As much as This Is It recalls Jackson's genius, it perpetuates the exploitation that shaped his life.
Comment
11/19/09
Rate this Movie 
Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
81
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:159
Fresh:128
Rotten:31
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: While it may not be the definitive concert film (or the insightful backstage look) some will hope for, Michael Jackson's This Is It packs more than enough entertainment value to live up to its ambitious title.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Oct 28, 2009 Wide
Box Office: $70,258,545
Synopsis: Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that... [More]
Get This Movie
Reviews for Michael Jackson's This Is It
Now, when I see and hear the fan worship, I don't silently cringe. Never again. I nod my head in affirmation.
11/15/09
... a concert-that-never-was film that trumps that genre because of its ultimate humanity, imperfection and lack of overproduction
11/12/09
... unapologetically worshipful, but it delivers.
11/12/09
A deeply creepy and disturbing exercise, in which we're exposed to footage that was likely never meant to see the light of day, featuring a performer who at the time was, literally, days away from death.
11/11/09
By the time the tour was gelling, the Weird One had left the building.
11/11/09
As a posthumous document, This Is It offers a veiled, vaseline-lens look behind the curtain. As a cultural event, it's more than a little creepy and depressing.
11/08/09
...a footnote to a complex, creative life that cannot be reduced to a cautionary tale. It is a glimpse of joy, a sequin shining amidst the ashes.
11/07/09
What "This is It" accomplishes is key to not only preserving Jackson's memory, but also to galvanizing his myth. Onstage, he still moonwalks, but there are new moves to be had here and a voice that is still strong.
11/06/09
A bizarre and opportunist piece of film-making.
11/06/09
I cannot image a visual record of any kind doing a better job of showing us what might have been, which makes it both a cause for celebration and its own unique tragedy
11/06/09
It's got a story, it's got music, it even has a hero, but what it lacks is soul.
11/05/09
An incomplete tune.
11/05/09
A joyous homage to Jackson's music and peerless dance moves. It's the way Jackson would have wanted to be remembered, and the way his fans will want to remember him.
11/05/09
For those expecting something deeper than Ortega’s High School Musical trilogy, this ain’t it.
11/05/09
Click to read the article
11/05/09
Definitely not proof that Jackson was in good health and ready to go for a big show run. Quite the contrary.
11/04/09
It's Jackson's history of visual iconography that This Is It should aspire to more often.
11/04/09
Calling it a documentary is something of a misnomer. It's both more and less than that because, let's face it, the film is the official party line.
11/04/09
While this memorial to Jackson's extraordinary talents will satisfy some, if you're looking for insight or understanding about Jackson's life and ethos, this 'documentary' is not for you.
11/03/09
Latest News for Michael Jackson's This Is It
November 02, 2009:
Kenny Ortega Talks This Is It DVD/Blu-ray 
If you enjoyed "This Is It" last week, but wondered what was going to happen to all the footage that didn't make it into the final cut, Kenny Ortega has some good news for you:... More...
November 01, 2009:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: This Is It Tops Box Office Worldwide
Four months after his death, Michael Jackson was the king of the box office as his concert documentary This Is It thrilled fans opening at number one. But with no other new... More...
October 29, 2009:
Critics Consensus: This Is It Is Certified Fresh
This week at the movies brings only one wide release: the hotly-anticipated performance documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It, which captures the King of Pop in rehearsals... More...
October 23, 2009:
'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Featurette Unveiled
More...
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Star Trek DVD Exclusive
TECHLAND gives us a first look at the extras, including Leonard Nimoy's last day on set!
The New Cult Canon
AV Club looks at a beloved cult classic, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness.
New Moon Portraits
TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.
Unsexiest Men Alive
Moviefone lists their choices for the least attractive men in Hollywood.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds