I was quite surprised to read some of the comments on this work, honestly. Some people were looking for a plot??? OK, when this video came out over a decade ago, I watched it for what it was: a collection of music videos. It's not a movie. It doesn't have a plot, nor a central storyline. It's a rather artistic anthology of mostly long-form videos, all of them rather smartly or creatively done. Michael Jackson may be considered a freak these days, but, after all, this was the man who gave us Thriller (considered by many to be the greatest music video of all time) and set trends with Billie Jean and Beat It. With Moonwalker, he and the filmmakers and artists who collaborated with him once again took his music and dance moves to create some vividly entertaining stuff, incorporating claymation, special effects, live performance footage, and even self-parody (the "Badder" sequence). And for those wondering what Joe Pesci was doing there, this video came out just a tad before he became a household name, and was one of his most memorable appearances on film. And, IMHO, I think the Smooth Criminal sequence (the choreographed section) beats anything else Michael Jackson did up to that point!
110 Reviews
Michael Jackson: singer, song writer, ultimate mega star... actor? Hmm, he should've stuck to his day job
Smells_Like_Cheese11 June 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Ah, Moonwalker, I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan, I grew up with his music, Thriller was actually the first music video I ever saw apparently. Believe it or not there was a time where Michael Jackson was like a God to people, a time where women fainted at the sight of him before really fainting before seeing the sight of him, sorry, Michael. But Moonwalker was what started to be a tribute to all of Michael's success of the time right when he released his famous Bad album that was record breaking, was the first album to have 6 top ten singles. Michael is an incredible artist, there is no doubt, he writes, sings, dances, but when it comes to acting or keeping a story straight with his audience
not so much.
We start off pretty simple: Jackson's music, life, career, success and the mania that was the 80's biggest star in the world Michael Jackson. Later on, Jackson is a 30's style gangster who uses his powers as a crime figure to protect the children. When Jackson was allowed to be near children, we cut to him playing in a field with the children and their dog. The dog runs away, and in their search for it, Jackson and the children uncover the lair of Mr. Big, Frankie Lideo, a drug dealing mobster with an army of henchmen who wants to get the entire populace of planet earth addicted to drugs, starting with the children. Mr. Big discovers Jackson and the children, but they escape; Jackson tells the children to meet him at Club 30's, which turns out to be a haunted nightclub abandoned since the 1930s. The story goes back to the mobsters attack on Jackson, and here it is revealed that Jackson is actually a magical gangster, who draws his power from shooting stars. As one passes by the club, Jackson transforms into a sports car and mows down several of Mr. Big's henchmen. The story picks up on the children at Club 30's, and at first the children are afraid, but when Jackson appears the scary atmosphere of the club transforms and the children find themselves back in the 1930s. The club is now filled with zoot suiters and swing dancers. Jackson participates in a dance-off with the other club members, which serves as the music video for "Smooth Criminal". At the climax of the song, Mr. Big lays siege to the club and kidnaps one of the children, Katie. Jackson follows them back to Big's lair and ends up surrounded by his henchmen. Mr. Big appears and mentally tortures Jackson by threatening to inject Katie with highly addictive narcotics. While Katie manages to just grab Joe Pesci's glasses and get free from being injected, Mr. Big decides he's had enough and orders his men to kill Katie before finishing off Jackson, but not before a shooting star flies by. Jackson transforms into a giant robot and kills all of Mr. Big's soldiers. Yup, ummm, you want more weirdness? Watch the movie.
Moonwalker is fun for the first half hour, seeing Michael's success and all his hard work really makes his fans appreciate him once again. Is it mostly to hype up his album? Yeah, I love how he spends the first 25 minutes praising how awesome he is, then we go to his song called "Leave Me Alone", which is kind of hypocritical, not that it's not a great song, just a small turn of events. Then when we skip the crummy acting, the story was incredibly weak: The villain spells his name out loud while Michael and Katie are spying on him, lol, Michael is a transformer all of a sudden, the villain's big monster plan is to make kids high? Also the villain has some sort of massive ray gun that would make Marvin the Martian blush. But if there is one new thing that is incredible that the movie gives us is the new video for Smooth Criminal. This music video is perfection, it's choreographing, it's setting, it's song, it's smooth style, Michael always goes above and beyond perfection and Smooth Criminal was incredible. I loved Moonwalker as a kid, I still watch it for fun to this day, but it's not the best movie by any means, it's pretty silly, but it's all good if you're a Michael Jackson fan as well.
7/10
We start off pretty simple: Jackson's music, life, career, success and the mania that was the 80's biggest star in the world Michael Jackson. Later on, Jackson is a 30's style gangster who uses his powers as a crime figure to protect the children. When Jackson was allowed to be near children, we cut to him playing in a field with the children and their dog. The dog runs away, and in their search for it, Jackson and the children uncover the lair of Mr. Big, Frankie Lideo, a drug dealing mobster with an army of henchmen who wants to get the entire populace of planet earth addicted to drugs, starting with the children. Mr. Big discovers Jackson and the children, but they escape; Jackson tells the children to meet him at Club 30's, which turns out to be a haunted nightclub abandoned since the 1930s. The story goes back to the mobsters attack on Jackson, and here it is revealed that Jackson is actually a magical gangster, who draws his power from shooting stars. As one passes by the club, Jackson transforms into a sports car and mows down several of Mr. Big's henchmen. The story picks up on the children at Club 30's, and at first the children are afraid, but when Jackson appears the scary atmosphere of the club transforms and the children find themselves back in the 1930s. The club is now filled with zoot suiters and swing dancers. Jackson participates in a dance-off with the other club members, which serves as the music video for "Smooth Criminal". At the climax of the song, Mr. Big lays siege to the club and kidnaps one of the children, Katie. Jackson follows them back to Big's lair and ends up surrounded by his henchmen. Mr. Big appears and mentally tortures Jackson by threatening to inject Katie with highly addictive narcotics. While Katie manages to just grab Joe Pesci's glasses and get free from being injected, Mr. Big decides he's had enough and orders his men to kill Katie before finishing off Jackson, but not before a shooting star flies by. Jackson transforms into a giant robot and kills all of Mr. Big's soldiers. Yup, ummm, you want more weirdness? Watch the movie.
Moonwalker is fun for the first half hour, seeing Michael's success and all his hard work really makes his fans appreciate him once again. Is it mostly to hype up his album? Yeah, I love how he spends the first 25 minutes praising how awesome he is, then we go to his song called "Leave Me Alone", which is kind of hypocritical, not that it's not a great song, just a small turn of events. Then when we skip the crummy acting, the story was incredibly weak: The villain spells his name out loud while Michael and Katie are spying on him, lol, Michael is a transformer all of a sudden, the villain's big monster plan is to make kids high? Also the villain has some sort of massive ray gun that would make Marvin the Martian blush. But if there is one new thing that is incredible that the movie gives us is the new video for Smooth Criminal. This music video is perfection, it's choreographing, it's setting, it's song, it's smooth style, Michael always goes above and beyond perfection and Smooth Criminal was incredible. I loved Moonwalker as a kid, I still watch it for fun to this day, but it's not the best movie by any means, it's pretty silly, but it's all good if you're a Michael Jackson fan as well.
7/10
Music and dance
Perdomovie18 September 2001
If you see this movie, you know you will see an extense video-clip of popular music. But you will find more. Incredible FX, great music and a nice time to enjoy with your kids. If you compare this movie, you have to remember is a pop extravaganza. Clips of "Man In The Mirror", "Leave Me Alone", "Smooth Criminal" and Beatles' "Come Together".
Not a movie really, but worth taking a look
HAL9000-1130 July 2004
It is very ridiculous that they have tried to force this flick into having a plot. I mean the bit in the middle with Joe Pesci as the bad guy, and Michael Jackson as the hero, is so absurd.
But the collection of video clips, live performances, and montages is great ! good music for sure !
I like the fact that in the F.X. shots, so many different techniques are used. Some look really unsophisticated. But others are just so great (even by today´s standards, remember this is a 16 year old movie)... i mean the sequence were M.J. turns himself into some kind of robot, and then into some sort of spaceship is breathtaking.
I also like M.J.'s version of "come together" (Beatles original)
But the collection of video clips, live performances, and montages is great ! good music for sure !
I like the fact that in the F.X. shots, so many different techniques are used. Some look really unsophisticated. But others are just so great (even by today´s standards, remember this is a 16 year old movie)... i mean the sequence were M.J. turns himself into some kind of robot, and then into some sort of spaceship is breathtaking.
I also like M.J.'s version of "come together" (Beatles original)
Probably not for the MJ bashers, no, but yes, it's great for us fans!
furienna28 March 2006
Actually this movie has silly moments, both in the claymation part and in the Joe Pesci and children part, and it's much worse than other MJ movies like "The Wiz", "Captain Eo" and "Ghosts". But as a die hard Michael Jackson fan since almost eleven years, (Yeah, that's half my life, you guys!), I can't complain too much about it. Just seeing this lovely guy and hearing his wonderful music is a trip to Heaven for me. But as a movie, it's not good at all, and I'm afraid, that it would get a much lower grade for me, if my darling Mike hadn't been the one starring in it. But since no one but Mike IS the moonwalker, it has to get a 7 out of 10 from me.
Self-indulgence as only Michael Jackson knows how
mentalcritic6 August 2005
In 1988, Michael Jackson was literally on top of the world. His 1987 album Bad had set a record for the most number one singles to come from the same album. Add to that the fact that his previous albums had all set records for sales, to the extent that not even an organisation as powerful as the RIAA could withhold his rightful share of the money. To cut a long story short, Jackson was the King of the musical world, and even to an old cynic like myself who was raised on Black Sabbath, it did not seem undeserving. So when Michael Jackson asked for more than twenty million dollars to make a series of fantasy viginettes based around his songs that basically portray him as the saviour of the world, the last thing the combined powers of the MPAA and RIAA were willing to say was "no". But then the 1990s hit, and Michael Jackson's reputation in the world's consciousness changed from that of an eccentric billionaire to a worn out circus freak. Let that be a lesson to all budding musicians - if it can happen to Michael Jackson, it can literally happen to anybody.
It appears that Warner Brothers now own the rights to this rather odd piece, so it has finally seen the light of day on DVD-Video. This time capsule of the late 1980s is as odd now as most of the rest of the Michael Jackson material that came after. As you can expect from a film that mostly consists of viginettes put together to the specifications of an eccentric millionaire, unifying themes are hard to come by. The first thirty-five or so minutes of the film is a quick recap of Jackson's career up to that point, followed by what is essentially an extended pair of music videos that satirise the cannibalistic fascination the press had with Jackson in the 1980s. It is after this thirty-five minutes that the material finds a real focus, and in spite of the high bar set by the earlier material, it manages to get even stranger than before.
The plot of Moonwalker proper concerns itself with a non-specific future world where we follow three children living in a dirty world of squalor. As a hit squad makes an attempt on the life of Jackson, who is playing himself, we get a flashback to happier times that ends in a weird explanation of why the world we see is now so dirty. Joe Pesci portrays an embodiment of evil by the name of Frankie Lideo, whose ambition is to have every child in the world taking drugs. Given that Ritalin and such torture pills were still popular at the time, Jackson's vanity project takes on a scary level of accuracy I doubt he intended. Of course, the whole thing is just a transparent Just Say No message that gained Jackson a few points with the Reagan administration at the time, and doubtlessly got the nod from Bush senior, too. Not least because of Joe Pesci's immortally embarrassing line about how his troops have to stop "them" praying in school. I do not know whether Jackson or co-writer David Newman came up with this crock, but it is a good thing Jackson ran out of favours with the Republican party during the 1990s. Otherwise, who knows what kind of propaganda we would have to tolerate today?
To be fair, the new footage of the film is skilfully edited, shot, and choreographed. Being one of the few films shot with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio in mind, it is surprising how dynamic some of the shots are. Joe Pesci chews the scenery like he was previously on a hunger strike, while Paul Reubens gets a cameo as a voice and claymation puppet that will amuse the adults in the audience. The cinematography of the main event is actually quite tight. The special effects more than justify the budget. At the time, the twenty-two million dollars used to make the film was consider extravagant, even by Michael Jackson's standards. The claymation is far from seamless, and some of the effects are dated, but considering the advances in film-making technology since, it does not look too shabby at all. Had Michael Jackson intended to make a coherent musical rather than a loose framework for music videos, there is no telling what might have resulted.
While RIAA-endorsed music has only got worse since Michael Jackson's fall from the limelight, it is somehow considered cool or hip to rag on the man and his music. I do not know the truth of all the allegations made about Jackson. I really think they are best left to those making them, and the man himself. So when I see the film depicting him playing catch in a park with a small group of children, I do not get the sense of alarm bells so many others describe. The video game based on this film is a whole other story, but video games were considerably cruder in those days. The is a reason why Bad yielded no less than six number one singles (from a track list of eleven, no less). Jackson was at his creative apex, both writing songs and conceiving music videos that neither he nor anyone else endorsed by the RIAA have matched since. The next time you hear someone try to tell you that creativity was dead in the 1980s, this, along with some videos from the likes of Devo, will set them straight.
When all is said and done, I gave Moonwalker a five out of ten. It is as self-indulgent as you would expect from a man who could afford to light his cigarettes with hundred dollar bills. Much of it is unnecessary, even crap, but when it falls back upon its strengths, namely the music, it shines. This is the kind of time capsule that the culture of the 1980s really deserves.
It appears that Warner Brothers now own the rights to this rather odd piece, so it has finally seen the light of day on DVD-Video. This time capsule of the late 1980s is as odd now as most of the rest of the Michael Jackson material that came after. As you can expect from a film that mostly consists of viginettes put together to the specifications of an eccentric millionaire, unifying themes are hard to come by. The first thirty-five or so minutes of the film is a quick recap of Jackson's career up to that point, followed by what is essentially an extended pair of music videos that satirise the cannibalistic fascination the press had with Jackson in the 1980s. It is after this thirty-five minutes that the material finds a real focus, and in spite of the high bar set by the earlier material, it manages to get even stranger than before.
The plot of Moonwalker proper concerns itself with a non-specific future world where we follow three children living in a dirty world of squalor. As a hit squad makes an attempt on the life of Jackson, who is playing himself, we get a flashback to happier times that ends in a weird explanation of why the world we see is now so dirty. Joe Pesci portrays an embodiment of evil by the name of Frankie Lideo, whose ambition is to have every child in the world taking drugs. Given that Ritalin and such torture pills were still popular at the time, Jackson's vanity project takes on a scary level of accuracy I doubt he intended. Of course, the whole thing is just a transparent Just Say No message that gained Jackson a few points with the Reagan administration at the time, and doubtlessly got the nod from Bush senior, too. Not least because of Joe Pesci's immortally embarrassing line about how his troops have to stop "them" praying in school. I do not know whether Jackson or co-writer David Newman came up with this crock, but it is a good thing Jackson ran out of favours with the Republican party during the 1990s. Otherwise, who knows what kind of propaganda we would have to tolerate today?
To be fair, the new footage of the film is skilfully edited, shot, and choreographed. Being one of the few films shot with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio in mind, it is surprising how dynamic some of the shots are. Joe Pesci chews the scenery like he was previously on a hunger strike, while Paul Reubens gets a cameo as a voice and claymation puppet that will amuse the adults in the audience. The cinematography of the main event is actually quite tight. The special effects more than justify the budget. At the time, the twenty-two million dollars used to make the film was consider extravagant, even by Michael Jackson's standards. The claymation is far from seamless, and some of the effects are dated, but considering the advances in film-making technology since, it does not look too shabby at all. Had Michael Jackson intended to make a coherent musical rather than a loose framework for music videos, there is no telling what might have resulted.
While RIAA-endorsed music has only got worse since Michael Jackson's fall from the limelight, it is somehow considered cool or hip to rag on the man and his music. I do not know the truth of all the allegations made about Jackson. I really think they are best left to those making them, and the man himself. So when I see the film depicting him playing catch in a park with a small group of children, I do not get the sense of alarm bells so many others describe. The video game based on this film is a whole other story, but video games were considerably cruder in those days. The is a reason why Bad yielded no less than six number one singles (from a track list of eleven, no less). Jackson was at his creative apex, both writing songs and conceiving music videos that neither he nor anyone else endorsed by the RIAA have matched since. The next time you hear someone try to tell you that creativity was dead in the 1980s, this, along with some videos from the likes of Devo, will set them straight.
When all is said and done, I gave Moonwalker a five out of ten. It is as self-indulgent as you would expect from a man who could afford to light his cigarettes with hundred dollar bills. Much of it is unnecessary, even crap, but when it falls back upon its strengths, namely the music, it shines. This is the kind of time capsule that the culture of the 1980s really deserves.
Yes, but if it was anyone else?
neil-4767 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I have such mixed feelings here. As a not-particularly Michael Jackson fan, but as someone who nonetheless quick likes a moderate amount of the music and some of the dancing here, a fair amount of Moonwalker holds my attention. In particular I like nearly everything about the Smooth Criminal sequence.
And that, perhaps, is the problem. That sequence - notwithstanding its downright demented plot - does have a narrative structure, and comprises a good third of a feature film on its own. I find myself wishing that they had found a way to integrate the other musical sequences into the same narrative rather than have them as standalones, tied together with (effectively) little bits of string. Each one succeeds well enough, I suppose (although I never did care for the little kids version of Bad), but I got the whiff of something rather better in my nostrils, and it was something of a disappointment when it turned out to be just a collection of videos.
And that, perhaps, is the problem. That sequence - notwithstanding its downright demented plot - does have a narrative structure, and comprises a good third of a feature film on its own. I find myself wishing that they had found a way to integrate the other musical sequences into the same narrative rather than have them as standalones, tied together with (effectively) little bits of string. Each one succeeds well enough, I suppose (although I never did care for the little kids version of Bad), but I got the whiff of something rather better in my nostrils, and it was something of a disappointment when it turned out to be just a collection of videos.
This film is legendary.
Neonsamurai10 October 2002
I must have watched a different film to everyone else here cos I'm pretty sure that it didn't star Michael Jackson. Sure the guy looked a bit like MJ, but if you put them side-by-side you'd soon notice the difference. Aside from that the film was quite realistic, with some good music and some loveable children. Although I'm fairly sure that if I was a bad gangsta' type and some 10 year old started giving me attitude and asking me `who's bad?' I'd probably get quite angry and shoot him, or at least complain to his parents.
It was also quite hard to follow the story, but here's what I could understand: The Michael Jackson character is a nice guy who is wanted by the police, (he's a smooth criminal you see, probably like Keyser Soze), but there's an even badder (or should that be gooder, if bad means good) villain called Mr Big, who tries to get some kids hooked on drugs. I found this unrealistic as surely kids don't have much money, so Mr Big should have been trying to get Wall Street financiers hooked on drugs so that they could afford the habit. Anyway, Mr Big didn't reckon on the MJ look-alike who intercedes and turns into a robot and kills loads of the good bad guys, before turning into a spaceship.
To call this a film would be wrong it's an experience, like getting car jacked or falling down a lift shaft. If you've enjoyed either of those experiences or are a fan of Michael Jackson then I recommend Moonwalker.
This film is good!
It was also quite hard to follow the story, but here's what I could understand: The Michael Jackson character is a nice guy who is wanted by the police, (he's a smooth criminal you see, probably like Keyser Soze), but there's an even badder (or should that be gooder, if bad means good) villain called Mr Big, who tries to get some kids hooked on drugs. I found this unrealistic as surely kids don't have much money, so Mr Big should have been trying to get Wall Street financiers hooked on drugs so that they could afford the habit. Anyway, Mr Big didn't reckon on the MJ look-alike who intercedes and turns into a robot and kills loads of the good bad guys, before turning into a spaceship.
To call this a film would be wrong it's an experience, like getting car jacked or falling down a lift shaft. If you've enjoyed either of those experiences or are a fan of Michael Jackson then I recommend Moonwalker.
This film is good!
A review from an MJ non-fan
AndreiPavlov14 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Mr Michael Jackson is an artistic phenomenon. His short movies, i.e. music videos, are simply the best. I do not care if I get a sane sci-fi feature from this man, but I do care to get a medley of his crazy dancing, shriek yells, cool crowd choreography, and some bits of CGI and animation. There also should be a few uninterrupted videos. Everything I've mentioned is here. Stupid plot and over-the-top "vanity fair" are not a problem when I witness Mr Michael Jackson in action. To me he will always be the ultimate king of music videos (not "king of pop" which sounds moronic, especially for us, Russians, because "pop" sounds like the Russian word for "arses" and MJ is definitely not "king of arses"). I can re-watch his best music videos (which are artistically beautiful) and I never get tired of them.
My first impression of this film was "What is this...?" (bits of different videos, some drawn images, unsettling jumps from one theme to another, absence of any cohesive plot line, some kids fooling around, etc.) but as I watched it till the end, I could tell that it was great and really nothing like anything else shown on TV nowadays. What I like here too is that it never shows any shameful material and can be watched by kids easily.
Without Mr Michael Jackson the universe of music videos would be rather poor. Even the best classic videos of other artists cannot come very close to the energetic hyperbole of MJ musical insanity and artistic quality. He knew how to get the audience of different ages and he knew how to remain a man with moral principles.
When I see a proper DVD release with Mr Michael Jackson videos I know that it deserves to be purchased even if some clips have already appeared in some other previous release. "HIStory I", "HIStory II", and "Moonwalker" are all great, though only "Moonwalker" is more like one movie (with a solid "Smooth Criminal" theme, "paparazzi" topic, and a few weird spoofs and twists).
Being no fan of MJ I can still give this "film... like no other" a solid 9 out of 10 (I've been hit by "Smooth Criminal" for sure and my major complains are the following: initial segments of the movie could have been dropped while the main "MJ anti-drug campaign" should have been given more "sky-rocketing insanity and stress" and there should have been more "moonwalking" itself of course). Thanks for attention.
My first impression of this film was "What is this...?" (bits of different videos, some drawn images, unsettling jumps from one theme to another, absence of any cohesive plot line, some kids fooling around, etc.) but as I watched it till the end, I could tell that it was great and really nothing like anything else shown on TV nowadays. What I like here too is that it never shows any shameful material and can be watched by kids easily.
Without Mr Michael Jackson the universe of music videos would be rather poor. Even the best classic videos of other artists cannot come very close to the energetic hyperbole of MJ musical insanity and artistic quality. He knew how to get the audience of different ages and he knew how to remain a man with moral principles.
When I see a proper DVD release with Mr Michael Jackson videos I know that it deserves to be purchased even if some clips have already appeared in some other previous release. "HIStory I", "HIStory II", and "Moonwalker" are all great, though only "Moonwalker" is more like one movie (with a solid "Smooth Criminal" theme, "paparazzi" topic, and a few weird spoofs and twists).
Being no fan of MJ I can still give this "film... like no other" a solid 9 out of 10 (I've been hit by "Smooth Criminal" for sure and my major complains are the following: initial segments of the movie could have been dropped while the main "MJ anti-drug campaign" should have been given more "sky-rocketing insanity and stress" and there should have been more "moonwalking" itself of course). Thanks for attention.
He may be bad, but he's a good guy!
mark.waltz27 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's good public relations for Michael Jackson in the late 80s to have this extended musical video with a shell of a plot that takes over the second half of the film and introduces a very campy over the top villain played by Joe Pesci. Even on fans of Michael Jackson, this is worth it just to see a montage of his music starting from the very beginning and going up to the present day, and I really had chills even though I am just a moderate fan, not an abscessed one. You get to see the Michael in his Youth, and you wonder where all that energy comes from, and what transitions into adulthood. Practically all of his big hits are heard truncated form, and a few in their entirety, and there's no doubt about it. This man had mega talent.
I thought it was hysterical having claymation characters chasing him around the Hollywood studio, and when he arrives on a western set, all the actors and crew members are claymation as well. Finally he escapes, runs into some children who have overheard Pesce talking about becoming the biggest drug kingpin in the world has ever seen. He's not bad. He's evil. The second half presents him protecting these children and dealing with Pesci, and it becomes very campy. Pesci's an actor I can only deal with in limited doses. When Michaels on stage, all eyes are on him, and it's funny watching security carrying out people who have apparently passed out over that he exudes on the stage.
There were a few moments that I didn't necessarily consider crossword clue family to yours, such as a mini Michael encountering an older gang of boys insinuating all sorts of violence in retaliation for past deeds done to them. I had the last go at the over-the-top cleaner that too young Michael gets from some young hunk as they stalk away. But in spite of the few minor things I didn't care about, it's all about enjoying Michael's charisma and enjoy some profound moments in the film whete it's obviously a statement about how he feels in his private life about always having to be on and never having a moment to be himself. Those moments led me to a profound sadness about what would happen down the road, an emotion that really is inevitable for those who watch this now.
I thought it was hysterical having claymation characters chasing him around the Hollywood studio, and when he arrives on a western set, all the actors and crew members are claymation as well. Finally he escapes, runs into some children who have overheard Pesce talking about becoming the biggest drug kingpin in the world has ever seen. He's not bad. He's evil. The second half presents him protecting these children and dealing with Pesci, and it becomes very campy. Pesci's an actor I can only deal with in limited doses. When Michaels on stage, all eyes are on him, and it's funny watching security carrying out people who have apparently passed out over that he exudes on the stage.
There were a few moments that I didn't necessarily consider crossword clue family to yours, such as a mini Michael encountering an older gang of boys insinuating all sorts of violence in retaliation for past deeds done to them. I had the last go at the over-the-top cleaner that too young Michael gets from some young hunk as they stalk away. But in spite of the few minor things I didn't care about, it's all about enjoying Michael's charisma and enjoy some profound moments in the film whete it's obviously a statement about how he feels in his private life about always having to be on and never having a moment to be himself. Those moments led me to a profound sadness about what would happen down the road, an emotion that really is inevitable for those who watch this now.
Leaves me feeling low, don't know why?!
lizzylane-8515131 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I am a big fan of Michael Jackson and have watched Moonwalker multiple times through my life since about the age of 10. The highlight is absolutely the filmclip of Smooth Criminal coming out of this, which is absolutely brilliant. But Moonwalker - something about it, even the upbeat scenes, I can't quite point to, has always left me feeling quite deflated and almost depressed! I can't figure out why though. Perhaps there is a detectable loneliness to Michael and his isolation that I'm picking up on here. There are some spooky scenes throughout Moonwalker but it's just the atmosphere to this movie that for some reason weirds me out. Even as a kid I found the cartoon scenes quite obnoxious and unnessecary and the military/villian scenes to be very anxiety-inducing. Overall it's not something I reach for if I want to watch some MJ and I wouldn't mind if I never saw it again.
MJ at His Fullest Energy
StevePulaski4 July 2010
Besides from the seeing the new "This Is It" and saying Im a huge Michael Jackson fan, I thought I would prove it and see a movie he actually did back in his time. "Moonwalker" breaks all rules, laws, and scripts in the film making history. It's completed in a phenomenal fashion all leading up to the highlight of the film. A triumph comic-book texture short entitled "Smooth Criminal" which Ill discuss later.
Besides being subject to jokes and media, we need to remember that back in the 80s everyone was into Michael Jackson. So having a movie on him titled by his dance that only a handful knew, Moonwalker. The film is what you would call, a montage of Jackson clips, so Ill have to do separate paragraphs to sort these out so I don't do block writing entirely. Though I may combine some since some are very short.
The movie opens with Michael Jackson singing "Main In the Mirror" at a live concert. He is covered in sweat and singing his heart out just to please his fans. Then it cuts to a kaleidoscopic view of MJ's career leading up till 1988. We see early clips of The Jacksons 5. From "ABC" to "Beat It", it's all there.
Then we get a short clip of "Bad", entitled "Badder". The kids are amazingly talented, doing back flips, front flips, everything while lip syncing key point of the MJ song. It was sort of unnecessary having this on the tape seeing as I didn't want to see kids sing one of my favorite songs. Sure they were lip syncing, but I would like to see my one of my favorite songs sung by the artist. Not pre "Kidz Bop" it up.
Followed by, my favorite of the film, "Speed Demon" which is MJ being bombarded by his fans who are claymation figures. The scene, is overall colorful and very upbeat. MJ acts natural, as if he has done this before (which he probably has). Overall, this is the best thing on the tape, so far.
"Leave Me Alone" is a heartfelt crowdpleaser, showing MJ dancing in front of a crowd, announcing to everyone who can hear him to, well, leave him alone. It's a catchy tune that is definitely and underrated portion of the film.
The next clip, is the main course, and the point of this whole film extravaganza. It is Michael Jackson, playing a superhero trying to stop Mr. Big (Joe Pesci) from drug-dealing crime boss with an army of henchmen. Michael Jackson, at the same time, is protecting Katie, Zeke, and Sean three homeless kids who spy on MJ. After escaping Mr. Big's clutches, MJ goes into the club and begins dancing to "Smooth Criminal" while defeating Big's henchman. Thats all you can say without giving anything away. It is a real standout from the movie and the dance choreography is stunning. Michael is probably the at his most lively stage yet, and not putting himself or dancers into any grueling treatment.
Then the last two segments are minor, though serve a purpose. "Come Together" isn't the greatest thing to come out of the tape. It is a little long, but still not awful. "Come Together" is a song originally written and sung by The Beatles being sung by Jackson here. In my opinion it should have stayed sung by The Beatles.
"The Moon is Walking" and the music video of "Smooth Criminal" closes this heartfelt film. My only complaint is that this movie is unsure of what it wants to be. First, it wants to be a documentary, then it wants to be a compilation of music videos and music clips. It jumps around and at points is confused. But for the most part, "Moonwalker" is a sensational movie that is sure too please MJ's fans.
Besides being subject to jokes and media, we need to remember that back in the 80s everyone was into Michael Jackson. So having a movie on him titled by his dance that only a handful knew, Moonwalker. The film is what you would call, a montage of Jackson clips, so Ill have to do separate paragraphs to sort these out so I don't do block writing entirely. Though I may combine some since some are very short.
The movie opens with Michael Jackson singing "Main In the Mirror" at a live concert. He is covered in sweat and singing his heart out just to please his fans. Then it cuts to a kaleidoscopic view of MJ's career leading up till 1988. We see early clips of The Jacksons 5. From "ABC" to "Beat It", it's all there.
Then we get a short clip of "Bad", entitled "Badder". The kids are amazingly talented, doing back flips, front flips, everything while lip syncing key point of the MJ song. It was sort of unnecessary having this on the tape seeing as I didn't want to see kids sing one of my favorite songs. Sure they were lip syncing, but I would like to see my one of my favorite songs sung by the artist. Not pre "Kidz Bop" it up.
Followed by, my favorite of the film, "Speed Demon" which is MJ being bombarded by his fans who are claymation figures. The scene, is overall colorful and very upbeat. MJ acts natural, as if he has done this before (which he probably has). Overall, this is the best thing on the tape, so far.
"Leave Me Alone" is a heartfelt crowdpleaser, showing MJ dancing in front of a crowd, announcing to everyone who can hear him to, well, leave him alone. It's a catchy tune that is definitely and underrated portion of the film.
The next clip, is the main course, and the point of this whole film extravaganza. It is Michael Jackson, playing a superhero trying to stop Mr. Big (Joe Pesci) from drug-dealing crime boss with an army of henchmen. Michael Jackson, at the same time, is protecting Katie, Zeke, and Sean three homeless kids who spy on MJ. After escaping Mr. Big's clutches, MJ goes into the club and begins dancing to "Smooth Criminal" while defeating Big's henchman. Thats all you can say without giving anything away. It is a real standout from the movie and the dance choreography is stunning. Michael is probably the at his most lively stage yet, and not putting himself or dancers into any grueling treatment.
Then the last two segments are minor, though serve a purpose. "Come Together" isn't the greatest thing to come out of the tape. It is a little long, but still not awful. "Come Together" is a song originally written and sung by The Beatles being sung by Jackson here. In my opinion it should have stayed sung by The Beatles.
"The Moon is Walking" and the music video of "Smooth Criminal" closes this heartfelt film. My only complaint is that this movie is unsure of what it wants to be. First, it wants to be a documentary, then it wants to be a compilation of music videos and music clips. It jumps around and at points is confused. But for the most part, "Moonwalker" is a sensational movie that is sure too please MJ's fans.
Michael Jackson, the king of pop who did not need a movie.
afonsobritofalves24 May 2019
I do not think it's a bad movie, but it's very unnecessary, it's just a compilation of the video clips of Michael Jackson's songs, the videos, like the songs, are good, but the movie, despite having an unreasonable idea, It's nothing special. Highly recommend, but better movies !!
Warning. Ego monster on the loose
biggerdave26 January 2005
I really don't see how I can write ten lines about this rubbish, but I will try.
Firstly, what the hell is a man like Joe Pesci doing playing one of the most clichéd, stereotypical bad guys, Mr Big. Maybe the dollar signs were a big for him.
Finally, this is nothing more than a blatant egotistical promo, spawned by a man who quite obviously has a messiah complex and a bunch of money grabbing executives looking to cash in on Jacksons fame in as many ways as possible.
This should go down as one of the worst movies of all time.
Firstly, what the hell is a man like Joe Pesci doing playing one of the most clichéd, stereotypical bad guys, Mr Big. Maybe the dollar signs were a big for him.
Finally, this is nothing more than a blatant egotistical promo, spawned by a man who quite obviously has a messiah complex and a bunch of money grabbing executives looking to cash in on Jacksons fame in as many ways as possible.
This should go down as one of the worst movies of all time.
A REALLY, REALLY EXCELLENT MOVIE ( but only for MJ fans)
daisyduke800021 February 2002
I love this movie! But of course I am a Michael Jackson fan, so there you go. This film reminded me of the abstract films made by the Beatles in the '60's, only for MJ. It was excellent- the music, Michael, everything was great. Oh, yes, and in response to another persons review of this movie, MICHAEL DOES NOT URINATE DURING THE "COME TOGETHER" NUMBER. I don't know where he came up with this crazy idea, but I personally watched that sequence again, watching specifically for that, and does not do it. So, sir, you should not spread untrue rumors about Michael. Hasn't he been through enough? Sheesh. Anyhow, this is one special, great movie. So if you like Michael, or just want to watch something that may one day become a classic( like "Yellow Submarine" or "Help" for The Beatles), see it. You won't regret it.
Quite a bit of fun!
rorymacveigh-666615 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, this film is basically just 90 minutes of Michael Jackson massaging his ego, but to be honest it is very entertaining in sort of a 'turn-your-brain-off' way.
What's the story? That's a little hard to explain as it really is quite a convoluted vignette of stories partially documenting Michael Jackson's life, whilst at the same time put together with a lot of new material which is attempting to be similar to the contemporary action movies with a bit of film noir and Star Wars style action.
The most jarring thing about this film is the fact that it is very very surreal. I won't give anything away but some scenes you can't help but question the motivation of Jackson and what his thought process was at the time! But it's very entertaining all the same!
The songs though are absolutely fantastic, with all of his greatest hits including 'Bad', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Leave Me Alone', etc, all being featured. If you're not an MJ fan then I can't recommend, but if you are an MJ fan, then this soundtrack is worth way more than the price of admission!
So overall, I give this movie 6/10 for the fact that it is very much one long ego-trip, but at the same time is a very entertaining, if quite strange, journey through the mind and imagination of the late King of Pop. If you're an honest fan of MJ, you really can't miss this one!
What's the story? That's a little hard to explain as it really is quite a convoluted vignette of stories partially documenting Michael Jackson's life, whilst at the same time put together with a lot of new material which is attempting to be similar to the contemporary action movies with a bit of film noir and Star Wars style action.
The most jarring thing about this film is the fact that it is very very surreal. I won't give anything away but some scenes you can't help but question the motivation of Jackson and what his thought process was at the time! But it's very entertaining all the same!
The songs though are absolutely fantastic, with all of his greatest hits including 'Bad', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Leave Me Alone', etc, all being featured. If you're not an MJ fan then I can't recommend, but if you are an MJ fan, then this soundtrack is worth way more than the price of admission!
So overall, I give this movie 6/10 for the fact that it is very much one long ego-trip, but at the same time is a very entertaining, if quite strange, journey through the mind and imagination of the late King of Pop. If you're an honest fan of MJ, you really can't miss this one!
Strictly for MJ fans
Maziun30 November 2013
If you think that you saw everything in your life , watch this movie . Lynch and Cronenberg have nothing on Michael Jackson. The cover doesn't lie – It is truly a movie like no other . Well , not quite movie . It's more like a one big music video. It is even called after Jackson's famous dance.
"Moonwalker" starts with Michael Jackson performing live "Man in the mirror" . This part shows you the mass hysteria from MJ fans. It also shows that unlike many pop artists Jackson actually had some message to say – change yourself , change the world. One could say it's pretentious to think that a simple song will change the world , yet I think that MJ deserves some praise for his ambition. After that we have a retro perspective of Jackson's career – from Jackson 5 to the release of "Bad" album in 1988 , when Jackson was at peek of his career. We see a clips of live performances , music videos and some colorful animation.
The retro perspective ends with "Badder" – a parody of Jackson's video "Bad" with kids instead of singers. It turns into short story about Jackson running away from his crazy fans. It's probably the most interesting part of the movie . It's done in clay motion and seems like it's inspired by "Who framed Roger Rabbit ?" . The whole segment is basically one big cartoon set to the "Speed demon" song . It moves at crazy speed , but if you lucky enough you will see Steven Spielberg , Sylvester Stallone , Pee Wee Herman and Tina Turner parodies as well. This part ends with dance contest between Jackson and Spike , who is rabbit. It's quite funny part of "Moonwalker" – "I asked for bad guy and they send me Michael Jackson ?!".
"Leave me alone" , one of Jackson's best videos appear as some sort of interlude. It's a satire on paparazzi and very colorful circus video. After "LMA" and 35 minutes of the movie already gone finally we something that resembles a mini movie. It's a story how Jackson has to save three homeless kids (and the world from evil drug dealer Mr. Big (played by Joe "Goodfellas" Pesci). The story here is too serious , so cheesy , so absurd , so laughable just like Pesci's haircut . Jackson is portrayed as superhero with magic powers. I don't want to spoil anything , but inside that story there is a expanded section of "Smooth criminal". Movie ends with Jackson performing "Come together" – his cover version of The Beatles song.
As you can see this movie is truly a bizarre one. There is no real plot and the whole movie follows dream-like logic. It's colorful , fast and completely empty (with the exception of "drugs are bad"). It's more like one big commercial and ego trip. Even "Flashdance" has more coherent plot. If I saw this at cinema , I would probably be disappointed. It was a hot on VHS as I remember (I have a copy of this movie on VHS at home).
It was based on Jackson's original idea and I guess nobody went against it. Too bad , because with more humor , clay motion and less ego trip this could work . The whole "Speed demon" section shows as that this movie could work as family entertainment . If only they expanded that idea The non-fans of MJ shouldn't watch this . The casual fans also might be disappointed . The die-hard will love it. I give it 4/10.
"Moonwalker" starts with Michael Jackson performing live "Man in the mirror" . This part shows you the mass hysteria from MJ fans. It also shows that unlike many pop artists Jackson actually had some message to say – change yourself , change the world. One could say it's pretentious to think that a simple song will change the world , yet I think that MJ deserves some praise for his ambition. After that we have a retro perspective of Jackson's career – from Jackson 5 to the release of "Bad" album in 1988 , when Jackson was at peek of his career. We see a clips of live performances , music videos and some colorful animation.
The retro perspective ends with "Badder" – a parody of Jackson's video "Bad" with kids instead of singers. It turns into short story about Jackson running away from his crazy fans. It's probably the most interesting part of the movie . It's done in clay motion and seems like it's inspired by "Who framed Roger Rabbit ?" . The whole segment is basically one big cartoon set to the "Speed demon" song . It moves at crazy speed , but if you lucky enough you will see Steven Spielberg , Sylvester Stallone , Pee Wee Herman and Tina Turner parodies as well. This part ends with dance contest between Jackson and Spike , who is rabbit. It's quite funny part of "Moonwalker" – "I asked for bad guy and they send me Michael Jackson ?!".
"Leave me alone" , one of Jackson's best videos appear as some sort of interlude. It's a satire on paparazzi and very colorful circus video. After "LMA" and 35 minutes of the movie already gone finally we something that resembles a mini movie. It's a story how Jackson has to save three homeless kids (and the world from evil drug dealer Mr. Big (played by Joe "Goodfellas" Pesci). The story here is too serious , so cheesy , so absurd , so laughable just like Pesci's haircut . Jackson is portrayed as superhero with magic powers. I don't want to spoil anything , but inside that story there is a expanded section of "Smooth criminal". Movie ends with Jackson performing "Come together" – his cover version of The Beatles song.
As you can see this movie is truly a bizarre one. There is no real plot and the whole movie follows dream-like logic. It's colorful , fast and completely empty (with the exception of "drugs are bad"). It's more like one big commercial and ego trip. Even "Flashdance" has more coherent plot. If I saw this at cinema , I would probably be disappointed. It was a hot on VHS as I remember (I have a copy of this movie on VHS at home).
It was based on Jackson's original idea and I guess nobody went against it. Too bad , because with more humor , clay motion and less ego trip this could work . The whole "Speed demon" section shows as that this movie could work as family entertainment . If only they expanded that idea The non-fans of MJ shouldn't watch this . The casual fans also might be disappointed . The die-hard will love it. I give it 4/10.
No Plot, Awesome Soundtrack and a Whole Lot of WTF Moments
rcolgan20 June 2014
If I were to tell you there was a film where Michael Jackson becomes a little child, got chased by clay animated monsters, turned into a bunny, ran with a little girl into a cave to find a drug den, got chased by mobsters, turned into a car, gunned down several SWAT agents, became a robot and then flew to his home planet in a spaceship then would you believe me? Well you should, because all this and more happens in Moonwalker. One of the biggest WTF films you could ever see.
It has no plot. It has no logic. Heck, I don't even think it even had a script. I'm guessing Jackson just wrote a list of things he wanted to do and the filmmakers obliged since he's Michael Jackson. It's overly absurd nature seems to be at times one of the most detailed recreations of and LSD trip since Yellow Submarine was put to screen in the 60's. But as long as you can embrace this insane nature it can be pretty fun.
Mostly because everything in the film lacks any consistency with nothing other than Jacksons presence linking all the scenes together. Largely this is due to being split into several segment's and being shot by several people so nothing about the style or the plot keeps consistent. It starts with live concerts, then a mixture of clay and 2d animation sequences before shifting into what's best described as a dark noir style action. It's with this lack of consistency that becomes amusing with many of the scenes being either pointless or simply bizarre. Most of it just happens without any explanation whatsoever with no real arching story to link the different segments.
I'm guessing that this didn't matter too much for Jackson and that he just viewed the story of the film as a way of gratifying his wacky ideas and acting as filler between the times when he's singing. Towards the end of the film Jackson literally forgets about finishing the story and leaves the other characters behind so he can just have a music concert. But I can't really complain about this seeing as it is Michaels Jacksons songs, many of which coming from his prime in the 80's.
Also the music videos that accompany the songs are usually pretty cool. However sometimes they do get annoying and can show just how big an ego he had with Man in the Mirror being played over a mixture of fans cheering him like a god with footage of historic peace figures like Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Ghandi. Talk about holding yourself in high regard On top of that shortly after comes the Leave Me Alone song where he then complains about the attention that he's been getting. If you don't want attention then you shouldn't big up your persona so much!
Other sequences are simply awesome and amongst Jacksons best music videos. Take for example Smooth Criminal. Whilst it came out of nowhere and had no reason for being, the dance sequence is by far the films greatest moment. It's incredibly shot with an awesome fast paced style to keep in tune with the tone of the music. The dance choreography is amongst the best of Jackson's career with the likes of synchronised side steps and the famous lean keeping the sequence innovative throughout. And on top of all this, it just looks cool throughout with awesome gangster suits and finishing with Jackson getting out a massive gun and shooting out the entire room. All done to the already fantastic song, the Smooth Criminal sequence is a brilliant 10 minute music video and probably my favourite Michael Jackson music video. If you do not want to watch the rest of this film, I would strongly advise at least watching this scene on YouTube.
Then there are the live concert songs, which whilst obviously out of place (just like the rest of the film) do give a good concert feel throughout actually being filmed with fully packed audiences. After all it is Jackson's music and he is the king of pop. He's just got a great stage presence that even on film still allows him to dominate and keep you glued to the screen. It may lack plot but it would be impossible to deny that this film does have one heck of a soundtrack.
So when it comes to a film like this it really depends on what you're expecting. If you come in to this film expecting plot or characters, then you're going to be disappointed. But if you just watch it expecting some cool music sequences mixed with a whole lot of WTF moments you're going to be in for a treat. If nothing else the film does paint an interesting portrait in the mind of one of the greatest, albeit also strangest, singers of the 20th century and is worth a watch due to the sheer absurdity if nothing else.
It has no plot. It has no logic. Heck, I don't even think it even had a script. I'm guessing Jackson just wrote a list of things he wanted to do and the filmmakers obliged since he's Michael Jackson. It's overly absurd nature seems to be at times one of the most detailed recreations of and LSD trip since Yellow Submarine was put to screen in the 60's. But as long as you can embrace this insane nature it can be pretty fun.
Mostly because everything in the film lacks any consistency with nothing other than Jacksons presence linking all the scenes together. Largely this is due to being split into several segment's and being shot by several people so nothing about the style or the plot keeps consistent. It starts with live concerts, then a mixture of clay and 2d animation sequences before shifting into what's best described as a dark noir style action. It's with this lack of consistency that becomes amusing with many of the scenes being either pointless or simply bizarre. Most of it just happens without any explanation whatsoever with no real arching story to link the different segments.
I'm guessing that this didn't matter too much for Jackson and that he just viewed the story of the film as a way of gratifying his wacky ideas and acting as filler between the times when he's singing. Towards the end of the film Jackson literally forgets about finishing the story and leaves the other characters behind so he can just have a music concert. But I can't really complain about this seeing as it is Michaels Jacksons songs, many of which coming from his prime in the 80's.
Also the music videos that accompany the songs are usually pretty cool. However sometimes they do get annoying and can show just how big an ego he had with Man in the Mirror being played over a mixture of fans cheering him like a god with footage of historic peace figures like Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Ghandi. Talk about holding yourself in high regard On top of that shortly after comes the Leave Me Alone song where he then complains about the attention that he's been getting. If you don't want attention then you shouldn't big up your persona so much!
Other sequences are simply awesome and amongst Jacksons best music videos. Take for example Smooth Criminal. Whilst it came out of nowhere and had no reason for being, the dance sequence is by far the films greatest moment. It's incredibly shot with an awesome fast paced style to keep in tune with the tone of the music. The dance choreography is amongst the best of Jackson's career with the likes of synchronised side steps and the famous lean keeping the sequence innovative throughout. And on top of all this, it just looks cool throughout with awesome gangster suits and finishing with Jackson getting out a massive gun and shooting out the entire room. All done to the already fantastic song, the Smooth Criminal sequence is a brilliant 10 minute music video and probably my favourite Michael Jackson music video. If you do not want to watch the rest of this film, I would strongly advise at least watching this scene on YouTube.
Then there are the live concert songs, which whilst obviously out of place (just like the rest of the film) do give a good concert feel throughout actually being filmed with fully packed audiences. After all it is Jackson's music and he is the king of pop. He's just got a great stage presence that even on film still allows him to dominate and keep you glued to the screen. It may lack plot but it would be impossible to deny that this film does have one heck of a soundtrack.
So when it comes to a film like this it really depends on what you're expecting. If you come in to this film expecting plot or characters, then you're going to be disappointed. But if you just watch it expecting some cool music sequences mixed with a whole lot of WTF moments you're going to be in for a treat. If nothing else the film does paint an interesting portrait in the mind of one of the greatest, albeit also strangest, singers of the 20th century and is worth a watch due to the sheer absurdity if nothing else.
WTF, am I watching!? Moonwalker is so lunacy.
ironhorse_iv20 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Singer Michael Jackson's death in 2009 was indeed tragic, however, it still didn't magically absolve all the controversy & weirdness surrounding him. Nor does it, excuse him, for how awful, nonsensical this movie is. Rather than featuring one continuous narrative, the film is a collection of distorted fast cutting random theme short vignettes about Michael Jackson; with several of them being long-form music videos from Jackson's Bad album. Because of this choice in direction, I have to question, the people who made this movie's ability as filmmakers. This movie is so confusing and nearly unwatchable. It's an acid trip movie that's easier to hear, than see. I really don't get, what happening! One minute, the film has Michael Jackson trying to escape from grossest stop motion paparazzi in a rabbit mascot costume, the next minute, it has him, turning into a robot spaceship battling a drug-dealer named Frankie Lideo AKA Mr. Big, played by Joe Pesci. For a movie that has anti-drug message, it really does felt like this film was made by people on drugs. Also, this movie doesn't really doesn't make Jackson, look good. He looks like a lunatic for the most part, who has no clue, what's he talking about. Lots of contradictions. Some good examples is how he sings about telling people to leave him alone; only for later, to sing about having people be together and work out in harmony. Even, his famous songs don't add up. I like how he's singing about world peace in a live performance of "Man in the Mirror" at Wembley Stadium; while featuring a montage of clips of pacifist leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Jesus Christ, and other historical figures; only to be singing later, about finding a bloodstained carpet and an unconscious body with 'Smooth Criminal', while shooting off, a tommy gun at the villains. Don't get me wrong, I like both songs, and music videos, but it give off, mixed messages for the audience, especially the children that look up to him. In my opinion, why couldn't this film, just establish that we're just watching a bunch of new music videos. It would have been stronger and more memorable. Why did we need, all those confusing mucho jumbo retrospective sequences!? It just shows the same old crap that would show up in later segments, like the Claymation, the transformers, and Gilliam's style moving cutouts from antique photographs. Plus, the songs while covering the early years from the Jackson 5 was nice to hear, again; felt wasn't needed. After all, this movie was market to promote Jackson's newest album at the time, 'Bad'. So, why didn't they use more songs from the album like "Liberian Girl' or 'Another Part of Me', than old Jackson 5 hits!? Those songs rarely got feature in any music video. Another thing, that was bizarre about 'Moonwalker', was the kidz bop version of 'Bad' with Brandon Quintin Adams. I get that, it's a parody, but the comedy seem oddly place, seeing how it came out after the retrospective sequences. Are we the audience, supposedly to find Michael Jackson's career, as a joke!? Were, we supposed to laugh on how bad, the music video 'bad' was!? I don't get it. I thought, they wanted us to buy that album! It's seem so out of the blue. Honestly, if I can be truthful. The only good thing to come out of this movie, was, the 'Smooth Criminal' sequence that was influence by the movie, 1953's 'The Band Wagon'. A great homage to the works of Fred Astaire, even if it was kinda ruin by the weird interlude silence moaning interpretive dance in the middle. It looks like everybody at Club 30's, was having a giant stroke. Nevertheless, at least, it was better than the 'Alien Ant Farm' version. I don't see Dryden Mitchell trying to do anti-gravity lean, anywhere in that music video. Anyways, every other sequence in 'Moonwalker' seem pretty much below standards, because how much, annoying the vacuum of praise for Michael Jackson, is. We get it, he's incredibly talent, but he's not Jesus. He was heavily flawed human being with a man child complex. Please stop acting like he is the Messiah; and stop rubbing it, in our faces that he's better than us, when he clearly, wasn't. For a man, that mocks the media for unnecessarily sensationalized his life; he does help feed that BS that the world circle around him. Because of this, I really couldn't stand watching this strange ego trip of a movie. Overall: Michael Jackson is a smooth criminal, but his movie was nowhere near that. It was rough.
One for the fans
t-harrington2 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Moonwalker is probably not the film to watch if you're not a Michael Jackson fan. I'm a big fan and enjoyed the majority of the film, the ending wasn't fantastic but the first 50 or so minutes were - if you're a fan.
I personally believe the first 50 minutes are re-watchable many times over. The dancing in each video is breathtaking, the music fantastic to listen to and the dialogue entertaining.
It includes many of his finest videos from Bad and snippets from his earlier videos. It also includes some live concert footage.
If you're a big fan of Michael Jackson this is a must, if you're not a fan/don't like Michael Jackson, steer well clear.
9/10
I personally believe the first 50 minutes are re-watchable many times over. The dancing in each video is breathtaking, the music fantastic to listen to and the dialogue entertaining.
It includes many of his finest videos from Bad and snippets from his earlier videos. It also includes some live concert footage.
If you're a big fan of Michael Jackson this is a must, if you're not a fan/don't like Michael Jackson, steer well clear.
9/10
HA! One hell of a bad movie!
uffe-52 January 2000
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is so ridicilous. Even more silly than the super-silly ''Firestarter''. The movie has no base and you never get what the story is about. Michael Jackson running around with some kids in flowers suddenly pops up and you don't get s**t! If that was dumb you should see Jackson's acting! I think I'm gonna burst! When Jacko hugs the kids and like a robot expressing ''I've missed you so much'' the big laugh is not far away. But there are more coming! WHAT THE HELL IS JOE PESCI DOING HERE?! Pesci is playing some spider-freak that wants to take over the world and takes a kid hostage for some strange reason. Here's a spoiler, at the end Michael Jackson turns into a giant robot. Maybe so the audience can sit down and say ''Oh! That explanes it all''. If you have it on DVD (sorry for you) watch everything with Joe Pesci. It is so hilarious that I have to cry!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Moonwalker, what a joke!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Moonwalker, what a joke!
Unbelievable.
SmokeyTee2 May 2007
Almost 20 years after it's release I decided to see just how bad this film really was. Needless to say my expectations zero...
It is surely one of the worst pieces of cinema I have ever seen.
This film can only have value to mental health patients or researchers wishing to better understand the strange creature known as Michael Jackson.
Weird, silly, pretentious pap. But then what would could you expect when the plasticene mans' vision is brought to fruition...
I can imagine that Joe Pesci to this day wakes up from nightmares resulting from his involvement in this horrible, horrible film.
Smooth criminal? The *real* crime was not burning M.J's script prior to production or recasting MC.Hammer to play the lead role. Or Bobby Brown. Or Milli Vanilli. Or my dog Vino...
It is surely one of the worst pieces of cinema I have ever seen.
This film can only have value to mental health patients or researchers wishing to better understand the strange creature known as Michael Jackson.
Weird, silly, pretentious pap. But then what would could you expect when the plasticene mans' vision is brought to fruition...
I can imagine that Joe Pesci to this day wakes up from nightmares resulting from his involvement in this horrible, horrible film.
Smooth criminal? The *real* crime was not burning M.J's script prior to production or recasting MC.Hammer to play the lead role. Or Bobby Brown. Or Milli Vanilli. Or my dog Vino...
Great kid's movie!
Ivan Ravenous16 September 2000
Wow, I forgot how great this movie was until I stumbled upon it while looking through the garage. It's a kind of strange combination of a bio of Michael Jackson, a collection of musical vignettes, and a story about a super hero fighting to save some little kids. The vignettes are good (especially Speed Demon), but the best part of this movie is the super hero segment, in which Michael Jackson turns into a car, a robot, and finally a spaceship (and it's just as weird as it sounds). Joe Pesci is hilarious, and has enough cool imagery and great music to entertain throughout!
The real gem however is the incredible "Smooth Criminal" video, which makes the movie worth owning for that part alone!
The real gem however is the incredible "Smooth Criminal" video, which makes the movie worth owning for that part alone!
Maybe it's an art film...
mitsubishizero23 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's very unconventional. The first half is pretty much a commemoration Of Michael Jackson as an artist while the second half are simply music video/short films and they're pretty good. They don't always make sense but they're still enjoyable. The first short is a parody of "Bad" called "Badder" which has kids reenacting the aforementioned music video. I think it's funny.
It then argues into the next music video called "Speed Demon" And it's cool(and a little creepy) to see most of the video clay-mated. Michael disguises himself as a rabbit to escape overzealous fans wanting his autograph. Even the Noid makes a cameo. What follows next is a cool chase scene while the song plays. After he gets to a safe distance he then has a dance off with costume who's name is Spike. That's always nice.
The highlight of this movie is the final short "Smooth Criminal" and what's interesting to note is that it has a young Sean Lennon as one the kids who act alongside Michael. The premise is basically Michael saving his young friends while also trying to avoid a drug-dealing kingpin who wants his head named Mr. Big(Joe Pesci). This leads to the iconic club dance scene where they perform the iconic anti-gravity lean. There's not much to say other than it's interesting to watch. It's basically fan service as well as a compilation of his music videos. What's interesting to note is that aside from choosing the name Michael had nothing to do with the making of the movie. I think this movie's only for MJ fans or people who like art films, everyone else will be scratching their heads.
It then argues into the next music video called "Speed Demon" And it's cool(and a little creepy) to see most of the video clay-mated. Michael disguises himself as a rabbit to escape overzealous fans wanting his autograph. Even the Noid makes a cameo. What follows next is a cool chase scene while the song plays. After he gets to a safe distance he then has a dance off with costume who's name is Spike. That's always nice.
The highlight of this movie is the final short "Smooth Criminal" and what's interesting to note is that it has a young Sean Lennon as one the kids who act alongside Michael. The premise is basically Michael saving his young friends while also trying to avoid a drug-dealing kingpin who wants his head named Mr. Big(Joe Pesci). This leads to the iconic club dance scene where they perform the iconic anti-gravity lean. There's not much to say other than it's interesting to watch. It's basically fan service as well as a compilation of his music videos. What's interesting to note is that aside from choosing the name Michael had nothing to do with the making of the movie. I think this movie's only for MJ fans or people who like art films, everyone else will be scratching their heads.
i was expecting much more from Michael
freeefifka1 May 2019
I am a fan since child and i was watching it when i was a child and i was fascinated cause it was Michael, but honestly after such a great videos he made which had a plot and was surprising and cool this movie was out of order ,weird and something like it was just glued together . i was expecting a movie ... and i would put all the songs on the end of the movie ... if he called it a movie then this was weird to watch. now when i'm older i still like it cause it reminds me my childhood but its such a story for kids .. its not like "bad" video or "thriller" ...its just childish .. so yeah kids will love it but thats it . cool to see him dancing but i wanted to see him acting knowing that he liked it .
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
