Friday, 3 September 2.50pm
Michael Jackson's This Is It
  •  
  • Movie Info
  • Session Times
  • Add Review
  •  

    This film 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 April through June, 2009, the film is 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 the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.

    Rated: [ G ]
    Cinema release: 29 Oct 2009
    Director: Kenny Ortega
    Running time: 111 mins
    Stars: Michael Jackson
    Links: Official Site
    IMDb
    Rotten Tomatoes

    TheFIX special: Michael Jackson's This Is It
    Take our MJ quiz, see his life in pics, check out a sneak peek from the film and more.

    What we say
    Jackson's swan song

    Claire Gould, MovieFix  
    3.5 star rating
    "This is It" is an incredible insight to the last few months of Michael Jackson's life.

    Compiled from over 100 hours of footage shot for his own personal collection, it pieces together events in his professional life from April 2009, when he announced his record-breaking sell-out concerts at London's 02 Arena, through to late June — just days before his death.

    Put together by the director of Jackson's concerts, Kenny Ortega, in an almost "In Bed with Madonna" - like documentary, the film offers an incredibly insightful look into Jackson's rehearsals for the This Is It tour.

    From selecting his dancers to gently berating musicians for their inability to hear the songs the way MJ did, this is real fly-on-the-wall stuff.

    And it doesn't disappoint.

    What it delivers is painstakingly edited versions of his biggest hits, spliced together with big-budget film footage that was due to appear on video screens behind him as he performed.

    From the crime-filled 1920s feel of 'Smooth Criminal', to the incredibly uplifting version of the Jackson Five's 'I Want You Back', it's a song-and-dance journey through MJ's back catalogue.

    The footage of him rehearsing 'Thriller' with his dancers — complete with freaky dance moves from the original 1984 clip — is spine-tinglingly good, largely because it's the last time we'll ever see him perform it.

    What's hard to swallow is that the footage at the start of rehearsals shows MJ looking stick thin, pale and not at all well. The footage shot towards the end of the rehearsals — some of it was released in the days after his death, purporting to be filmed just days earlier — has him looking fighting fit, energized and excited for what lay ahead.

    If you're a Michael Jackson fan, "This Is It" is the most fitting of tributes to the man and his music.

    If you're not a huge fan but big on pop culture, "This Is It" is a key part of the biggest celebrity story of 2009 and worth watching in that context alone.

    Find more info on Michael Jackson's This Is It with Bing Search


    What you say
    Michael Jackson's This Is It


     
    Add a review
    What you say
    [Untitled]
    This Is It is awesome...michael is one of a kind, theres no one out there like him he is the perfect example of what singers out there should be like he is ireplaceable...i watched this movie with my five kids four times and bought all his CD'S as a fan we hope the movie will be release on DVD...REST IN PEACE MICHAEL we hope your kids will grow up to be genius like you. They are beautiful souls. This movie should win an OSCAR for his genius work to see him talk to the musician's and dancers michael not only knows what he wants he is so polite to everyone and not once did he raise his voice that's a true gentleman...LOVE YOU MICHAEL your in our hearts forever. May god keep you safe.

    kitten
    NSW
    15 Nov 2009
    ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING
    WOW - what a concert this would have been! This movie is the closest I and my children (10 & 12 - who also RESPECT the incredible talent and infuence of Michael Jackson - a truly aweome entertainer and humanitarian this truly special man was) have ever come to seeing .

    I feel so privileged to have experienced and seeing the influence of Michael Jackson, the power of Michael's contagious joy and enthusiasm through his songs and performances are unlikely to be surpassed - and his grace and humility as a superstar are also unlikely to be repeated.

    Michael was the tallest of poppies and I hope the media shows more respect for the absolute worthiness of Michael Jackson's of the future - I hope we remember Michael's messages and all work towards making this World a Better Place in his memory!

    Rest in Peace Michael - you/ve earned it!!

    Sue.G
    Robina, QLD
    9 Nov 2009
    king forever
    5 star rating
    Watched This Is It 4 times, still cant get enough of his brillance. he wanted to produce after his big performance in London. He would have been a great producer as well had he the chance. Michael you are a genius and a king forever no one will be able to fit your shoes. Fiona

    fiona
    Prestons, NSW
    9 Nov 2009
    my rock 4ever
    This movie made me cry,Micheal is a true legend a wonderful voice that no one could ever replace or capture,may god keep you always in his kingdom and may you rock in heaven.

    DEE HARD
    Sydney, NSW
    9 Nov 2009
    superlative
    5 star rating
    How privileged I feel to have shared in this moment of history. Have always loved MJ ever since I saw the "Bad" concert. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt watching this great tribute to an amazing performer. RIP MJ, truly the King of Pop

    Sue
    Kelmscott, WA
    8 Nov 2009
    Awsome
    5 star rating
    Truely amazing, ever scene was entertaining, every word made sense, it was just amazing, it was hard to believe that all that was just practise, but i am truely saddend, that someone as great as him has passed, but i am thankfull people made this in memory of him, it was just incredible.

    Anonymous
    NSW
    8 Nov 2009
    this is it
    5 star rating
    this is it baby see MJ like u have neva seen before his genius work no ART. keep on rocking MJ luv u!!!!!

    Anonymous
    Alice Springs, NT
    8 Nov 2009
    Michael Jaction's This Is It'
    This films of Michael contains all what He made off. Rare Talent and very Perfectioness and professionalism. Its so sad that He His life End like this. Well I know that God's has a porpoused on him a better life without any contraversy in HEVEN. THANKS Michael for all you have done and Touch each and everyone Heart when you sing the Heal The World. Goodbye Michael Have a Rest In Peace in HEVEN.

    Anonymous
    Melbourne, VIC.
    8 Nov 2009
    Completely amazing
    5 star rating
    Really stunning and showing behind the scene of entertainment world.. If you love MJ song, you will love this..

    Lukas
    Melbourne, VICTORIA
    7 Nov 2009
    [Untitled]
    4.5 star rating
    omg he rocks my socks man this movie cannot get any better

    llalalalala bet it bet it .........thriller thriller raaaaarararra scary

    :D

    Dottore
    Zimbabwe, NSW
    7 Nov 2009
    Super Movie
    4 star rating
    An absolutly wonderful creation by Keny Ortega. This is Michael at his best, a truly amazing singer and dancer. This movie fulfilled my life in ways people cannot imagine. Simply breath taking!!!

    Rachel
    Perth, WA
    7 Nov 2009
    awesome
    this was the most amazing show every produced i love love love it MJ you rock my life

    Anonymous
    Melbourne, VICTORIA
    7 Nov 2009
    [Untitled]
    5 star rating
    I have been to the movies 3 times now to see "This is it!" Love Michael more than ever now!!!

    Wendy
    Brisbane, QLD
    29 Oct 2009
    michael jackson's this is it
    5 star rating
    I was at the premier of this is it last night and it was absolutely beautiful MJ was unreal, his music genuis and talent shone through, the professionalism of the man was intense. in every song he sang. the world has lost a great music genuis, there will never be another MICHAEL JACKSON and for that I am sad.........

    jude
    Adelaide, SA
    29 Oct 2009
    WOW
    5 star rating
    Amazing!!!

    Dalton
    Adelaide, SA
    29 Oct 2009
    this is it
    5 star rating
    can't wait to see the master in action,it will be sad and also a happy event, watching MJ do his genius work, there will never be another Michael Jackson, the world has lost a great entertainer, humanitarian, giver to all charities, a father, a music genuis, the king of pop...........

    rowey
    Adelaide, SA
    28 Oct 2009
    jackson lover
    i love this movie it's great to see him on the stage doing what he loves. it's great to see hima again happy om stage. luv u so much r.i.p king of pop

    michael jackson's wife
    Gosnells, WA
    28 Oct 2009
    mj rocks
    michael jackson rocks luv him

    Anonymous
    Melbourne, VIC
    27 Oct 2009
    Michael Jackson- THIS IT
    5 star rating
    Michael Jackson's, "THIS IS IT" is the best movie. He was a very good entertainer and a wonderful human being who brought so much happiness into our lives. It is so sad that some people did not want to appreciate and understand him.

    Timothy
    Melbourne, VICTORIA
    27 Oct 2009


    Please read our user review guidlines and tips before writing a review
    Add review for
    'Michael Jackson's This Is It'
    Summary/Title
    Comment
    Rating
    Email (This will not appear on the site)
    Name (leave blank for anonymous)
    City
    State
    Enter the word sport42 below

    Select Your State
    NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT TAS WA SA NT QLD VIC NSW ACT

     MOVIEFIX Tools

    More Entertainment
    Slideshow: Movies with the same plotSlideshow: Movies with the same plotFeel like you've seen it all before? You have. Hollywood has a habit of recycling the same storylines over and over.

    Click here.
    Susan BoyleSlideshow: Susan Boyle's incredible transformationThe Scottish spinster from Britain's Got Talent has gone from drab to fab in the space of a year.

    Click here.
    Slideshow: TV's craziest actor-to-character age differencesSlideshow: TV's craziest actor-to-character age differencesIn Glee, Cory Monteith plays 16-year-old high-schooler Finn Hudson... but how old is he really? His real age might shock you!

    Read more
    Emmys 2010Emmys red carpetCheck out the hottest (and nottest) frocks from TV's night of nights!

    View gallery
    FIX AWARDSFix AwardsHave your say in Australia's cheekiest awards — you decide the best and worst!

    Vote now
    Hundreds of hours of FREE TV shows
    Cops L.A.C.Season 1
    Australia | DramaWATCH NOW
    Hot PropertySeason 1
    Australia | RealityWATCH NOW
    Cops L.A.C.Season 1
    Australian | DramaWATCH NOW
    Doctor WhoSeason 1
    UK | DramaWATCH NOW
    What's on
    Father's Day DiningFather's Day DiningThis year, instead of the socks, goofy golf club head covers and long-on-effort, short-on-taste breakfast in bed, why not treat Dad to a nice meal at a restaurant that knows how to look after a man when he deserves to be spoilt? Father's Day BarsDrinks with DadWhether he's sipping on sangiovese at a vineyard, knocking back cold brews at his local, or enjoying a three-course lunch after a round of golf, the YourBars team have found something for every dad. Summer Music FestivalsSummer Music FestivalsThe summer festival season is upon us; check out the latest line ups and announcements here.