This a family kind-of movie. It is pretty cool but really its not a must-see movie.
Michael Jackson's This Is It
(2009, Rated PG, Documentary, Starring Michael Jackson)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Concert film documents King of Pop's final labor of love.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Michael Jackson's This Is It was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
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
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- 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?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Michael Jackson's This Is It
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.
Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures, Director: Kenny Ortega
Run time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/28/2009, DVD release: 1/26/2010
MPAA Rating: PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images
Run time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/28/2009, DVD release: 1/26/2010
MPAA Rating: PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images
Our Members Say
See 62 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
BEST MOVIE EVER!!!
I love that movie!Everyone will like it.And by like it I mean loving it and dancing to some of the songs in the movie!It's perfect for the entire family!But watch out!In the thriler scene it can be creepy for young kids.And some sex included.A couple uses of booty.But this movie...is...AWESOME!
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The Best of M.J.!
I loved this movie! The songs were great, and the dances were so epic! I think people should see this movie, but many don't because of rumors from the past of Michael Jackson. The truth is, Michael never harmed a child!
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
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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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A great concert film for ages 11 and up.
Michael Jackson is not a child molestor! Leave him alone!
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
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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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
all tweens should see this movie
love it michael is the sweetist man there is I had the chance of meeting him when my older cousin got to dance for him during the tour
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
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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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
Perfect for anyone who supports music and the arts
It was an excellent movie...it was a privelaged look at what the world will be missing....well done and very fun and insightful..The Pole Dancing ROCKED! There wasn't enough of it. Anyone who wasn't absolutely impressed and completely thrilled that pole dancing is finally being shown for what it has truly become in todays world is living in a bubble and holding on to negative past stigmas that continue to create non-understanding contempt. Michael was definitely not about those things-which is why he included the SPORT & AERIAL ART of Pole Dancing. If you honestly don't know that this is a competitive sport that is headed straight to the olympics...please do some research & educate your kids regarding the differences between true art & sport and trash. There's a huge one! We would love to know the names of all the aerialists for our publication...if anyone knows, please tell us! Happy Educating! Pole Dance International Magazine CEO, Chastitie Lujan
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Don't have a title
I watched this-and I loved it! Great movie!
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
RIP MJ
Realy good MJ's last peformance love thriller this is it and they don't care about us.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Ages 9 and older
It is Awsome
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Ages 9 and older
It is Awsome
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Ages 9 and older
It is Awsome
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
PERFECTLY DONE.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Its sooo good... but the pole dancing was a little off. but anyway...... This is a good movie. Buy it for your kids up to 10+ parents! MJ FOREVER!
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
i love this movie and michael jackson in general
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Fantastic movie; just some suggestive parts.
This is it was a fantastic movie! The only sexual parts are Michael's familiar dance move, some pole dancing, and scantily clad people. 8 year olds and up will adore this movie! Older kids might cry if they are big fans of him. This movie got me on my feet and dancing and singing! Perfect family documentary that kids won't get bored in!
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I thought it was an amazing tribute to an amazing artist. However there are pole dancing scenes, which may be hard to explain to little kids. Also there is some suggestive moves (crotch thrusting). One choreographer says " just move ur hips and hold ur hand there, i dont think you actually move ur thing." yeah, too much information!!!!
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Kids ages: 11
I rate this title on for age 15 and give it- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
Only for adults and older kids!
More like a documentary. The younger kids will have totally no interest in this.
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Kids ages: 18
I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
my self
recomended for my sister's an my brother
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Ratings at a Glance
| 58% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 37% | of parents say there are good role models |
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