This Is It (2009)

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

7 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael Jackson	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Alex Al	...	Himself
Alexandra Apjarova	...	Herself
Nick Bass	...	Himself
Michael Bearden	...	Himself
Irina Brecher	...	Herself
Daniel Celebre	...	Himself
Mekia Cox	...	Herself
Miles Faber	...	Dancer at the Audition
Chris Grant	...	Himself
Misha Gabriel Hamilton	...	Himself
Judith Hill	...	Herself
Dorian Holley	...	Himself
Shannon Holtzapffel	...	Dancer
Devin Jamieson	...	Himself

Storyline

In the weeks before his death, Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was rehearsing a show, "This Is It," that was to open in July. This film begins with a few of the auditioning dancers speaking to the camera about why they're trying out and what Jackson means to them. Then we plunge into rehearsals at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The film is arranged by musical number with pre-recorded material and footage from Jackson's various rehearsals edited together to take us through what would have been the concert's set list.

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Plot Keywords:

rehearsal | comeback | year 2009 | 2000s | reference to kenny ortega | 

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Taglines:

Discover The Man You Never Knew

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 October 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Filming Locations:

Staples Center - 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,234,394, 1 November 2009

Gross USA:

$72,091,016

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$261,183,588

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation,The Michael Jackson Company,AEG Live

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The concert was supposed to be in full 3D experience that was to be displayed in full jumbo LED screen. These works can be seen during Thriller, Smooth Criminal and Earth Song.

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Quotes

Kenny Ortega: We've rehearsed and Michael was great.

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Crazy Credits

Additional Thanks to The Michael Jackson Fan Clubs Worldwide and everyone involved in the development and creation of "This Is It"

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Connections

Referenced in De slimste mens ter wereld: Episode #11.8 (2017)

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Soundtracks

They Don't Care About Us
Written and Performed by Michael Jackson

User Reviews

A must-see

I had my fear going in, but it was all shattered. What a blast. This is a must-see for every MJ fan and even non-fans to understand why he was so popular and deserved every bit of the title King of the Pop. A consummate artist, a perfectionist, and a visionary. The film is overflowed with his energy, passion, and dedication. If the rehearsals could be this good and engaging, one could only imagine what the concerts would've been. His voice sometimes showed his age, but his dance moves were not, at all. Also the young female guitarist was not just good looking, but crazily good with the guitar as well. Smooth Criminal segment is probably my favorite, but they're all very excellent. I don't feel the film is exploiting his death in any way. It's simply paying the tribute and gives fans something they deserve to see.