  
This Is Ita.k.a. “Michael Jackson's This Is It,” “Michael Jackson's This Is It: The IMAX Experience,” “Michael Jackson: This Is It,” “Майкл Джексон: вот и все,” “I teleftaia synavlia tou Michael Jackson”MPAA Rating:
 for some suggestive choreography and scary images.Reviewed by: Rosemarie Ute Hoffman Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens, Adults
Genre:
Musical Documentary
Length:
1 hr. 52 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
October 28, 2009
DVD: January 26, 2010 
 
Relevant Issues
Music in the Bible Dancing in the Bible SELF-IMAGE—I’m ugly. Why was God so unfair to me this way? Answer ANXIETY, worry and fear—What does the Bible say? Answer Did God make the world the way it is now? What kind of world would you create? Answer
“Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before” 
“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is a high-energy concert film where everyone has the coveted front row seat. This is not another song and dance flick with average talent. The leading role, Michael Jackson, evokes feeling and emotions through his genius creativity. The elaborate sets and video footage are a pictorial journey. The synergy between artist, director, singers, dance crew, and band are exemplary. Like any respected and devoted friend, Jackson gives and receives love with an ease of “God Bless You” throughout this production. Jackson a relevant artist is an entertainer with a message. In his heartfelt plea to respect humanity and our natural world he declares, “The crying earth is weeping strong.” EARTH’S ENVIRONMENT—Should Christians be concerned about the environment? Answer What is man’s responsibility to the environment? Answer The make-up and production of Jackson’s “Thriller” is by all accounts creepy and not recommended for young audiences who have difficulty with distinguishing reality from fantasy. Warning also to those adults who are concerned with terrifying sights and sounds. Similar to the sheep of God’s church who flock to the Shepherd, fans flock to the “King of Pop” to listen and gaze. However, the Church of Rock-n-Roll drastically differs. Elvis Presley the “King of Rock “n” Roll” did not offend his fans with gyrating hips. Neither did Jackson fans easily offend from his crotch grabbing or thrusts. Elvis would probably concur as Jackson admitted in an Oprah interview, “it’s the music that compels me.” Whatever kingdom we oversee, whether it is pop music, rock ‘n’ roll, or our household, believe as it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” Romans 14:11-12. Michael was one to push the boundaries and take risks. Most paid off with great rewards earning him countless awards and achievements from the 70s forward. Nevertheless, there was a cost—losing his right to live under the radar. Consequently, giving the public a voice to criticize, and in controversial times the power to sneer and shout from the crowds while influencing the masses. As Christians, we study the life, the ministry, and the long-suffering of Christ at Calvary to the point of making biblical comparisons with that of our own faith walk. Is it possible then that the multitudes who throw stones of judgment, vile, and hate are foolish—forgetting about the plank in their own eye [Matthew 7:3]? Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37). In hindsight, “This Is It,” a planned London concert series might have been a sign along with Michael’s proclamation “the final curtain call” of what was to come. Still, while many were thinking of a final concert tour, who dared to believe in the probability of a prophetic word. Death in the Bible ETERNAL LIFE—What does the Bible say about it? Answer Eternal death in the Bible Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer How can I be sure of my salvation? Answer How can I be and feel forgiven? Answer
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive—I went to see this movie with my daughter on Halloween night. It was exactly like I expected it to be. Showing a singer / entertainer practicing with his band and dancers in preparation for his concert series. While the Thriller part would probably frighten younger viewers, the over all quality was fine. Unlike other celebrities who curse and treat everyone rudely, Michael treated all with respect and he always said do everything with love. He never raised his voice, nor did he act like a prima dona. His love for this earth through some of his music is very evident. I highly recommend it for an older audience.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5 —Dan, age 46 (USA) Positive—Although I am not a fan of Michael Jackson, I do enjoy some of his music. With that being said, I loved “This is It.” The film gave me a perspective on how pop stars like Michael Jackson rehearse and prepare for a packed schedule of concerts. My only problem was that some of the young women that were auditioning to be MJ’s backup dancers were wearing some very revealing dance clothes. Other than that, “This is It” is a great movie and contains some of MJ’s greatest hits to sing along to.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½ —Shannon H., age 28 (USA) Neutral
none Negative
none Comments from young people
none Comments from non-viewers
Watch the documentary “We Sold Our Souls for Rock ‘n Roll” and see what the truth is behind Jackson’s (any many more artist’s) music.
—Ben, age 23 (USA) |
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