[go: up one dir, main page]

    Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideToronto Int'l Film FestivalSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Original title: This Is It
  • 2009
  • Tous publics
  • 1h 51m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
43K
YOUR RATING
Michael Jackson in Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
The TV trailer for the Michael Jackson performance documentary, This Is It.
Play trailer0:34
14 Videos
99+ Photos
Music DocumentaryDocumentaryMusic

A compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.A compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.A compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.

  • Director
    • Kenny Ortega
  • Stars
    • Michael Jackson
    • Alex Al
    • Alexandra Apjarova
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    43K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Kenny Ortega
    • Stars
      • Michael Jackson
      • Alex Al
      • Alexandra Apjarova
    • 244User reviews
    • 138Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 6 wins & 10 nominations total

    Videos14

    This Is It: TV Trailer
    Trailer 0:34
    This Is It: TV Trailer
    This Is It
    Trailer 2:34
    This Is It
    This Is It
    Trailer 2:34
    This Is It
    Grid Legends
    Trailer 2:26
    Grid Legends
    Clip: Billie Jean
    Clip 1:06
    Clip: Billie Jean
    "The Way You Make Me Feel" from This Is It.
    Clip 1:10
    "The Way You Make Me Feel" from This Is It.
    Extended "Human Nature" Clip from This Is It.
    Clip 1:50
    Extended "Human Nature" Clip from This Is It.

    Photos123

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 117
    View Poster

    Top cast39

    Edit
    Michael Jackson
    Michael Jackson
    • Self
    Alex Al
    • Self
    Alexandra Apjarova
    • Self
    Nick Bass
    • Self
    Michael Bearden
    Michael Bearden
    • Self
    Irina Brecher
    • Self
    Daniel Celebre
    • Self
    Mekia Cox
    Mekia Cox
    • Self
    Miles Faber
    Miles Faber
    • Dancer at the Audition
    Chris Grant
    • Self
    Misha Gabriel Hamilton
    Misha Gabriel Hamilton
    • Self
    Judith Hill
    Judith Hill
    • Self
    Dorian Holley
    • Self
    Shannon Holtzapffel
    Shannon Holtzapffel
    • Dancer
    Devin Jamieson
    • Self
    Bashiri Johnson
    • Self
    Charles Klapow
    • Self
    Jonathan Lipman
    • Self
    • Director
      • Kenny Ortega
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews244

    7.242.6K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    10shakazulubb

    Genius ?

    This was a clear view into the intergral preperation of a concert by a complete genius. I was never a Michael Jackson fan, however, my wife was and since she was desperate to see the film I decided to accompany her. I was astounded. I could not believe this man in the film was the same person that is was always hounded by the press and made to look like the devil. He was by no means weird, ill health, or a drug user. If he was, he masked it very well. The film shows us what we are missing as far as the concert goes and what a pity, it would have been amazing! He seemed at ease, and so happy and normal while on stage, as if it was built to be his. You would never believe this was the ''freak'' that the world perceived him to be. Shame on those people. Genius at work, a perfectionist down the smallest detail and I think the film has captured this very well. What I liked a lot was the fact that the film was not concentrating on his death and tradegy, but solely on his concert, his music, and his geniality and it was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our times. So I would urge anyone who has had any miss conceptions about the man to go see this, you like me will more than likely change your views on the man. RIP
    8bimsie99

    A Fitting Final Performance

    My wife asked me to see this movie tonight as sort of a preview,to let her know if we should see it together on our day off.As we are both Michael Jackson fans,I would have to give an emphatic "YES" to that.I was really apprehensive,since I thought that it would just be some rehearsals with tons of filler(biographical info,etc),but most of the numbers were pretty fleshed out,music and choreography wise.Some of the special effects were amazing,and I really liked the extended intro of "The Way You Make Me Feel".I liked the way they tried to make the film feel like a performance,rather than a eulogy.The talent,from the dancers to the musicians to the lighting and effects crew were just first rate all the way.I thought beforehand that this might be just a cynical cash grab-one more trip to the ATM from Michaels legacy,but honestly,I think they may just be trying to recoup some of the enormous costs of putting on a show that never came to fruition.And if some of us fans can enjoy seeing MJ one more time in such a classy way,Im all for it.
    10Michael Fargo

    Thriller

    No one has any apology to make about this wonderful documentary, least of all Kenny Ortega. When I heard he intended to take "rehearsal" footage of the "This Is It" tour and market it as a film, I assumed it was an attempt to recoup the investment made in the project. Who could have guessed that this film would stand on its own and also enter the echelons of the "best" documentaries about rock music ever made? No less, Michael Jackson reveals more about himself in this footage than we've ever seen before. It's his premiere moment on film, and I would guess he would not have wanted it shown only because we see—for the first time—Jackson without a mask. I won't attempt to characterize this complicated, insanely talented, person, but basically he's painfully shy. And he excelled at one of the most public vocations there is: performing.

    What's interesting about the footage is that it exists at all. But since concerts today use video projection for the large venues where they play, it was natural to include the cameras during the rehearsal period. And it's riveting! Nothing is ever less than compelling in large part due to the level of talent in all quarters. The dancers, the musicians, the back-up singers, sets, costumes…it's a parade of the best of the best. While Jackson is the center of all of this, if you don't care for him, there's plenty of other things to look at and enjoy.

    Any sadness is brought by the viewer. There's not one nod to Jackson's demise or when it occurs. He looks thin, but even in a rehearsal mode, he's electrifying, and I think that's why the film works. We're not at some huge arena (for which the concert was conceived) with 10,000 screaming fans. And rather than missing that electricity, we get intimate performances of familiar Jackson material. But it's re-imagined and you never know what's coming next.

    An alert: there is footage throughout the final credit sequence and after the credits end. And if you can, see it in a DP theater...for the sound alone. An amazing experience!
    9Tony-Kiss-Castillo

    EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A FAN... YOU WILL LOVE THIS!

    YES! THIS MOST CERTAINLY IS!!!!!!

    What a fitting tribute/epitaph for one of the most talented and troubled personalities of the past 30+ years. Those of you who are fans will undoubtedly love THIS IS IT. (Although it most certainly will bring you some tearful moments) Those of you who aren't, will probably enjoy it a lot, despite any negative feelings or concepts you may harbor about Michael Jackson's personal life. To tell the truth, I was lukewarm about going to see it. Thanks to my wife Carmen's insistence, this outstanding work moved and inspired both of us.

    Ever the consummate perfectionist, Jackson seemed poised to embark on a grueling 50 performance tour that, undoubtedly, would have served as the comeback/swan song? To end all comebacks/swan songs?!!

    This miraculously edited work (From over 1,000 hours of footage), apparently the brainchild of director Kenny Ortega, provides us with a direct window into the elaborate creative process of a true performing genius. I couldn't agree more with reviewer Secret Agent Gal's opening line: "What a show it would have been!"

    Jackson was putting together a tour experience that elevated itself to near art form and near perfection. Such a profound shame it was never to be. A stunningly awesome international ensemble of world-class dancers, singers, musicians, performers, and technicians were assembled by the M. J. Tour juggernaut, ALL of them seemingly worshipping the ground Michael walked on.

    Was there any foreshadowing of the looming ominous event that caught all of us by surprise? Perhaps a few chips in M. J.'s armor. Frequently, he apologized to all present for "Holding back" or "Not giving 100% to conserve energy" or "Saving his voice for the Tour"...But then again, most of the other performers were half his age! One thing is for certain: There will be no more Michael Jackson Tours, nor new Michael Jackson hits to add to his long and impressive list! They are his legacy to all of us and have forever become part of our cultural landscape. I recommend you experience THIS IS IT in a good HOME Theater for MAX impact.

    ....ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!
    9casperladeby

    Moved with no expectations.

    I went to see this movie as a non-Michael Jackson fan with absolutely no expectations. I bought the tickets for the world premiere as a birthday gift for my girlfriend. We went to the cinema in the morning and from the beginning I was moved. I have never done it before but in the very beginning a tear came to my eye. Thinking that this guy, with so much energy is 50 years old and about to die. When I bought the tickets I expected a movie with some biography of Michael, a lot of interviews etc, but there is none of this in the movie. The whole movie is about how the concerts would be, but I still didn't feel like I was seeing a concert. I was seeing a little family making a big project come true. I also expected to see Michael less weak, than some of his others concerts, but damn.. If you didn't know he was dead, and saw him dance and sing like he does there is no way you could predict that he was about to die of illness. There was no way I wanted to pay for tickets to his concerts before this day, but now I would pay 500$ for seeing those concerts in London. Although that This is it was about the concerts, the movie also consist a little sense of humor, love and a insight to the worlds climate problems.

    A really great job, with great cutting and editing. This movie is a must see for everyone! Even though you aren't a fan of Michael, go watch it!

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Guitarist Orianthi Panagaris states in an interview that she received an invite to audition for a spot on the tour via MySpace. When she showed up to audition, Jackson and other producers asked her to play the solo from the song "Beat It." After playing the piece, Jackson approached Panagaris, took her arm, and asked if she could play the solo walking across the stage at a specific speed. When she responded she could handle the assignment, Jackson hired her on the spot.
    • Quotes

      Michael Jackson: [to guitarist Orianthi Panagaris, encouraging her to play louder] This is your moment to shine.

    • Crazy credits
      There are two scenes after the closing credits. The first was a clip of Michael rehearsing "Human Nature" a couple of weeks before his death. The other was a video of the little girl who appeared in "Earth Song" holding the earth with the words "Heal The World" above her, followed by Michael's signature, and his final message to his fans: "I love you."
    • Connections
      Edited from Toute la ville en parle (1935)
    • Soundtracks
      They Don't Care About Us
      Written and Performed by Michael Jackson

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ21

    • How long is This Is It?Powered by Alexa
    • Is there anything after the end credits?
    • Were any body doubles used in the rehearsal footage shown ?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 28, 2009 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • This Is It
    • Filming locations
      • Staples Center - 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Columbia Pictures
      • The Michael Jackson Company
      • AEG Live
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $60,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $72,091,016
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $23,234,394
      • Nov 1, 2009
    • Gross worldwide
      • $267,983,588
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 51m(111 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
      • DTS

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.