The reviews are in for the new Michael Jackson concert rehearsal documentary 'This Is It,' which debuted to sold-out midnight screenings this morning. And, while critics' assessments range from absolutely fawning to a bit lukewarm, there seems to be a consensus on one thing: Had the King of Pop lived to launch his 'This Is It' tour in London this fall, the shows would have been worth every penny ... and MJ likely would have staged one of the most epic and glorious comebacks in music history. See what critics are saying below, then tell us what you think.Roger Ebert: "It's a portrait of Michael Jackson that belies all the rumors that he would have been too weak to tour. That shows not the slightest trace of a spoiled prima donna. That benefits from the limited number of cameras by allowing us to experience his work in something closer to realistic time, instead of fracturing it into quick cuts. That provides both a good idea of what the final concert would have looked like, and a portrait of the artist at work."
The Hollywood Reporter: "Looks like the world has missed one helluva concert. Whatever cynicism one might harbor about this Hail Mary piece of cinema -- which can be called the first concert rehearsal movie ever -- what this strange yet strangely beguiling film does is capture one of pop culture's great entertainers in the feverish grips of pure creativity."
Variety: "Had Michael Jackson's series of concerts at London's O2 Arena gone off as planned earlier this summer, it would have almost certainly signaled one of the most dramatic comebacks in pop music history. The rehearsal footage on display in 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' is evidence enough to draw that conclusion, providing a solid basis to imagine the final product while also giving a heretofore unseen glimpse of the star's creative process -- and the latter is both the film's greatest strength and its most troubling element."
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USA Today: "If 'This Is It' doesn't miraculously restore the middle-aged Jackson to his past glory, it at least offers glimpses of his bygone greatness, and poignant suggestions of what might have been."
Entertainment Weekly: "'This Is It' is fun, but it's a slightly airless experience. If the movie allows you to bask in Michael Jackson's aura, it also uses his image to foster "nostalgia" for a concert epiphany that never quite was. Maybe it was Michael's destiny to leave us all wanting more. Would those concerts have returned him to his magical pedestal? We'll never know the answer, of course. But watching this movie, at least we get a feel of it."
L.A. Times: "Differing greatly from the rough, casual mood of many behind-the-scenes pop docs, this one is instead of a piece with Jackson's body of work: dazzling and strange, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. As a tragic teaser for the shows that might have been, 'This Is It' hurts. If Jackson had been able to perform as he frequently does during these scenes, he would have accomplished the comeback for which he was so hungry."
Reader Comments (19)
dana at 6:10PM on Oct 28th 2009
About Michael Jackson "THIS IS IT"?
1. It is the BIBLE for those who want to be DANCERS, SINGERS, SONG WRITERS, HUMAN NATURE, and do you want to be continued with that, I don't think that.
2. It is the first lesson, for those people (newspapers), from the book "THE PERFECT WAY: MICHAEL JACKSON", the ABC, about MICHAEL JACKSON.
3. It is the absolute praxis for those who tried to ripped him in pieces.
4. At final, but not the last, that movie it is the highest tribute for MICHAEL JACKSON.
I hope that struggle at his, shall not be in vain....
I WAS, I AM AND I WILL BE ALWAYS SPEECHLESS...
RJS at 11:29PM on Oct 28th 2009
I just saw 'This is It'. I thought it was well done. It showed an artist in the creative process and paid tribute to Michael's talent as a performer, singer, and dancer. The editing was excellent to give a balance of Michael's singing, dancing, rehearsing, timing, and focus on detail. He had such a keen sense of how things should be done. These were just rehearsals, and it was edited, but I thought Michael danced very well. I wish at 50 I could dance like that. Also, the theatrical and visual effects were tremendous. I am sure the concert/show would have been great. Kenny Ortega deserves a lot of credit for putting together a very moving piece that entertained, was respectful, but also showed a realistic picture of where Michael was at. It was also enjoyable to watch how a production is put together - the sets, the back up dancers, musicians, etc. We saw the remnants of Michael's talent and genius. As others have said, it is nice to see his legacy, and I could have watched more, but tragic to think how it ended. In plain terms, you can't help, but think what a waste.
reese at 9:46AM on Oct 29th 2009
i didnt think it was possibe to love him anymore but after seeing that movie i do... God bless his lovely children, may he rest in peace..
Steve Ward at 1:52AM on Oct 29th 2009
Who the f_ck cares. I am so tired of hearing about M. Jackson I could puke. He DIED in June and this is almost Novemeber!!!! He could sing, he could dance and yes he had talent on stage. Other than that he was/is a fruit!! A weirdo. That "probably" (in my opinion) liked little boys. He is dead and gone people....let it GO!!!
bt at 10:29AM on Oct 29th 2009
I HAVE to let it be known, HE WAS FOUND INNOCENT. The cases against him were strictly for gettin money out of him from haterz and disgruntled former employees who were mad cause they messed up and got let go plain and simple. He may have been a little odd but why? If only the world and its parents REALLY cared for children the way he did, for the planet, for the giving of self to causes and charities which i heard he is now in the guiness world records book for the most number of charities givem money by a pop star. He lived with his heart on his sleeve. GET WITH THE PROGRAM MAN, the media has made u a pawn in its scheme. go do some research on your own and you just MIGHT LEARN something real you never knew
peter at 1:39PM on Oct 29th 2009
How sad you are. Not only was Michael Jackson found innocent, the jury didn't hang...meaning it was a UNANIMOUS decision! I always find it suspicious, those that need to negatively over-react to Michael Jackson, thinking either you (all) are either abused yourselves and have lost perspective or are goulish and actually have some unconsious enjoyment/perversion in obsessing on these types of sick and unfounded accusations.
Brian Theisen at 10:26AM on Oct 29th 2009
Just saw "This is it" yesterday. I have three of his past concerts, the one of the BAD tour in japan, the Dangerous tour in '92 and his second to last, HISTORY tour in '96 The history tour was awesome!! There are many elements he had planned for his 50 show comeback that can be seen in his '96 tour. Not a lot but some. It would have been an AMAZING 50 shows and would have been a excellent comeback. The sad truth is after watching this is it, you realize how utterly wrong the media was with their sensationlizing of him and that he was sickly or out of shape, a hasbeen, he still had the magic, talent, and drive/energy. One hellofa dancer and tallented musician/director. If you've wanted to see what he was REALLY about go see this documentary and go buy his last CD "Invincible"!! lONG LIVBE MICHALE REST IN PEACE WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary at 2:58PM on Oct 29th 2009
I think it's absolutely wonderful to see Michael's movie getting so much positive publicity and fan reactions. I'm going this Saturday, and I'm sure I'm going to love it. For far too long--too many years--all that was said by the tabloids was all the bad stuff true or untrue (depending on the perspective of the one doing the talking.)and let me tell you something, that proved to be one big fat distraction. I even found myself being caught up in all the negative, so much so that when I watched Michael's memorial service all I could do was cry-I cried through the whole thing because I realized that for the past 10 or so years, I had not been thinking for myself but had instead been influenced by all the negative, perhaps ignorant comments spewed out by those who were so hateful of Michael that they chose to believe any negative thing told them by the tabloids. Granted, Michael had problems--but then again, we all have problems and we all deal with those problems in different ways.--he also lacked the adult discernment that would have told him to be careful to chose his words carefully so he would not be misinterpreted by those who were listening. As for all the allegations made about him--all I will say is what he did or did not do is between him and his God. His was a forgiving God who gifted him with an amazing talent--a talent that thankfully has not been lost but will be around for those of us who were and always will be his fans to enjoy for a very very very long time.
Amy at 9:39PM on Oct 30th 2009
In reply to Mary's post, and to add my own comment;
I agree with Mary totally. I grew up loving his music. I wanted to marry MJ. I loved him totally. I saw him for who he truely was. When the bad stuff started happening to him I was devistated and never believed it. My family always said that you have to stick to your guns, because we had friends that were tried and convicted of a crime they did not commit. With our MJ, it was all dropped, or later found to be false, if you remember.
I am not trying to bring up the bad stuff. As I said I loved him. I always wanted to be his PYT or the girl in the "The Way You Make Me Feel" and sing with him to "I Just Can't Stop Lovin You"
I have a loving husband and family and am a normal person, but I respect and love his music to the highest level. The Lord gifted MJ with many talents that, when mixed together created the greatest entertainer ever. Regardless of his troubles, he loved everyone, and the movie CLEARLY shows how he does.
The world truely lost a beautiful human being. I will miss his music that was so thoughtfully designed to make us think about ourselves and others.
After his death, I felt like I lost a part of me, and like Mary, I cried through the whole memorial service. "I never thought it was posible to love someone more, but after watching 'This Is It' I love him even more" sorry to steal the quote, but it was apropriate.
Finally, after seeing the film, although it not being full concert, it gave me insight into the person I knew he was, confirming that he was that gentle man that I dreamed growing up. I also felt like I was able to say goodbye.
Thank You, Kenny Ortega, and the Jackson family for creating and allowing this to be a reality for the fans. I am truely at peace now and was able to say goodbye to my dear friend and teenage crush.
"See you on the other side"...XXXOOO
Judy at 11:21AM on Nov 8th 2009
Ditto. I too was thwarted by the media and was sucked under but after his death seeing other clips of him which were not suppose to be published, I saw just how normal he really was. I have been thinking, "what if he was innocent of all the accusations"?. We were controlled by the media. I saw This is it and was mesmerized. He gave so much love. I urge all the doubters, go see it.
Diane at 12:59PM on Oct 30th 2009
What a ride! What's better than an MJ concert! I rocked & I cried. All the old hits & some new ones. An amazing production & much more than you're able to imagine. I need to see it again. He's still an amazing man - so incredibly misunderstood & treated so badly in every aspect of his life. Human Nature.
juney at 2:50PM on Oct 30th 2009
I just saw the movie for a second time and will go several more times. He was primed for this comeback; the movie was wonderful and showed him still at the top of his game, even in rehearsal mode. He was a son, father, brother, best-ever entertainer and philanthropist to the world and will be missed more than we ever could say. Long live his music and memories.
princeharles at 5:13PM on Oct 30th 2009
Being a loyal follower of Michael Jackson and bought myself to see his last known debut of THIS IS IT. And all I can say is,BRAVO,Mr. Michael Jackson. I went to a movie theater and left out feeling i left a concert. What talent this man had and the love he shown in homing his craft. Michael Jackson will always be know as THE KING OF POP,ROCK & SOUL. The GREATEST ENTERTAINER ever lived. This epic movie displayed his true energy,dedication & love for his music & fans. This movie is so great,I predicate it will probably win an oscar. This is a movie the entire family can view together. It's sad that now he is more appreicated for his talent,now he is no longer in our presence. Long live the KING,MICHAEL JACKSON. God has definitely gotten a true angel is Michael Jackson. May God bless Michael Jackson.
tishka at 9:25PM on Oct 31st 2009
Isaw this movie and I have not stopped talking about it. It was the valildation of his talent, his health and his capablity. I was awed, proud and sad that the realization of his opus would only be completed in the minds and hearts of the people who love and respect him. Genius always walks an off kiltered path, and for that there will always be nay sayers. But he will always shine in my eyes for as long as I breathe.
Kim Schmidt at 6:33PM on Nov 1st 2009
I saw "this is it" today...anyone that had tickets to this concert event must be even more upset now that this movie has been released. The only way I can sum up what those people would have been in store for is, these people would have lost their frickin minds when MJ would have hit the stage. This show was going to be amazing!! It is just so sad he never got to do it, he looked so happy and so content, and he was really doing it, and doing it well. I wish that I had not taken it for granted that that he would always be around to entertain us and prove to us that there could still be majic. The world has lost a raw and pure talent. You will be missed Michael.
grace at 7:24PM on Nov 1st 2009
I watched the movie "This is it".It was eerie in the theater, everyone is quiet and watching intensely with reverence. It is a great memorial to MJ. I love his quiet soft spoken, humble and respectful way he addresses everyone. He is very creative, artistic and talented. I will surely miss him. This could have his greatest comeback.The world lost a unique human being. I feel sad for him and his family as his life was cut short by self serving and incompetent professionals ie. doctors. nutritionist? But probably its meant to be, God has a better plan for him. His legacy will live on as the media reveals more of the greatest man that ever lived.
Amelia at 5:55PM on Nov 3rd 2009
A GENIUS AT WORK- Is what I saw when I saw the movie this is it today, 11=3=09. Michael was so
creative, so talented, so caring of his staff,
he was so smart, and artistic, let me put it like this- HE WAS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER IN THE WORLD.
When I went to the theatre today to see him,and Im
in Chicago, I was shocked to see a lot of elderly
ladies came out to see him, and when the movie was over a lot of ladies came out of the theatre crying, me included. One lady told me michael was like a son to her.And I told her dont worry about
Michael hes in a better place now, his worries are
over, he in Gods bosom, and he is up there doing
the moonwalk, so smile, he'll be alright. We will
always love you and remember you. Mike
FILY GEORGE at 8:02PM on Nov 5th 2009
"L-O-V-E". THAT IS THE MESSAGE THAT MICHAEL WANTED TO SEND THE ENTIRE WORLD. LOVE EACH OTHER,OUR CHILDREN,OUR PLANET AND EVERYTHING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US. I AM 49 YEARS OLD AND LOVE MUSIC AND HAVE NEVER WANTED TO ATTEND A CONCERT, BUT WHAT MICHAEL CREATED AND INSPIRED TO ALL THOSE WHO WORKED WITH HIM TO MAKE THIS DAY UNFORGETABLE TO EVERYONE THERE CREATED SUCH AN ENERGY THAT WENT THROUGH EVERY SINGLE HAIR IN MY BODY, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING TO BE THERE. HE WAS FOR SURE, ONE OF GODS ANGELS. MY HEART WILL FOREVER CRY FOR HIM.
Sheila at 11:09PM on Nov 11th 2009
I think that Michael danced to the beat of a different drummer but oh, could he dance!! His voice and looks reminded me of Dianna Ross. I thought he was trying to look like her. I wish he had better people around him. The problems with well known celebrities is that too often they get their days and nights mixed up and get on uppers in the morning and downers at night. Happened to Elvis but I wonder how Frank Sinatra and many others kept the crowds away. Sinatra could have gone any place to eat, and, he didn't have to sign his name to anyone's kleenex.