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Michael Jackson's This Is It
- Review Date: October 27, 2009
- PG
- Genre: Documentary
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Concert film documents King of Pop's final labor of love.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
Between March and June of 2009, months before he died, Michael Jackson prepped for a sold-out, 50-date run of London concerts that was to have catapulted him back onstage. MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT captures the King of Pop in rehearsals in the weeks and months leading up to his death, running through his best-loved hits (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Man in the Mirror," "Smooth Criminal," and many more), finessing his act, and filming 3-D segments to be screened onstage during his concerts. It's a study of an artist at work, honing his craft in preparation of a big day that would ultimately never come.
Is it any good?
There's been much controversy about This Is It: Is it a worthy homage, a tasteless exploitation, or something in between? Should it have been made at all? When the King of Pop is first glimpsed onstage in segments shot for a a then-planned behind-the-scenes documentary, he looks frail and emaciated (and it is, to be honest, disturbing). But all of that falls away within minutes as it becomes clear that Jackson, even so close to the end, still had that indefinable thing that made him gloriously, insanely famous: talent, and plenty of it. Sure, he doesn't always sing at full force (except for a song or two); and yes, his dancing isn't as energetic. Jackson alludes to his need to hold back during rehearsals and conserve himself for curtain time (as many entertainers do), which is most likely why he was only performing at 75 percent -- but what a 75 percent it is.
Audiences will never know fully the demons that haunted Jackson off stage, but what's clear from This Is It is that when he was on stage, it was all about the work. Watching him discuss the need to let a particular moment in a song "simmer" speaks volumes about his vision and how he still knew what he wanted out of his act -- and strove tirelessly to get it. Had he been able to pull the tour off, it would've been epic.
What families can talk about
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?
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Kid, 11 years old
March 21, 2010
AGE
7+
It's a fun movie to watch and your kids are sure to stand up dancing. But there are some croch danching moves.
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AGE
this movie is good and the whole family can watch .it just made everything more sad i was on the verge of tears hes the best musician ever./ you can watch with any one good for kids and adults.
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AGE
I loved it! It is also a great movie!
I think this movie was the best! It had Michael's hit songs and his epic dance moves! The only part that may frighten kids is the Thriller part, but nothing else can frighten kids... I sung to all of the songs and was literally dancing in my movie seat! I loved this move... :)
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AGE
A great concert film for ages 11 and up.
Michael Jackson is not a child molestor! Leave him alone!
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Kid, 12 years old
March 14, 2010
AGE
Don't have a title
I watched this-and I loved it! Great movie!
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AGE
i love this movie and michael jackson in general
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AGE
THIS IS IT is Outstanding!
This movie is a monument to two things: one of the greatest entertainers in the music world, and what would have been one of the greatest concerts of all time. Unfortunately, Mr. Jackson died before his dream "final curtain call" tour could become a reality. But the concert director Kenny Ortega has pieced together 2 hours worth (from over 5 hours of rehearsal footage) of song, dance, interviews, and on-stage video from the concert. The result is absolutely stunning. In this movie you have two hours of pure entertainment. You will want to sing and dance along with Jackson and his crew as they rehearse for an awe-inspiring curtain. And how awe-inspiring it is! MJ has become a very controversial topic in today's headlines, from his odd persona and the child abuse charges to his tragic death. However, parents need not worry. This movie steers clear of any discussion of Jackson's controversy. It is simply a tribute to the man as an artist. That comes with little objectionable content. The movie is filled with Jackson's trademark choreography, some of which is suggestive (some crotch grabbing and thrusting) but not overtly sexual. The THRILLER scene contains some creepy graveyard imagery that might scare little kids, but not older ones.
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AGE
Wonderful
A wonderful movie for any age! The only thing I would watch out for is that they show the "Thriller" video (containing some edits) and it may be frightening to younger children because of zombies and other spooky creatures.
Michael Jackson loved children and even owned the "Neverland Ranch" which was for children of all ages to come and have fun, there was a whole amusement park and more.
These Michael Jackson haters believe differently, but the truth is, Michael never harmed a child.
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AGE
I am so sorry I misjudged Michael while he was alive. This movie opened my eyes to the kind of man Michael Jackson was, instead of what the media made him out to be.
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AGE
RIP MJ
Realy good MJ's last peformance love thriller this is it and they don't care about us.
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Kenny Ortega |
| Cast: | Michael Jackson |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 112 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 28, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | January 26, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some suggestive choreography and scary images |
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