter what had his back when was alive and in death well i have sopport MJ all my life in life and death So GO MJ IT'S A CELBRATION OF YOUR LIFE U DESERVE IT AFTER ALL THE PIGS DID TO YOU AND PUT U THROUGH I LOVE U NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY
November 6, 2009 9:11 AM
maliya said:
i luv u michael and i wll never forget u, plus u are alwaz in my heart and u are mi IDOL mi FUTURE U ARE MI EVERYTHING
alwaz your BIGGEST fan
luv -maliya age 12
November 6, 2009 9:55 AM
Anonymous said:
Have seen this movie 4 times will see it again tomorrow.Love it and cannot get enough of MJ.I only wish I could have seen him in concert. The world has lost the best entertainer that ever lived and there will never be another like him.He was all about the L.O.V.E and haters need to stop being ignorant and do their homework before commenting.DONT believe everything the media feeds you.
November 6, 2009 9:08 PM
Suzy said:
"100 hours of casual footage were shot and the two hours we're given haven't a hint that Jackson will die of a painkiller overdose eight days before the tour crew decamped to England."
Amy, I don't know where you are getting your information, but the coroner and autopsy report says he died from propofol intoxification, not painkillers.
November 6, 2009 10:30 PM
Julian morris said:
I am Michaels biggest fan ever my best song is smooth criminal. I wish michael Jackson never died because i was going to see his consert.
The king of pop is going to be in our hearts for ever. he said he only had two operations but i am not sure. i have got all of his out fits and his thriller coat. he is the best dancer the world has ever seen. and he has sold the best selling album ever. his music will live for ever
November 8, 2009 10:44 AM
Dawnetta said:
The recession has caused me to be more careful with my finance; however, I went to go see "This Is It" and glad I did, hope to see it again if given the opportunity. What a great film! I loved Michael Jackson. I stopped listening to public radio and television because of the constant lies made against MJ. I subscribe to XM radio and do not turn on my television. The only time I use it, is for movie rentals. I refuse to listen to mean-spiritied, zealous opinionate people. They are the source of what is wrong in the world today. I will always love Michael Jackson, may his legacy live forever!
November 9, 2009 12:09 AM
Kay said:
I saw the movie yesterday. Wasn't sure what I was in for (although feedback was good), and must say I thought the documentary was just fabulous. Creatively it was genius, often quite touching and a bit emotional, great muscians and overall just totally dynamic. Of course I used to dance to all his hits back in the 80s, they were the good ol' days. Why he didn't do this some years ago I don't know - well yes, it was probably all those parents trying to get money out of him. Such a gentle soul and obviously a person with a great heart, so sorry he had to endure a difficult childhood which ultimately took him back there in his adult life - he regressed. Good on you Michael, you're a legend and no-one will ever surpass your creative and musical talents. You were one of a kind!! Just fantastic stuff.
November 9, 2009 12:40 AM
rob said:
MJ was the best he will all ways live on no one can move like the king of pop
November 9, 2009 8:54 AM
Anonymous said:
**** you Michael
November 9, 2009 12:40 PM
daniel said:
this film is brilliant, about the last moments of michael jackson, he is the best and allways will be. rest in peace michael love you allwayz (LL):'(
November 10, 2009 12:22 PM
Nawal Alzoghbi said:
RIP King Of Pop Michael Jackson
Wonderful movie
November 10, 2009 3:14 PM
Annette said:
this was a great show to watch. I would watch it more that once. It is sad to think that we will never have the option to see him perform again. He is and always will be the KING OF POP.
November 10, 2009 3:22 PM
??? said:
i love michael jackson
November 11, 2009 1:18 AM
matthew said:
he is a lengand he has a good voice. How does he do the moon walk
November 11, 2009 1:38 AM
Renee said:
A very delightful and heartfelt movie. I am so thankful that Michael's parents gave their permission for Kenny Ortega to assist Michael in putting together the epic "This is it" concert for his hungry eyed fans. I have seen the movie, loved it and can't wait until the DVD comes out. A must see!!
November 11, 2009 11:18 AM
Dee said:
Micheal' talent is truly in a far grander scale than most couuld imagine. the whole crew s dynamic and exciting. kenny ortega did an outstanding job. I now look skywards and say Thank you Michael you gave us all so much you argold and brillant. I will miss you deeply & MY heart is broken but I will always smile thinking of you. This is a sure fire run away come OSCAR TIME. 5 STARS
November 11, 2009 12:36 PM
Aod said:
Hi all,
This is great movie.I like it.I feeling i dancing in the hall while i am watching this movie !!!!
I'm from Thailand.
November 11, 2009 8:46 PM
the king of death said:
if you didnot see this movie you are crazy because it is so beuatiful and ilove micheal preformance and ihoped to see MJ befor he died god bless you micheal
November 12, 2009 6:48 AM
re ManUtd4eva said:
lol. Go and rescue your dieing squad instead of telling us MJ cannot sing. At least you watched his movie and the fact you don't think it deserves 5 stars does not mean you have to agree with you. Any team that is buying Owen at this age is surely useless and expect to get more flogging from Chelsea and Barcelona. Name 10 artist male and female that can sing better than MJ? If you don't like him say it instead of telling us he can't sing you liar.
November 14, 2009 2:52 PM
re willy and anonymous said:
Anonymous we all know you mean "Love Michael Jackson" and we love him too. Willy even if MJ was missing something, he did not try to make himself white, he had vitiligo, why are people so ignorant to this disease and what it can do to a person?
November 14, 2009 2:59 PM
From Maldives said:
Wonderful movie. I wanna watch it again.
November 15, 2009 7:32 AM
titanium said:
the best documentary musical movie i had seen in my life. more info to Persians at : www.titanium-news.blogfa.com
November 17, 2009 3:46 AM
Darkkewlz said:
I'm a Fan, BUT!!
wake up, the man wanted no part of being black. Vitilio smillio, guess it rubbed off on his children that are his in name only?
Great movie, and he sounded great especially for a 50 yeRar old.
As for the fool saying he couldn't sing: you are an idiot.
As lead SINGER of the Jackson Five, and as a solo artiest, Michael sold Records and CDs, those things hold only audio. And Michael predated "AutoTune" so he is/was the reaL deal.
So pleAs shut up and go play your Britney Spears CD.
November 21, 2009 2:17 AM
J-P said:
Darkkewlz, Michael had vitiligo, if you want it or not. Its was diagnostiqued in 1984 by his own doctor, in 1993 during accusations and in 2009 in the autopsy. Its a FACT.
We dont know if michael wanted to be white or not, but what we know is that he had a desease.
RIP MIKE.
November 23, 2009 9:31 PM
kyle braddock said:
I wish hiy didnt die
November 26, 2009 8:57 AM
Thia said:
It will never be another MJ. Great performer, and just a kind hearted person. R.I.P. They can't hurt you anymore.
November 27, 2009 10:34 AM
tom said:
I think the film is boring and it makes me go to sleep
December 8, 2009 2:28 AM
Ivica said:
F..C all haters.Michael Jackson is the greatest
February 14, 2010 4:29 AM