Moonwalker (1988)

Anthology movie by, and starring, Michael Jackson in his prime, combining a number of music videos from his bestselling "Bad" album with a fantasy tale of Michael's confrontation with a ruthless drug dealer known as Mr. Big.

Directors:

Jerry Kramer, Colin Chilvers

Writers:

Michael Jackson (story), David Newman (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Jackson, Joe Pesci, Sean Lennon

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Jackson	...	Michael
Joe Pesci	...	Mr. Big
Sean Lennon	...	Sean
Kelley Parker	...	Katie (as Kellie Parker)
Brandon Quintin Adams	...	Zeke (as Brandon Adams)
Jeff Adkins	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal") (as Jeffry Adkins)
Patrick Alan	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Brenda Barrett	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Scott Benson	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Bonnie Beutler	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Lindell Blake	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Kim Blank	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Shelby Brown	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Geron Canidate	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")
Cindera Che	...	Dancer (segment "Smooth Criminal")

Storyline

A movie that starts out with the "Man in the Mirror" music video, it then changes to a montage of video clips of Michael's career. Next comes a parody of his Bad video by children, and then Michael is chased by fans in a fantasy sequence. 2 more videos are shown, and then a movie in which Michael plays a hero with magical powers. In it he is chased by drug dealer Mr. Big and saves three children. Videos included in the movie are "Smooth Criminal" and "Come Together".

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Plot Keywords:

children | parody | car | dancing | cult film | 

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Taglines:

On his soul, a king of music. On his heart, a king of beats.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Fantasy | Music | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros. [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 June 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Michael Jackson: Moonwalker

Filming Locations:

Harbor Star Stage, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

MJJ Productions, Ultimate Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Jackson sings a cover of The Beatles hit song Come Together. Sean Lennon who plays Sean is the son of the late John Lennon.

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Goofs

While Michael is performing "Come Together" his white shirt is ripped to his chest, then to his pants, then not ripped at all, then ripped to his pants, and so on throughout the whole performance.

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Quotes

Mr. Big: You guys gotta get in the middle of the country. Get in the middle of the country there! Stop those kids from praying in school. First, I want you to hang around by playgrounds, I want you to hang around schoolyards.

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Alternate Versions

MTV and VH1 have shown this film many times, and although it isn't a long film they have cut it, specifically the "Smooth Criminal" segment (the showpiece of the film): The dance segment in Club 30's is heavily edited, as is the scene where the kids' dog is returned to them by Michael's manager (leaving one plot question unanswered!) The "Come Together" performance is also shorter. The more recent VH1 Rock and Roll Picture Show airings cut the film down even more, most noticably in the Retrospective sequence.

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Connections

Referenced in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Secret of My Excess (2011)

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Soundtracks

We Are the World
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
Performed by USA for Africa

User Reviews

Music and dance

If you see this movie, you know you will see an extense video-clip of popular music. But you will find more. Incredible FX, great music and a nice time to enjoy with your kids. If you compare this movie, you have to remember is a pop extravaganza. Clips of "Man In The Mirror", "Leave Me Alone", "Smooth Criminal" and Beatles' "Come Together".