This Is It
for some suggestive choreography and scary images.
Reviewed by: Rosemarie Ute Hoffman
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | 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 |
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
| Featuring | Michael Jackson, Alex Al, Nick Bass, Michael Bearden, Daniel Celebre, Mekia Cox, Misha Gabriel, Chris Grant, Judith Hill, Dorian Holley, Shannon Holtzapffel, Devin Andrew Jamieson, Bashiri Johnson, Charles Klapow, Jonathan Moffett, Tommy Organ, Orianthi, Darryl Phinnessee, Mo Pleasure, Dres Reid, Ken Stacey, Tyne Stecklein, Timor Steffens |
| Director |
Kenny Ortega |
| Producer | Columbia Pictures, The Michael Jackson Company, AEG Live, Stimulated, Michael Bearden, Chantal Feghali, Paul Gongaware, Randy Phillips, Robb Wagner |
| Distributor |
 Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures |
“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.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
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My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5