OK for kids 10+
Concert film documents King of Pop's final labor of love.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this hugely anticipated Michael Jackson concert movie is age-appropriate for King of Pop fans in the older tween range and up. Expect a few of Jackson's standard suggestive dance moves (there's plenty of crotch-grabbing, for instance) and some potentially scary images (especially during a new, over-the-top "Thriller" sequence), but there's no swearing, drinking, smoking, or violence. Although the film chronicles the singer's rehearsals in the weeks and months before his death, the event itself (and the surrounding media circus) isn't specifically mentioned. Directed by High School Musical's Kenny Ortega, it's a compelling and even surprising look at Jackson's final days; any hint of exploitative ghoulishness is quickly dispelled by scenes of a talented performer who was still very much on his game.
- Families can talk about why Jackson still mesmerizes so many people after all this time. Was it his talent or the mystery of his persona? Or both?
- In the film, Jackson seems to have a different demeanor from the way he usually appeared in public. Does this show that he cultivated a certain image? How do you think his enormous fame affected his personal life? Do you consider him a role model?
- There's been some backlash connected to the movie. Is it, as some critics have said, exploitative? Or a testament to Jackson's legacy?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite concerns from some that the movie is exploitative, when taken on its own, it's a surprisingly tender, disarming view of an artistic genius coming out of hiding. Jackson's talents shine through, as does his famously genteel demeanor. The affection, respect, and esteem that the dancers, musicians, and crew members have for him is palpable.
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Role models: Much has been said of Jackson's supposed dependency on drugs to function and how frail he was near the end of his life -- and he certainly looks it here. But what comes through most in the film is his enormous talent. Also, his gentleness, which he uses to convey his ideas without a bull-in-a-china-shop attitude. The other people featured in the movie (dancers, musicians, etc.) are all enthusiastic, hard workers who feel privileged to be taking part in the concert.
What to watch for
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Violence: The "Thriller" segments include some potentially scary images (people dressed up like decaying corpses/zombies, actors coming out of buried graves, floaty ghosts, etc.). It's not as intense as it would have been in 3-D (which was the plan for the concert), but young kids could easily be frightened. Another segment includes images of a destroyed rainforest burning and a young girl being threatened by a large tractor-like machine.
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Sex: Some suggestive dancing and plenty of Jackson's signature crotch-grabbing during choreography/dance scenes. Some dancers are scantily clad in a few sequences, but it's mostly for the sake of ease of movement.
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Language: A couple of uses of the word "booty."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Michael Jackson's This Is It. Grade: A. (Based on advance VIP press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Michael Joseph Jackson may have departed(on 25 June 2009 at age 50) but left behind his performance/music legacy as showcased in this 111-min concert documentary(from March - June 2009) on the staging/creation/development, choreography, training and rehearsals of his This Is It concert series. A total of 24 songs were presented in this film, and a hypnotically thrilling new THRILLER segment was exuberantly presented - as were several shot-on green-screen music video segments.
For the real deal on Michael Jackson, this is it - the movie gave us a front-row seat, stage-side views, on-stage experiences, and behind-the-scenes look at the Artist, Performer, Dancer, Perfectionist, Eco-conscious environmentally-caring, and humble sides of the multi-talented King of Pop who poured high levels of dedication/efforts into his craft and artistry, and how he elicited and expected the same from his musicians, dancers, and production team.
VERDICT:
A Must-See for fans of M.J.
4
Well worth it. by Wesley2048
Well worth it , but some of the scene transitions were a bit rough, and didn't flow smoothly enough for me. Also some of the old footage could have been enhanced to blend in with today's resolution. I wonder what we wasn't shown. At the end a few patrons got up and left at the credits, but there was a lot more show to be seen, so stay until the very end. The movie could have been further enhanced with some added background sound effects or themed music not part of the practice sessions to imply what we in the audience knew. And that was Michael Jackson's soon to be departure from this life. Peace
5
"This Is It" by gailthompson
I loved this movie! Michael Jackson as always with love is perfect in every way and a real gentleman @ 50. Kenny Ortega a superb job & everyone involved. This Is It is fantastic! Everyone will enjoy seeing Michael his extended self in his crew in this AMAZING venture of his best ever concert performances that never was. Thank You for sharing & making a movie for all to see & appreciate Michael & his life time of AMAZING accomplishments. Michael Jackson is truly "KING" of pop & "KING" of love. I can hardly wait for This Is IT to come out on DVD. Michael loved & felt deep. Performing love for the earth, all the peoples, all living things, music & dance, singing, was his way of loving & giving to us. Many can only grasp a piece of how loving, giving, & feeling, Michael truly was naturally. He had to give it away or burst with too much. Too much quite possibly for the man himself. Once in a million years a spirit like his rises. YOU ARE MISSED MICHAEL, WE LOVE YOU MORE Gail
5
Michael still had the moves! by idighorror
Watching this movie brought tears to my eyes, made me smile, made me dance, made me sing, he rocked it all over again! The 3-D effects were marvellous and exciting. He was still healthy and exhuberant. It was amazing to see Michael sing on the big screen. I loved every minute and I am going to see it several more times. He was intelligent, compassionate and very loving -- both as a performer and as a human being. Watching his dream come together was exhilarating and its very sad that he could not finish it into a concert. The scenery and dance moves were fantastic. An awesome movie about an awesome man. He really was all about L.O.V.E. We will never forget him. This man was one of a kind.
5
MJ puts alll doubts to rest, and reminds why he is and always will be the KING! by EquusFemina
WOW! Words cannot even describe how phenomenal this film was. It was like having MJ back, just for a little while. Bittersweet, but enthralling at the same time. It was astounding! Don't walk, RUN to the theater to see it! You'll sing, you'll cheer, you'll laugh, you'll cry & it goes without saying that you'll have the urge to get up in the aisles and start dancing! I'm on my way back in less than 12 hours for my 2nd viewing, and I have tickets for a 3rd on Sunday. More than likely I will be going more than 3 times because I want to soak in every moment! I miss him now more than ever, but I now know for certain in my heart that his last days were spent doing what he loved. MJ was healthy, energetic, fit & strong. The King of Pop will live forever in our hearts & souls, and he is immortal now through his music - his amazing gift to the world. We must never forget that. Love you more, MJ, always, & I will think of you & continue to celebrate you every single day for the rest of my life!
5
Amazingly Magical Experience! Once in a Lifetime!! GO!!! by superman66c
The energy of the concert stuck with me well after watching it and considering I got out of the theater at 2am it was AMAZING!! People can talk all they want, but in the end the music speaks louder to the soul than any critics or fans ever could. If you need an uplifting positive experience in your life, who couldn't these days, GO SEE THIS!! Part documentary, part concert the whole experience makes you feel like you get to be in the creative process and enjoy all the excitement of a live event. A great tribute to a musical, physical, and magical genius! If you've never been a fan, or if you've been there from the beginning, this will be a lasting tribute to one of the few entertainers who not only knew music, but could feel it and use it to touch people all over the world. Music truly is a universal language and Michael uses it flawlessly to speak to the human soul. Uplifting, inspiring, wonderful!! Rest in peace always and as much as we love Michael, know he loved us more.
5
Michale Jackson's This Is It by cali_girl2m
This you must see. The man is a Genius a Sweet and Kind Soul. What you see is Michale.
I am going to see it again. To all of the Michale Jackson fans that went on his web page to vote
for your favorit songs Thank you. The Songs that were choosen for "This Is It" concert are the Best of the Best This is our chance to see what would have been .
It's All For Love
5
Michael Jackson - The Man becomes A Legend by laulau
Well worth the $10. Inspiring creative genius throughout the entire film. MJ will now rank among the most elite historical figures. His entourage of dancers and musicians for This Is It will always have the memories of preparing for the greatest concert of all. God bless them as they pursue their individual careers. Young people that know about Michael Jackson know that he is the most influential recording artist in history - and they respect his talent.
If your not a Michael Jackson fan - go see this film. You might have a change of heart towards him.
5
Breath-taking, Beautiful, Inspirational, once in a lifetime experience....... by mjjlover
Even if you are not a fan of Michael Jackson, it is a must see. You will see him doing what he does best and not only that BUT you will see a man, that you may think you know about. This rehersal footage proves that his SOLD OUT concert dates in London where no joke. It is like you are watching a concert every inch every second of the experience is stunning and expertly crafted.
If you are a fan then he will take you on the most beautiful journey.... he is raw and very real, while working hard on the one thing that means so much to him. It is pure talent and genious, the director Kenny Ortega did a MAGNIFICENT job on capturing every element to show his fans the best of the more then 100 hours of rehersal footage. Michael cared so much about his work and it shows in every nano second. It is heartbreaking to be reminded that this will never make it to the London 02 arena live. Fans will have this to treasure and cherrish for a lifetime. It is a must see, you will not be disapointed
5
Five Word Review by ru2bsi
inspiring amazing energetic funny entertaining