Michael Jackson's This Is It

Critics 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.

81%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 186

82%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 221,636

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Movie Info

"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 would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, "Michael Jackson's This Is It" captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show.

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Michael Jackson

News & Interviews for Michael Jackson's This Is It

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Critic Reviews for Michael Jackson's This Is It

All Critics (186) | Top Critics (48)

  • A bizarre and opportunist piece of film-making.

    Nov 6, 2009 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Rebecca Nicholson

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic

  • The Michael Jackson we see here is not a self-styled Messiah or a tabloid oddity. He is, instead, what he always was underneath it all: a talented musician, a brilliant dancer, and one of the most gifted entertainers of his time.

    Nov 2, 2009

    A.O. Scott

    At the Movies
    Top Critic

  • It's purpose isn't to reinvent Jackson, but to recapture some of the creative magic that made the kid from Indiana a worldwide musical ambassador.

    Oct 30, 2009 | Rating: 4/5

    Mario Tarradell

    Dallas Morning News
    Top Critic

  • It's an expertly packaged -- brilliantly packaged, considering how quickly the job was done -- phantasmagoria that emphasizes, quite convincingly, the energy that Michael could still draw from whatever was fueling his wraith-thin body.

    Oct 30, 2009 | Full Review…

    Joe Morgenstern

    Wall Street Journal
    Top Critic

  • Michael Jackson's perfectionism fails him in This Is It, and we're all the better for it.

    Oct 30, 2009 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Peter Travers

    Rolling Stone
    Top Critic

  • Perhaps the best way to approach it -- at least for those who are not total Jackson fans -- is to view it as an often-fascinating document on how the sausage (or magic, if you will) is made for a mega-concert tour.

    Oct 29, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Charlie McCollum

    San Jose Mercury News
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (186)

Audience Reviews for Michael Jackson's This Is It

  • Jun 22, 2012
    I honestly felt that had Jackson lived, he would have shown the world the best concert performance in recent years. It is a sheer joy to see him at work. Jackson is an auteur of dance, never a tyrant, always respecting the art, his crew and his pleasant affection.
    Brian R Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2011
    The greatest music documentary of all time, this film gave me the chills he was so good. This movie wasn't a ploy, it was a tremendous sendoff the greatest Pop singer ever.
    Bradley W Super Reviewer
  • Jul 08, 2011
    this is it is the amazing, spectacular, dazziling concert movie event that will amaze everyone worldwide! filled with electrifying dance moves, memorable songs, and the king of pop himself, tis is an entertaining experience of a lifetime! this is pure real movie magic! this is the best film of 2009 and the best documantery ever made! and to micheal jackson, this is it! A+
    Juan C Super Reviewer
  • Mar 31, 2011
    I was never much of a fan of the "King of Pop" in any way shape or form, even going back to the Jackson 5 days, but this documentary has given me new respect for the musician, the entertainer, and the person. Shot during the final rehearsals before his aborted last tour, this film should be a must for anyone who appreciates music, dance, and all that goes into either form. On display are all the hits, but with subtle musical twists - many of which are choreographed not only with dance but also with film and pyrotechnics. This would have been quite a show, and at the center of it, Michael Jackson was fully in command; knowing the tunes inside out - every little stop and accent and every bit of the production: Michael knew what he wanted and his ideas and concepts were always spot on, knowing from the stage what would make the most impact out in the audience. Supported by a first rate band (that I can testify to) and wonderful dancers (I wouldn't know Barishnikov from Bozo the clown, so don't take my word for it), this documentary gives you just enough background on how such a production comes into being without getting in the way of the music and the performances. The sound is first rate - the music has never sounded fuller, but what impressed me the most about this film was the professionalism and humanity of the man himself. For all the tabloids and goofy stuff, here is a gentle soul who seemingly lived and breathed his art. I'm told that he revolutionized dance, and certainly he was the pioneer of the BIG production; where a concert became an event, combining music and dance onstage. I feel truly sad that I shortchanged the guy - he really was a marvel, and I can now understand the crazed fans - I'm sure that his shows must have raised the roof, and this film is an apt testimony and requiem for a humble, gentle being who was born into the music business, which certainly warped him in some ways - but from watching this film I believe that the tabloids were making money at his expense and am convinced that here was a man who couldn't have hurt a fly - living only to give of his art and himself ... which are synonymous in this case.
    paul s Super Reviewer
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