User Reviews

There is one simple way of understanding whether one will enjoy This Is It or not, and that has to do with a caption that appears at the beginning of the film: "For the fans". Translation: Those who grew up with Michael Jackson's music, know his songs by heart and idolized him despite his bizarre antics and legal problems will love the movie; those who believe he was an overrated, disturbed artist will probably loathe it. Then there's a third category, to which I belong: people who enjoy listening to Jackson's music, without necessarily being die-hard fans. In that case, This Is It comes off as an interesting, but rather hollow experience.

The story behind the picture is well-known: following Michael Jackson's tragic, unexpected death in June 2009, just before the first of a series of gigs that would mark his retirement, it was decided to make the rehearsal footage, filmed during the preparations for the first concert, known to the public, so that the late singer's admirers could get an idea of what could have been. The film begins with several young people auditioning to become dancers or background singers, and their tangible enthusiasm remains unaffected throughout, a feeling that is shared by Jackson once the real work begins.

Watching the footage makes one thing absolutely clear: if Jackson had lived, it would have been a major event. Showing no signs of weakness whatsoever, he was both precise (he knew exactly what everyone should do and when) and playful (he is shown goofing around on the stage and joyously interacting with everybody), trying to make sure all the people involved were having a good time. Unfortunately, a lot of that passion and energy fails to get through the screen, mostly because of the center-stage presence granted to the project's director, Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical fame), whose constant attempts to please his star get annoying rather quickly.

On the flip-side, it's intriguing to see all the special stuff the team was preparing for the event: new filmed material to go with certain songs (including new footage shot for Thriller), devices that would allow the stage to "transform" as the show went on, smoke, special effects, you name it. Additionally, even casual listeners are likely to be thrilled when Jackson performs live versions of everyone's favorites. This Is It was, in his mind at least, a true labor of love. The resulting film, however, does occasionally have "cash-in" written on it. It's an interesting look at a lost opportunity, but it's more of a curiosity, rather than a proper, affectionate tribute. You know, for the fans.

My wife asked me to see this movie tonight as sort of a preview,to let her know if we should see it together on our day off.As we are both Michael Jackson fans,I would have to give an emphatic "YES" to that.I was really apprehensive,since I thought that it would just be some rehearsals with tons of filler(biographical info,etc),but most of the numbers were pretty fleshed out,music and choreography wise.Some of the special effects were amazing,and I really liked the extended intro of "The Way You Make Me Feel".I liked the way they tried to make the film feel like a performance,rather than a eulogy.The talent,from the dancers to the musicians to the lighting and effects crew were just first rate all the way.I thought beforehand that this might be just a cynical cash grab-one more trip to the ATM from Michaels legacy,but honestly,I think they may just be trying to recoup some of the enormous costs of putting on a show that never came to fruition.And if some of us fans can enjoy seeing MJ one more time in such a classy way,Im all for it.

It was one of those mornings like any other mornings, where I would wake up, and turn on the TV set to the news channel, as it plays in the background while I go about getting myself ready for work. It was a news feed to a flurry of police activity from a helicopter vantage point, and I thought there was probably another massive shootout in the USA, until I squinted at the news flash at the bottom of the screen. It mentioned something about Michael Jackson's passing, and I couldn't believe my eyes, I had to put my glasses on.

I pretty much grew up with the music of Michael Jackson, being all but 6 years old when I got the Thriller album on cassette tape, and was hooked. It was played countless of times, and I too performed Beat It with a primary one school friend, in front of the class, big MJ fans that we were. And in 1993 when he was in Singapore which served as a pit stop for his Dangerous World Tour, I was there as well, for the first night out of two when his birthday was celebrated. And all that just around the time when the craziest negative news about the man had surfaced.

But This Is It is not that documentary, but one that's set to allow audiences and fans all around the world witness what MJ was preparing for – that grueling 50 shows in London that would be as much a showcase as well as a swansong. I mean, he's no Peter Pan, and it's still pretty amazing that he still possessed this fabulous energy to create that special magic that only MJ can create on stage. Watching him perform live is definitely an entirely different experience from watching it on video, but I suppose Kenny Ortega had created the next best thing, culled from rehearsal footage of his practices leading to the run up of the landmark performances.

Naturally, don't expect MJ to be at his very best or performing everything 100%, as many a times he had mentioned that he's conserving energy, though most times he just couldn't help it but to perform his numbers through and through. It's also a valuable peek into how he crafts the entire performance to perfection and love, never losing his temper as he offers his two cents worth on what he exactly wants out of the performers, musicians and dancers. You can see the respect he commands from his crew, who knows that they must be up to the mark whenever he comes on set to practice with them, and it's very much amazing that when MJ is on fire, everyone else will be silenced, and in awe. Look no further than Billie Jean where the man just captivates everyone's attention.

And you cannot get better ringside seats than what this film has to offer. Culled from various rehearsals sometimes of the same song, it allows you to see how MJ finetunes and experiments with various ideas, especially for his dance. His stage performances were always a spectacle, and the sheer amount of effort in pyrotechnics and special effects, would make you wonder how awesome the actual London performance would have been, which sadly will never materialize beyond the ideas tossed up in this documentary.

This Is It is as much about MJ, as it is about the meticulously handpicked dancers and backup performers who would have been part of a legendary concert. It's not easy supporting the King of Pop given the innate pressure to excel and he acknowledges that effort put in, though I feel it must have been quite heartbreaking for them to learn about the passing of the superstar, and a mentor whom I'm sure they would have learnt a lot from during their time spent together in preparation. At least their efforts will not go to waste with the release of this film, which may seem to be gimmicky since it's going to be on screen for only 2 weeks. And a reminder too not to leave the hall prematurely before the end of the end credit roll.

RIP Michael Jackson, you will be missed by your fans worldwide as the greatest performer who ever graced the stage.

There are a lot of reviews here from Michael Jackson fans, but I figured I'd offer a different viewpoint--from someone who's not a fan, even somewhat cynical toward the MJ phenomenon in general.

I thought I would hate it, twice declined buying the DVD even though it was only $4 (go to your local Blockbuster used pile. There's still a ton left) before finally deciding heck with it, I'll give it a shot.

I was blown away.

Let me say up front I'm more a fan of classic rock leaning toward the heavy side (Sabbath, Zeppelin, etc) and although I grew up right in the middle of MJ's popularity explosion, I never crossed over.

This movie caught me immediately because it doesn't take the "Michael Jackson is the best thing ever" attitude that I had feared, but instead it's a somewhat humble approach which focuses not entirely on MJ but instead on the people he affected. In the first 5 minutes we get some pretty moving testimonials from dancers & performers whose lives were changed (saved?) by Michael's music. And with that in mind, even if you aren't a fan of his music yourself, you have to respect the fact that his music connected with so many people in such a powerful & positive way.

From there we start to see the rehearsals and behind-the-scenes stuff regarding the ill-fated "This Is It Tour". It left no doubt in my mind that this truly would have been the greatest concert production ever seen on planet earth. Yeah, watching lasers & giant inflatable pigs at a Pink Floyd concert is one thing, but MJ's This Is It Tour was set to have 60-ft-tall, panoramic, IMAX-type video screens, giant transformer robots, bulldozers, human cannonballs launching from under the stage, the world's best (and hottest) dancers, and not to mention the singing, dancing & moonwalking of one of the greatest pop stars in history. PT Barnum eat your heart out.

The movie also features several videos that were to be shown at the live show, and these were also quite a treat. Interspersed with Michael's own comments on what he had hoped to accomplish, it takes on a bittersweet, tragic-yet-inspiring vibe, particularly when you realize how socially & environmentally conscious Michael was. Though the film didn't dwell on it, we can see that he was a person tortured by the problems of humankind and doing everything in his power to fix it, by inspiring people in a positive way. And that's when I realized that, yes, all of his songs carried powerful, world-shaping messages beneath those slick dance moves.

The performances are captivating, the musicianship (from both Michael & his band) is meticulous & passionate, and I found myself suddenly liking the music which I had ignored for 20 years. One song almost had me in tears, and let me tell you I don't cry easy (I thought Platoon was a comedy).

I think every human being owes it to himself/herself to check out this video to be reminded that even bizarre, eccentric pop stars serve a purpose in this world. And who better to learn from than the most successful one that ever lived? Despite the tragedy of MJ's life, this is one of the most inspiring musical documentaries I've ever seen. Even if you're not a MJ fan, I guarantee you'll become one for at least 2 hours as you watch this film. Rock on \m/

I haven't been since I was a kid. I therefore had zero expectations for this movie, and even groaned that I had to come in at 6 this morning to preview it for my theater. That said, I was completely blown away and entertained from beginning to end. His voice and his dance moves are top form and timeless. He sang all his greatest hits, even from the J5 era, which really hit a soft spot with me. And people might be complaining that this isn't a typical concert movie...in truth, that is a big plus here. Typical concert movies are overly produced. The intimacy of this footage makes you feel, not like you're in a concert, but like you're witness to very private performances. You get to see first hand how involved this man was (to every little detail of production and planning). There are no crowds of screaming and crying fans to have to sit through (with the exception of a brief opening scene in which the auditioning dancers get a little too blubbery at times). This film easily reignited my appreciation for the man, who was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Complete 180 for me, I'll be the first to admit. And a side note, his female guitarist (her name escapes me) had me picking my jaw up off the floor, and not just her looks. You'll see what I mean.

I hadn't really planned to see this show today, but a dental appointment was timed such that I ate lunch in a mall here in Bangkok and wandered by the multiplex upstairs after eating. The second showing of the day was to start in ten minutes, so I bought a ticket. There had been advance-booking for the last couple of weeks, with a chart showing the available seats for each show. A week ago the showings had two or three seats booked at best for any show. For the showing I attended there were twenty-five people in a five hundred seat house. I looked at a poster on my way in and realized this was the first day of release, so this was a disappointing turnout.

I don't know what material was available from the tapes of rehearsals, but the film as a whole is often a bit of a patch-work quilt, sometimes feeling somewhat like the pieces are a bit mismatched. In some numbers there are frequent cuts back and forth from at least three different occasions, as shown by Michael wearing different wardrobe. Also adding to this effect is the fact that some shots were captured in high-definition, others in standard video which are inter-cut for the same songs. The audio on the other hand is pretty seamless and of high quality throughout. Sometimes a song sequence is interrupted to show a behind the scenes conference on how to proceed. Many songs are not included in their entirety, apparently to allow for such background material to be included instead. Much of the show seemed like an extended "making of" extra to a main event.

Again, I do not know what material was available, but if most songs were recorded in their entirety, I think I would have preferred to see an attempt to show what the final concert would have been like, without so many interruptions. If I had directed it, I would have done a few minutes of the behind the show material first and then attempt a concert experience. For instance, there is a sequence done in B&W with MJ interacting in a crime movie facing a menacing Humphrey Bogart after watching Rita Hayworth sing. But this segment is interrupted multiple times with color shots done on stage, some with the associated song, some not. I was disappointed not to be able to see the way the B&W segment would have played in concert. I am guessing it would have been in one continuous piece.

As it is, I can see where the concert would have been a real treat. I worked as a stage hand for a Jackson Five concert over thirty-seven years ago, and it was well done but far less elaborate. Michael's voice and dancing still appeared to be in top form to me despite all the intervening years, and the set design and lighting was elaborate and effective. Perhaps the show was edited as it is to allow us to see him as a perfectionist at work, but someone who had rapport with his cast and crew. His interaction with the cute blonde lady guitarist is a high-light. He comes across as a normal, down to earth person, albeit one that is incredibly talented.

I felt a little sad at times while watching this show because he seemed so vital and fit that it is still hard to accept that he is gone. Perhaps he really could have played fifty play-dates in London without faltering. Considering how vigorous the numbers are, this would have been another great achievement for him.

This was a clear view into the intergral preperation of a concert by a complete genius. I was never a Michael Jackson fan, however, my wife was and since she was desperate to see the film I decided to accompany her. I was astounded. I could not believe this man in the film was the same person that is was always hounded by the press and made to look like the devil. He was by no means weird, ill health, or a drug user. If he was, he masked it very well. The film shows us what we are missing as far as the concert goes and what a pity, it would have been amazing! He seemed at ease, and so happy and normal while on stage, as if it was built to be his. You would never believe this was the ''freak'' that the world perceived him to be. Shame on those people. Genius at work, a perfectionist down the smallest detail and I think the film has captured this very well. What I liked a lot was the fact that the film was not concentrating on his death and tradegy, but solely on his concert, his music, and his geniality and it was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our times. So I would urge anyone who has had any miss conceptions about the man to go see this, you like me will more than likely change your views on the man. RIP

Film is such an ordinary business in many respects that when something unique comes along, it takes on an importance on that fact alone.

Whatever you think of the music, he was a person manufactured to exist only in the media marketplace, uncomfortable and profoundly unsuccessful at a human scale. He, like some other performers I suppose, can only live, can only actually breath on a stage, and then only if it is bigger and more dynamic than any ever created. If I had seen the show, I would likely have left crying about the huge waste of resources, the fantastic color budget, there only to suspend a shaky being and the shakier admiration we grew to need.

The form of the film is set up to keep us from reminding ourselves that we are not seeing a concert. Instead we are seeing stuff that would have been culled for a terse "making of" DVD extra, one focused on how the most expensive and elaborate stage show in history was put together. Jackson would never have allowed us to see him as a human, never allowed us to see him not trying hard. He would have hidden what he knew to be his great weaknesses — that he was never allowed to develop a mind, a means of articulation, any semblance of connection to the world outside his craft. If it were possible for him to know about this, it would be a hell for him, knowing that we can see him as he is, not as he invented the image:

He knows music and movement at an intuitive level, perhaps qualifying as genius, but he cannot speak more than four words that are genuine, even when it comes to the music. He is a master showman, but unable to imagine anything at all, instead only see what others have done for him and intuit how it needs to bend to fit him in. There are sequences here that you can see someone was clever with, for instance a sequence which would have him composited into old movies. He is terminally uncomfortable in this, and one can imagine the angst of identity he carried home and which had to be drugged away. The man shown here as his trusted collaborator (credited as "director") was who killed Jackson, by shifting the only world he knew.

The performances themselves are remarkable. The singing is unrewarding; he tells us repeatedly that he isn't really using his voice, that he is preparing to warm up, knowing that physical stress was coming. We don't notice it much because we know the songs so well, and what we hear has been supplemented dishonestly. But the dancing IS rewarding. The backup dancers are rewarding in the usual way; they are the best in the world, possibly — given advances in the science of training — the best ever assembled. Each time we see them, they are working hard as if their lives depended on it. In terms of narrative, the film is about them (and to a lesser extent the backup musicians). We see the tryouts, and the announcements of the winners. We see some truly extraordinary people here. This is where the energy comes from.

Jackson's dancing is remarkable as well, but for different reasons. He reinvented stage dance. He is as influential as Astair, more because his visual style transformed music into a video art, a transitional metamedia where it stands today. We may be even more familiar with his moves than his sounds. He lopes through the numbers. It isn't fair to expect him to be good. His body is in pain; joints are taped up to allow even what we see.

But what we see, even if it lacks energy, is amazing. Jackson is important because he created himself and everything about himself. Even his ideas about love and peace are fabricated. But the invention: face, clothes, music, pseudofamily and all are physically situated. He has created it all in the context of the space around him and how he moves in it. Even the iconic moonwalk where physics seems denied indicates this. It is remarkable not only because he invented a self, one that it is outrageous and comic in every detail, but that it is coherent and has an inner logic. That inner logic is spatial, a logic of movement. His soul invents itself first in movement and builds a self to occupy.

This part alone makes the film amazing. Often in the film, we see numbers from beginning to end that are assembled from different rehearsals. In some of these rehearsals, it is clear that he has just arrived on the set that has been cooking for months. His stage choreography is made up on the spot. As the splices shift back and forth, you can see that each time, he is making up a different — sometimes wildly different — routine. He does so effortlessly. He does so automatically and with grace. But most remarkable is that it makes sense each time. It is a whole soul, coherent and true, visible. Visible to us, conveying that sense, that spatial logic.

What an experience. It is sad that he had to suffer and die so this could come to us. If he had lived, he would have made a big show. As it is, we are allowed to see him in his own private show, living in movement, exposed.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

In a way, Kenny Ortega's "Michael Jackson's This is It" is more interesting for what it ISN'T than for what it is. What it ISN'T is a documentary account of the life, career and death of Mr. Jackson, inevitably colored by the personal viewpoints and biases of its maker. In fact, but for the cruel hand of Fate, "This is It" shouldn't even exist as a movie at all. The behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson and his crew mounting their elaborate, effects-laden worldwide tour scheduled for summer 2009 - his first in over ten years - was initially intended only for Jackson's own personal library. Instead, that footage has become a moving elegy for the self-proclaimed King of Pop, who died tragically on June 25, 2009, at the unripe young age of 50. Wisely, there are no post-mortem interviews or commentary included in the film. The performers all speak of him in the present tense, excited at the prospect of being a part of what is clearly an experience of a lifetime for any musician, dancer or singer fortunate enough to be a part of the show. That their dreams never really came to fruition is what gives the film a depth and poignancy that goes beyond simply the loss of Jackson. Indeed, watching this film is a bit like experiencing how the gods must feel, looking down upon us mere mortals as we go about our daily lives secure in the naïve belief that we will live forever, blithely unaware of what the future actually has in store for us.

As to Jackson himself, he emerges as energetic and deeply engaged in the creative process, no more petulant or demanding than your average multi-talented, legendary superstar - one who actually had talent, by the way, celebrated for his songwriting and choreography as well as for his singing and dancing. And, of course, the music itself is irresistible and timeless.

It's a bittersweet experience watching this film, not only because of what happened to Michael but because of all the time and energy displayed by these hardworking individuals that would eventually come to naught. The small compensation is the existence of this film that captures not just for us but for generations yet unborn the creative and performing genius of Michael that will endure through time.

Who knows, but someday someone will make a warts-and-all biography of Michael Jackson that will attempt to knock the king off his throne. But "This is It" ain't that movie.

I went to see this movie as a non-Michael Jackson fan with absolutely no expectations. I bought the tickets for the world premiere as a birthday gift for my girlfriend. We went to the cinema in the morning and from the beginning I was moved. I have never done it before but in the very beginning a tear came to my eye. Thinking that this guy, with so much energy is 50 years old and about to die. When I bought the tickets I expected a movie with some biography of Michael, a lot of interviews etc, but there is none of this in the movie. The whole movie is about how the concerts would be, but I still didn't feel like I was seeing a concert. I was seeing a little family making a big project come true. I also expected to see Michael less weak, than some of his others concerts, but damn.. If you didn't know he was dead, and saw him dance and sing like he does there is no way you could predict that he was about to die of illness. There was no way I wanted to pay for tickets to his concerts before this day, but now I would pay 500$ for seeing those concerts in London. Although that This is it was about the concerts, the movie also consist a little sense of humor, love and a insight to the worlds climate problems.

A really great job, with great cutting and editing. This movie is a must see for everyone! Even though you aren't a fan of Michael, go watch it!

This Movie obviously is only for people being interested in Michael Jackson.

I'm not a big Michael Jackson Fan myself. I only own about 2 CD's, but I always enjoyed his music whenever playing on the radio or elsewhere. Thou I gotta admit I always kinda was intrigued by his personality or that we know off thru the news and the media. I strongly believe this person one of his biggest creations. The Jacko, always leaving us rather hazy about who he truly has been. To not destroy your anticipations this movie doesn't change that. But it definitely adds a new layer for me. I went to see this movie with the low expectation of seeing nothing more then a collection of bonus footage, a "Making Of" usually to be Bonus Content on a DVD. 'This Is It' is pretty obviously made from this kind of material. But maybe because there was important material still missing, it is surprisingly something else then a collection of backstage footage, that makes money because the show itself didn't. It is filled with footage adding a strange feeling of intimacy I didn't expect there and I didn't expect the Michael Jackson to be like.

Of course this raises the question after seeing this movie: What's missing? What wasn't shown to the public and to what level has it been palliated? 'This Is It' being a peak through the curtain doesn't reveal much behind it. It keeps the mystery of Michael Jackson alive and I'm glad it does. At the same level it's bringing you closer to a person you feel you could never be close to. It shows a loving, kind, shy and especially lovable Michael Jackson.

It honors the Legend and is a noticeable homage.

It is enjoyable, interesting and certainly something different.

=============== One Word on my Rating: As I am not good with ratings, I gave this movie 7 Stars comparing this to other Average Movie Ratings I'd compare this movie with on IMDb. This is not a personal Rating, but more to give you an idea of where I'd place this movie compared to others.

Say what you will about Michael Jackson in his personal life (many have, many times over), but it's hard to dispute his talent. Months before his very untimely death- he was about to put on a ten-show last-time concert in London- this collection of footage from his rehearsals shows undeniably that the guy could sing and dance and entertain even when he was just in front of the other awestruck dancers in his group. He was a strange guy behind closed doors, perhaps more (or less) than we think we know, but the footage that's collected here by director Kenny Ortega is, at the least, proof that there was fire burning in him to put on a show wherever and whenever and to do it to his maximum potential.

With This is It, it's a concert film mostly, and sometimes a documentary on the making of some of the background footage that would have been used in the concert. Some of the latter stuff is interesting to watch, though a little unsettling (i.e. a 3D remake of Thriller is sort of pointless as it's impossible to top the Landis original, despite the addition of never-before-heard Vincent Price dialog), but it's the stuff on stage with MJ perfecting his performances, and of those around him, that intrigue the most. Director Ortega (of High School Musical films) is not quite as adept at mixing together the video footage with the on-stage rehearsal. It usually works best when we see a song performed either just in its entirety on stage with MJ and the other performers (i.e. Billie Jean) or with the majority from video footage (Smooth Criminal, one of the highlights of the film due to its update with MJ in a Bogart movie).

Truth be told, I didn't enjoy the entire film, but it's mostly based on the preference of songs - I could have done without some of the slower numbers or ballads like Human Nature, I'll Be There or Earth Song - and it's not to discredit the real appeal of This is It. We get to see what it's like behind the scenes (save, perhaps, for some of the much more intense squabbles or whatever that were likely cut), with MJ's perfectionism knowing no bounds. He could basically direct the show himself, we see, and that Ortega is mostly used for directing the background dancers and pyrotechnics. A lot of your favorites are here, and he performs them in rehearsal with the kind of energy some bands and groups or singers barely ever have the energy to muster up.

No one has any apology to make about this wonderful documentary, least of all Kenny Ortega. When I heard he intended to take "rehearsal" footage of the "This Is It" tour and market it as a film, I assumed it was an attempt to recoup the investment made in the project. Who could have guessed that this film would stand on its own and also enter the echelons of the "best" documentaries about rock music ever made? No less, Michael Jackson reveals more about himself in this footage than we've ever seen before. It's his premiere moment on film, and I would guess he would not have wanted it shown only because we see—for the first time—Jackson without a mask. I won't attempt to characterize this complicated, insanely talented, person, but basically he's painfully shy. And he excelled at one of the most public vocations there is: performing.

What's interesting about the footage is that it exists at all. But since concerts today use video projection for the large venues where they play, it was natural to include the cameras during the rehearsal period. And it's riveting! Nothing is ever less than compelling in large part due to the level of talent in all quarters. The dancers, the musicians, the back-up singers, sets, costumes…it's a parade of the best of the best. While Jackson is the center of all of this, if you don't care for him, there's plenty of other things to look at and enjoy.

Any sadness is brought by the viewer. There's not one nod to Jackson's demise or when it occurs. He looks thin, but even in a rehearsal mode, he's electrifying, and I think that's why the film works. We're not at some huge arena (for which the concert was conceived) with 10,000 screaming fans. And rather than missing that electricity, we get intimate performances of familiar Jackson material. But it's re-imagined and you never know what's coming next.

An alert: there is footage throughout the final credit sequence and after the credits end. And if you can, see it in a DP theater...for the sound alone. An amazing experience!

It's the spring of 2009 and Michael Jackson is organizing a new concert. However on June 25th and 8 days from traveling to London to begin final dress rehearsals, he is found dead. The movie starts on April 15 with interviews with the dancers. It goes back to the dance auditions, the planning, the construction and most importantly Michael Jackson performing in rehearsals. What's missing is some in-depth interviews with Jackson. He's the only person that truly matters. It's nice to see the young dancers get emotional but it's Jackson that is historically important. Jackson does speak as he directs everybody. He is sharp and on the ball. His performances are always present. It is interesting that he's always in charge. It's basically behind-the-scene footage and it's good on those terms. This is for the fans and there are plenty fans around. The other missing element is post-Jackson. It would be compelling to have everybody's reaction to his death. Although I understand the idea of this as positive memory.

I had my fear going in, but it was all shattered. What a blast. This is a must-see for every MJ fan and even non-fans to understand why he was so popular and deserved every bit of the title King of the Pop. A consummate artist, a perfectionist, and a visionary. The film is overflowed with his energy, passion, and dedication. If the rehearsals could be this good and engaging, one could only imagine what the concerts would've been. His voice sometimes showed his age, but his dance moves were not, at all. Also the young female guitarist was not just good looking, but crazily good with the guitar as well. Smooth Criminal segment is probably my favorite, but they're all very excellent. I don't feel the film is exploiting his death in any way. It's simply paying the tribute and gives fans something they deserve to see.

Dark joke aside, MJ's 'This Is It' comeback was the concert to end all concerts. Astronomical production values, from visual effects to elaborate staging, that encapsulate some of the greatest hits from the late "King of Pop". This documentary both acts as a compilation of his pop classics and behind-the-scenes footage of the concert that sadly fans never got to witness. It acts as an insight to the enigmatic personality of Jackson, a perfectionist who relishes in faith and music. His attentive qualities and natural rhythm really highlight why he will always be one of the greatest musical artists to have ever lived. "Thriller", "Beat It", "Smooth Criminal", "Man in the Mirror", "Black or White"...the discography is endless. Each of these are presented through footage of the dress rehearsals, acting as a window to what could've been but unfortunately was not to be. I appreciate the minimal amount of sentimentality throughout this "rockumentary" as it were. It doesn't rely on purposefully making you cry, the performances and lyrics alone have enough meaning to send shivers down your spine. "I'll Be There" in particular was most effective, with archival footage of the Jackson 5 accompanying the song. However, there is an underlying sense of profitability that lurks beneath this documentary. It feels unfinished, bearing no narrative cohesion. And as a perfectionist, I suspect MJ would not have approved of this documentary's release. Especially so soon after, you cannot help but feel that the Michael Jackson Group used this feature as a means of money at the expense of his death. Which is a shame, as with more care this could've been much more authentic. A few thoughts from his colleagues after his death could easily have been incorporated to make the documentary all that more personal. But despite corporation greed, it's an energetic compilation of performances that highlights his euphoric status to viewers globally. After two hours, you would think I could attempt a decent "moonwalk", yet here I am still failing at that!

Forget everything you think you know about Michael Jackson. Forget the scandals, the surgeries, the rumors, the mysteries. Just accept that we're all innocent until proved guilty in America and let it all go. Michael Jackson was the greatest dancer in the history of mankind. This documentary shows that hours before his death, he remained the greatest dancer in the history of mankind. He was a revelation, pure and simple. And the greatest achievement in Kenny Ortega's simple, elegant tribute is that it allows the viewer, without a shred of distraction, to witness the process of an artist. Sure, some of the footage is a little amateurish, as this was meant for Michael Jackson' records more than anything else. But that's the fun of it. The viewer gets to witness the raw nature of the artist rather than the glossy outcome that would have been the final product. If you're concerned that the film will be an act of gross exploitation and an attempt to squeeze every last dime in the wake of Michael Jackson's death, know this: I haven't the slightest doubt that Michael would have wanted his fans to see this footage. Of course it's exploitive, don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise, but so what: All documentaries are exploitive to some degree and tasteful exploitation is better than tasteless exploitation. This is a film about the process, nothing more. We're just lucky that this process happens to revolve around the finest entertainer of our time. If you're even the slightest fan, this is a must see. If you're not, I dare you not to be won over. Also, if you're looking for signs of fatigue from Michael Jackson, you will be disappointed. In fact, if there's one thing that bothered me about the film, it's that Michael was in such terrific shape that it's angering to think he died so close to the finish line. We don't have many great entertainers left in the world. And the fact that at 50 years of age, operating at about 80% energy wise, Michael blows the top 10 pop singers of today out of the sky, is rather remarkable. Prepare for an emotional and downright exciting concert-film. "This is it" will show the world that with all the noise, all the distractions, all the craziness: Michael Jackson still had it. And then some...

"This Is It" is the highest grossing documentary/concert film of all time. This film was given worldwide release in late October (2009) just 4 months following the tragic death of entertainer, Michael Jackson (in June) at the age of 50.

Not only did "This Is It" not receive support from certain members of Jackson's family - But, it also faced an onslaught of criticism from those who voiced firm opposition to its release, claiming that it was only made to profit from Jackson's untimely death.

All-in-all - I think that "This Is It" is well-worth a view as it is the very last footage ever taken of Jackson whose life was sadly cut short (gone in but a twinkling of the eye).

This movie won't probably be worthwhile to people who were never MJ fans. But if ever you felt touched by his talent and perfection and tenderness, even if you later abandoned your fan status due to his personal weirdness or public witch hunts, I believe you'll find the sweet striking splendor in the man and feel moved in a positive way if you return to your old love of MJ and watch this beautiful rockumentary.

I grew up with Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, all of the media hype everything. This movie is like a few other reviewers said a mish mosh of put together clips to try and give us something insightful into Michael Jackson's final days

He was obviously in bad health, thin, winded, couldn't even sing most of the time. He kept saying he was saving his voice, his voice was going as was his stamina. He was 50 years old, his days on stage had been over for years.

I had watched this film when it came out years ago and thought OK, that's what he was working on. I wanted to watch it again, and what I really saw this time was a man trying to do a comeback with dancers half his age and trying to keep up with them. He couldn't do it anymore, sad truth.

I agree with some of the other reviews in the sense that Ortega had to slap something together to try and recoup some lost income from his death. Michael was in bad health and people took advantage of him till the day he died.

I wish I could give this a good review but it's just sad this man lived in the fishbowl that we all put him in. He was a great, talented beyond words but, if this movie makes you feel better seeing Michael Jackson move around the stage in short clips then feel good. It just makes me sad and angry that he died so soon and in the way he did.

or only a great testimony about a total artist. because the virtue of This Is It is not to discover but to understand. an entire career. the dedication, the ambition, the high professionalism, the care for each detail, the amazing energy, the essence of his life. it is the sketch of a show who remains only one of many if. in same measure, it is the necessary portrait of a symbol of the second half of XX century music. and the useful instrument for see him out of rumors, scandals, gossips. because the most important side of his life, the only part who must be known but the public, is reflected by this documentary. and it is far to be a revelation. only a sort of justice act. his legacy is his music. and the process to create it is the true authentic detail who define Michael Jackson.

Not being a MJ fan, I accompanied my wife, who was (and in fact still is) a dedicated fan. Seeing the man at work resolved a lot of my prejudice toward Michael. He was talented, hard at work, creating a great show.

I was more amazed by the people around him. Get real! He's a talented figure, but still just a man. In the entire movie I heard no one saying 'No' to him, or discussing his ideas or just treating him like a normal human being. No wonder he developed a strange way of presenting himself in the media and getting a smeared image, with all these plastic people around him. Quite a pity.

Another thing struck me. MJ developed over the years a habit of creating a spectacular show with funny moves, spectacular gadgets and a lot of dancers, musicians etcetera. Why did he do that? Was he afraid to be in the front position, to be alone on stage? He had talent and personality enough to do just that...

Anyway, a movie worth seeing together with my (sniffing) wife; if I had to go alone I would have waited for broadcast on TV.

Man what a great LOSS. We terribly miss you Michael.