Even in death, Michael Jackson looks poised to break records. With online ticket retailers swamped and lines snaking through theater lobbies and down city blocks, moviegoers geared up for the much anticipated 'This Is It,' a record of MJ's final days as he rehearsed the titular concert spectacle that would never be. Between the film's limited two-week run and a legion of devoted fans still grieving his sudden death four months ago, curiosity has been high about the two-hour documentary, in which MJ performs some of his most beloved songs, as well as new material set to signature dance moves.
Given that Sony Pictures has already recouped its initial $60M investment in advance ticket sales and that the film earned early critical praise after a 12-minute preview last week, it's time to ask: Does 'This is It' live up to the hype as well as honor Jackson's memory?
One fan who attended the premiere reported, "This movie reminds you why Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. And double bonus: 'Thriller' in 3D!"
And once the first screenings began to let out, Twitter was a-flutter with first reactions:
@Shaheemab Am now - for possibly the first time - in awe of Michael Jackson's professionalism after watching #Thisisit.
@ItsMeLMG After seeing This Is It I see why ppl u 2 pass out @ his concerts. I'm sad I will never get 2 see him in concert
@grahamorama This Is It is a loving tribute to MJ as a performer and musician. It shows him on his game, but elephants in the room remain unaddressed.
@MiikoMentz Brilliant, beautiful, poetic and moving. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
@WillSloanEsq Spent the evening at Michael Jackson's This Is It. Dare I say that this sloppy, vaguely sleazy film is his perfect epigraph for Mr. Tabloid?
@Anele Michael Jackson just reminded me that there are no rehearsals in life, it is all real.
@NatiRedGals #thisisit was such an amazing movie its a must see! He still had it! Man was that a heart touching movie so freaking amazing!
@RyanSeacrest MJ movie is powerful the singing.. the dancing!! He was a perfectionist...and very funny.
@Arieviol5 Michael Jackson's: This is it is nothing more than a crappy special feature on a bonus DVD. Don't waste your money on it.
@garibaldiarts This Is It is completely worth seeing. Understand you are not watching a concert, but what it takes to make one. The true creative process
@thomasleupp Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' was actually good. Amazing performances. Nothing ghoulish or grotesque, except for a few of his costumes.
@bretterlich Just saw the amazing and socially awkward Michael Jackson doc THIS IS IT, or as it could also be known, "SHOULD WE CLAP?"
@okjedi Incredible! This Is It was amazing and MJ still had it!
@Ashlei_KB THIS IS IT WAS AMAZING. Please make sure you stay until the last second, don't miss a thing. He was genius, he was funny, he was magic!
@PsychoWendall Michael Jackson... This is it was beautiful! No words can explain it!
@hamjat This Is It = MJ way of saying bye to the world.
More tweets on #thisisit
And on Moviefone's user reviews page for 'This Is It':
CharMckel: The talent he had was amazing, Great film.
Bigdawwddy: I saw greatness that has been lost forever. The movie made me happy and sad at the same time.
Adreamcomtrue: GREAT MOVIE!!! BEST DANCE MOVE!!! GONNA GO SEE IT AGAIN!!! CANT WAIT
Tell us: What did you think of 'This Is It'?
Related Posts:
Live Coverage of the 'This Is It' Red Carpet on Moviefone Minute
Most Popular Michael Jackson Music Videos
Michael Jackson Fan Dance Tributes
Elizabeth Taylor Calls 'This Is It' the 'Most Brilliant Piece of Filmmaking Ever'
Michael Jackson Proves He's Still King With 'This Is It'
'Michael Jackson's This Is It': Just How Big Will It Be?
Michael Jackson Documentary: 'We Are the Children'
Michael Jackson in the Movies
Reader Comments (350)
sara at 6:40AM on Oct 28th 2009
"two-hour documentary, in which MF performs some of his most beloved songs..."
Er, Daynah Burnett... are you trying to put across some kind of abbreviation by referring to him as "MF"? LMAO
"Journalists", eh?
april at 9:15AM on Oct 28th 2009
So I am not the only one who noticed that..One of the first things I noticed..what an ass huh?
Gayle at 9:34AM on Oct 28th 2009
Could this may just of been a typo?!! I'm sure he might "MJ" not MF. If Michael were here, he would of easily forgiven.
Irish at 10:38AM on Oct 28th 2009
She didn't write MF, she wrote MJ. Duh.
Chi at 12:00PM on Oct 28th 2009
I think the "MF" was a typo.
Rhoda at 4:20PM on Oct 28th 2009
I saw the movie, "This Is It" and thought it was a great show. His concert would have been his BEST. I felt like a child again waiting for one one his "special" videos to come on television for the first time, like "Thriller" and "Bad". AWESOME!! He will be missed. I recommend everyone seeing it. I thank his family for releasing it to the public. Even though I got to see it as a sneak peak, I will definitely see it again, and pay for it.
Marc at 1:30PM on Oct 28th 2009
i heard michael jackson spent his last day shopping at KMart..he heard little boys pants were half off...
Pam at 1:56PM on Oct 28th 2009
"MF" is a term of endearment where I'm from - Gary, IN. Same as MJ.
grant zeryu at 7:56AM on Oct 28th 2009
shame that MJ died but people die everyday and we dont have the fuss this gets... yea he was good in his heyday but last 20 years he was wierd.... can we move on without all the fuss and remember he wasnt all sweetness and roses!!!
cflotsofluck at 9:53AM on Oct 28th 2009
Of course we don't get the fuss everyday when other people die!! What a dumb comment!! Michael Jackson was an ICON!! He was "KNOWN" WORLD WIDE!! Not to mention, if there was "ANY" human being, with TRUE MAGIC, "Michael Jackson", HAD IT!!!! Nobody will EVER be able to fill his shoes, or live up to the kind of entertainer that he was!!!!
Jordan at 11:03AM on Oct 28th 2009
okay, maybe he didnt molest kids...but i do remember him dangling a baby out of a window and walking around in a surgical mask. And there is the fact that he had CHILDREN sleep over! What grown man does that? My childhood was 18 years long, this dude's was like 35...at what point does he become responsible for his actions and everyone stop saying he didn't have a childhood. His house was filled with manequins and comic book stuff. It's rediculous to act that way and be anyone else...but for him its okay. He WAS a great singer and performer and philanthropist, but he wasn't anything more than that. Let's get a grip people
Tell It Like It Is at 12:41PM on Oct 28th 2009
To grant zeryu,
King Michael WAS ALL SWEETNESS AND ROSES!!! Do MILLIONS OF WOMEN follow you?
EDubya at 1:46PM on Oct 28th 2009
Some people are so hateful!! THis is exactly what's wrong with the wrold!! If you don't like Michale Jackson, (the greatest entertainer of all-time)then why even waste your time commenting. Because you're jealous haters with no life, dreams or talent. hahahaha.
Michael Jackson is the only man to wak the face of the earth who was beloved in EVERY COUNTRY in the World. OK, Mike and JESUS!!!
Simon Stent at 8:18AM on Oct 28th 2009
What a master,to see him create and bring to life his ideas and watch a artist so in tune & in love with his craft was and is a real treat.Even if your not a fan you cant help but admire Michael Jacksons talent.It wasnt even a full dress rehersal.There was more to come,that was for sure.But sadly it wasnt meant to be.Its another side of Michael that sadly very few people got to see,carming,funny,witty,cheeky.
A must watch film,id give it a 10.
I think the new michael penguin dance will catch on.
charlie. at 3:06PM on Nov 3rd 2009
i agree hes fantastic i love him...i loved him doin bille gean and human nature nd thriller and all of it lol...xx
Jamal Fleming at 9:14AM on Oct 28th 2009
That movie is the best. Dont get me wrong now but that movie should win an Osar. Its the best I ever seen. It brings me back when he wrote the songs and the movie shows how he want everything to be done and on point. MJ you are the best. May you R.I.P
TINA ALBRITTON at 9:17AM on Oct 28th 2009
I CRIED, IT WAS AMAZING, I GO TO SEE AGAIN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AND I WILL CRY STILL, THANK YOU FOR THIS IS IT, I MISS MICHAEL SO MUCH. BEAUTIFUL
Nate at 9:45AM on Nov 3rd 2009
YOU'RE A FREAK!! GET YOUR OWN LIFE. YOUR CRIED AT THIS MOVIE??? HAHAHAHA MY GUESS IS THAT YOU ARE A VERY LONLEY PERSON AND HAVE NO SOCIAL CONTACTS EXCEPT THE 10 CATS YOU OWN.
andy at 9:23AM on Oct 28th 2009
IF I WANT MICHEAL JACKSON I WILL PLAY A CD. HE IS DEAD,THE FAMILY ARE SLEASY AND ARE PIMPING HIM.HE IS ANOTHER OCTOMOM.
nat at 11:16AM on Oct 28th 2009
The family did not release this. AEG did. They have ownership of the rehearsals. His family does not.