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Michael Jackson's This Is It

Play trailer Poster for Michael Jackson's This Is It PG 2009 1h 51m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 182 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Prior to his untimely death, Jackson was in the midst of preparing for a series of sold-out concerts that were scheduled to take place in London during the summer of 2009. Behind-the-scenes footage, filmed between March and June 2009, captures the pop superstar in intimate detail as he developed and rehearsed for the "This Is It" tour.

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Michael Jackson's This Is It

Michael Jackson's This Is It

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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.

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Critics Reviews

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Shadow and Act Staff Shadow and Act 09/13/2022
I think any fan of MJ’s will appreciate what "This Is It" offers – a glimpse of a Michael that I don’t think we ever really got to know, and the final steps of a genius, fully dedicated to his craft... Go to Full Review
Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online 09/12/2017
A
It's always inspiring to see a genius at work. And that's exactly how I felt watching Michael Jackson in This Is it--inspired. Go to Full Review
Dwight Brown National Newspaper Publishers Association 07/07/2010
There are some who will claim this documentary is ghoulish. I think haunting is a better word, as you fathom what the music world would have been like had he lived. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Apr 23
3.5/4
This Is It doesn’t quite feel like a documentary, nor does it seem like a concert film. It’s clearly a love letter to the fans, but, perhaps more importantly, it’s an olive branch to the latter-day critics, cynics, and naysayers. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 11/29/2020
6/10
It's difficult not to appreciate the popularity and impact of Michael Jackson's music, along with the elaborate stage show that was put together for his final concert tour. Go to Full Review
Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News 05/11/2019
This is a film designed to give fans one last chance to see the Jackson they knew and loved. And on that level, "This Is It" succeeds - showing that Jackson still had it, even in his final moments. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Leila E. @lme2000 18h Emotional and heartbreaking. It shows what could have been in such a short time. I really don't get why this would get less than 5 stars as it simply shows some of the final moments and performances of MJ. It shows his work ethic and talent held up even in his final days. RIP MJ. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 22h Michael Jackson’s This Is It is a concert documentary that offers a balanced look at Michael Jackson through rehearsals, music, and behind-the-scenes footage. What makes it stand out is that it doesn’t spend its time trying to convince viewers to see him as either a hero or a villain. Instead, it focuses on the artist, the performer, and the creative mind preparing for what would have been his final series of concerts. After watching projects that focus heavily on either praise or controversy, this feels like a refreshing middle ground. The film allows the music, choreography, and production work to speak for themselves. It showcases Jackson’s dedication to every detail and highlights the enormous scale of the show he was building. There is an uplifting energy throughout much of the film, but also an emotional undertone knowing these performances never reached a live audience. See more Kyle M @RT77296778 May 25 A haunting tribute of what could’ve been an exhilarating experience palpably crafted into one of the most entertaining, foot-tapping concert films in solid documentary form that splendidly highlights the musician’s professionalism and as an imaginative visionary with ambition that dazzlingly satisfies. (B+) See more Andrew A @rt_andrew May 24 Basically an extended behind the scenes look, but mostly fascinating See more Ruben G @HoTToucH Apr 29 The closest we will ever get to watching a Michael Jackson concert in 2026. I’ve loved this movie since it premiered, and as a true Jackson fan I honestly hope that this gets a 4K release along with the Michael film. Must watch, must own, a master of his craft. Rest in peace See more Junior F @RT45716077 Apr 29 This is the closest thing to a Michael Jackson concert the movie was an amazing experience it touched a little on michael Jackson life and the music part of it was something to die for See more Read all reviews
Michael Jackson's This Is It

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Movie Info

Synopsis Prior to his untimely death, Jackson was in the midst of preparing for a series of sold-out concerts that were scheduled to take place in London during the summer of 2009. Behind-the-scenes footage, filmed between March and June 2009, captures the pop superstar in intimate detail as he developed and rehearsed for the "This Is It" tour.
Director
Kenny Ortega
Producer
Kenny Ortega, Randy Phillips, Paul Gongaware
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Columbia Pictures
Rating
PG (Suggestive Choreography|Scary Images)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 28, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$71.8M
Runtime
1h 51m