Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009)
85%RT Audience Score: 82%
Awards & Nominations: NA
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
Michael Jackson’s This Is It is a must-watch for any fan of the King of Pop. It’s like getting a backstage pass to see the magic behind the music. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to see MJ in action one last time? The film captures his talent and passion, reminding us why he was such an icon. Plus, the dance moves are so good, you’ll want to moonwalk out of the theater. Don’t miss it!
Production Company(ies)
Wildbear Entertainment, National Geographic
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Clones, County Monaghan, Ireland
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language and violence
Year of Release
1998
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:DTSS DDS
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 51m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 28, 2009 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 26, 2010
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
Michael Jackson, This Is It, PG, Documentary, Kenny Ortega, Randy Phillips, Paul Gongaware, English, Sony Pictures Entertainment, $71.8M, 1h 51m, suggestive choreography, scary images, Michael Jackson, Orianthi, Darryl Phinnessee, Timor Steffens, Dreya Weber, directed by Kenny Ortega, written by Kenny Ortega, produced by Kenny Ortega, reviewed by Candice Frederick, Nell Minow, Dwight Brown, Rebecca Nicholson, A.O Scott, Mario Tarradell, Mike Massie, Micheal Compton, Kelly Jane Torrance, Kaleem Aftab, Jeremy Jahns, Capitalism: A Love Story, Earth, Be Kind Rewind, Oceans, Whip It, starring Michael Jackson, documentary, concert film, behind-the-scenes footage, pop superstar, “This Is It” tour, music, dance, entertainment, box office success, PG rating, intimate detail, rehearsals, sold-out concerts, London, summer 2009
Worldwide gross: $1,995,911
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,662,778
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,264
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 399,431
US/Canada gross: $1,995,911
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,662,778
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,893
US/Canada opening weekend: $135,606
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $248,856
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,594
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Orianthi – Self
Darryl Phinnessee – Self
Timor Steffens – Self
Dreya Weber – Self
Kenny Ortega – Self (Director/Producer)
Randy Phillips – Self (Producer)
Paul Gongaware – Self (Producer)
Director(s)
Kenny Ortega
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Kenny Ortega, Randy Phillips, Paul Gongaware
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (186) | Top Critics (58) | Fresh (151) | Rotten (35)
It’s always inspiring to see a genius at work. And that’s exactly how I felt watching Michael Jackson in This Is it–inspired.
September 12, 2017 | Rating: A
Candice Frederick
Reel Talk Online
TOP CRITIC
February 18, 2012 | Rating: B+
Nell Minow
Movie Mom
TOP CRITIC
There are some who will claim this documentary is ghoulish. I think haunting is a better word, as you fathom what the music world would have been like had he lived.
July 7, 2010
Dwight Brown
National Newspaper Publishers Association
TOP CRITIC
A bizarre and opportunist piece of film-making.
November 6, 2009 | Rating: 2/5
Rebecca Nicholson
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The Michael Jackson we see here is not a self-styled Messiah or a tabloid oddity. He is, instead, what he always was underneath it all: a talented musician, a brilliant dancer, and one of the most gifted entertainers of his time.
November 2, 2009
A.O. Scott
At the Movies
TOP CRITIC
It’s purpose isn’t to reinvent Jackson, but to recapture some of the creative magic that made the kid from Indiana a worldwide musical ambassador.
October 30, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
Mario Tarradell
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
It’s difficult not to appreciate the popularity and impact of Michael Jackson’s music, along with the elaborate stage show that was put together for his final concert tour.
November 29, 2020 | Rating: 6/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
This is a film designed to give fans one last chance to see the Jackson they knew and loved. And on that level, “This Is It” succeeds – showing that Jackson still had it, even in his final moments.
May 11, 2019
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News
This Is It gives us a fuller portrait of the man and his passion than we’ve ever seen before. But don’t think it lets us finally understand him.
December 1, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/4
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Times
A film that treads way too carefully around the star and the desire to preserve his image as the consummate entertainer.
November 1, 2018
Kaleem Aftab
The National (UAE)
I think you’re going to feel like you paid full price to watch the special features on a Michael Jackson DVD.
January 23, 2018
Jeremy Jahns
JeremyJahns.com
Don’t watch this documentary film expecting to find insight into Jackson’s troubled psyche, or to spot premonitions of his impending death, watch instead for glimpses of his peerless talent.
August 2, 2012
Jason Best
Movie Talk…
Plot
Francie and Joe live the usual playful, fantasy filled childhoods of normal boys. However, with a violent, alcoholic father and a manic depressive, suicidal mother the pressure on Francie to grow up are immense. When Francie’s world turns to madness, he tries to counter it with further insanity, with dire consequences.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny or odd comments were found in the Fresh Kernels review for Michael Jackson’s This Is It.
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