like the performers(with tears in their eyes, reminiscing MJ), i cried, thinking how the world has missed, not just a great artist/entertainer, but a beautiful person(i always know he's a beautiful person in the inside, but this documentary confirms it). I'm a MJ fan, and from all the documentaries i've watched, this is the best, because it's the last days of his life, showing his talents& shared his belief&passion, which is to make a better world , starting with oneself. I could see every one(the crew) was in awe, and yet as one said, he was a humble person, he spoke so gently to them and encouraged each of the performers, he said to the female guitarist"i want u to shine, this is your moment, we'll be there with you"), and even when he doesn't like the sounds or the beat, he said it with such kindness,& never intimidating. He's a genius.Rest in peace, Michael.

Isn't the US of A the nation that doubted, disrespected, humiliated and accused Michael Jackson of untrue things? Europe and Asia have always treated this greatest artist cum humanitarian much better (sans the British press).
There are many people including myself who would say- the only thing I love about America is Michael Jackson!

Isn't the US of A the nation that doubted, disrespected, humiliated and accused Michael Jackson of untrue things? Europe and Asia have always treated this greatest artist cum humanitarian much better (sans the British press).
There are many people including myself who would say- the only thing I love about America is Michael Jackson!

i am a hispanic american and very proud i was raise by immigrant parents, my point is how ignorant american people can be, i grew up knowing MJ love his music, talent and his love for everyone. what amazes me is how controlled by media, government and gossip americans are. their brain is program onces set that is it. the beauty of MJ was, he controlled his own mind, music and business he was a victim of society greed, i am amazed how much the media manipulates our society to believe, to hate, i hate to say it but american you lost you rights many years ago you are controlled. hater open your mind think for yourself LOVE U MJ RIP

THIS IS IT is the most popular movie concert around the globe.. it's better than any other musical movie concert the world has ever seen.. and what about the others ?? i bet not many people around the globe even recognize it... different from This Is It.. every peoples around the globe u asked about This Is It.. then they will say at least .. "i knew it.. that's Michael Jackson movie concert".. and what i've said is totally the fact !! and sorry for the haters of MJ.. i will just say accept this fact that MJ is the greatest intertainer the world has ever seen..
and i thing that Americans has a terrible lost when MJ died.. because they lost someone that make they world even better.. Godspeed.. MJ Rest In Peace !

OH, and before I get accused of being another crazed, wishy-washy Michael Jackson fan, let me submit this as my favorite concert film:

RUSH in Rio!!!

To add, Sintra was also a decent actor. He won Academy Awards for his work in "From Here to Eternity" and "The Man with the Golden Arm". He also did excellent work in the "Manchurian Candidate". He could dance in his early years but wasn't really known for it. Anyway, back to MJ. Thanks Marian Haddad for your thoughts on mine and VJS's posts. It's great to read posts relating to MJ's music as opposed to the scandals. There's so much on that, too much. Who's to know what's true and what's not. What I know is true is that this gentle personality made wonderfully entertaining music over his lifetime using his multiple talents and endless imagination. That's what makes him memorable and one of the greatest. (Still not ready to say the greatest that ever lived.) I saw his movie and will see it again. Thanks for rocking our world MJ!

VJS. The Beatles are priceless. And they changed much. But Elvis fans will say that the Beatles were preceded by Elvis. It's all connected. No one is diminishing the Beatles. And frankly, we are not delusional to think that when you compare, ELVIS, THE BEATLES, SINATRA and MJ, only one of the four could do ALL THINGS that include write, sing, dance, choreograph, and do groundbreaking films no one had done for music. I just saw RAIN tribute to the Beatles because they are HUGELY important and forever. And MJ not only said he was a fan of their music, but as you point out . . . he BOUGHT IT. Add business acumen to the talents I listed on him, and YES, when you combine all those talents . . . then MJ, quantitatively, is clearly ahead of the game, as an "ENTERTAINER" . . . not taking away the talents the others held.

Diana | November 2, 2009 10:34 PM "arguably the greatest entertainer that ever lived."

Just a thought. MJ was a power house talent of his time but I wouldn't agree that he was the "greatest entertainer that ever lived", Diana, with all due respect to his fans and Barry Gordy. Concider the Beatles, Elvis and Sinatra. I believe this is a sentimental title only and will fade into history in several years. Case in point: Sammy Davis Jr. died in 1990. At that time, which was during MJ's peak and years past Sammy's peak, Davis was concidered the "greatest entertainer that every lived". How many remember this? He was also a "triple-threat" philanthropic entertainer who broke down color barriers of his day. The latter accomplishment being much more significant than MJ's...without dismissing what MJ did for black artists on MTV. I feel confident that MJ, a fan of Davis, would infact whole heartedly agree with this if he were still with us today. Again, just a thought. (BTW I'm not comparing record sales. MJ clearly outsold SD. As far as the Beatles are concerned they outsold MJ but when John Lennon and then George Harrison died niether was concidered the "greatest entertainer that ever lived" despite sales, visibility and influence that was equal to or greater than MJ's.)

I don't even no where to begin. First of all please READ, "Michael Jackson Conspiracy", you will know then that all the allegations against him were false. He was taken yet again for his money. How anyone could hurt such a loving, giving man is beyond me. Also I to like the Beatles, but they will never hold a candle to Michael's success. Have you seen his guiness world records??? I didn't think so...and the Beatles have how many? Did you see his awards? He has more then anyone...did the Beatles win entertainer of the Milenium? No don't think so. I could go on, but please give the man some credit for his musical accomplishments. He is a genius....I aslo think it's kinda funny that everytime Paul sings one of his own songs, monies go to Michael. Yeah, Michael was a genius...I hope "This Is It", wins something at the oscars...he deserves it....this concert would have been "The Greatest Show on Earth".....

In god's arms now....love you Michael

This is it is wonderful. The world loved Michael despite what the American press tried to do to his rep, he is the greatest entertainer that ever lived, and the world knows it. Who cares if America does not know it. American press is just now looking for the next big scandal... and the most famous person in the world after Michael is Barack Obama... and I know the media has plans for him. Sad!

This is it! What a fantastic show that would have been. Like many others, I have been a fan for many years. I am the same age as Michael. It was amazing to watch Michael create his vision and put this concert together. A true genius at work. You get to see a side of Michael that most people have not seen. It was mesmerizing.

For the person who thinks MJ is bigger and better then THE BEATLES you are delusional! THE BEATLES changed the world MJ changed dance music! You don't hear people referance THE BEATLES as influences??? What planet do you live on. If you don't like THE BEATLES music that's one thing, but to think MJ compares to them in anyway shape or form is laughable. Check your facts THE BEATLES hold every musical record known to mankind. Most albums sold in the history of the world= THE BEATLES!(FACT) Most #1 singles in the history of the world= THE BEATLES!(FACT) and I could go on and on, but what's the point? I believe I already made it! BTW who and why do you think MJ bought the greatest catalog of music the world has ever known? Because it's priceless!!

I do not believe the allegations. even the child denied it and spoke on his behalf at the trial. Sue-happy parents.
I grew up on Michael Jackson's music. He's the best there is. He is the world's best humanitarian and gave to many charities and championed many causes in the name of humanity. A decent, disciplined, hardworking, human being that got smeared in the media for no reason. That's the real shame. I love you Michael Jackson! and always will!!! God bless you!

Elvis was cowriter on "Heartbreak Hotel", "Don't Be Cruel", "Love Me Tender" and "All Shook Up", just to name a few of his hits. Not bashing, just giving some information.

THE LAST WALTZ is the best concert film. I dont want to see THIS IS IT for two points of views, one, the people hind this film are making $$ off of someones early death. I mean come on people he has only been dead a year! Second point of view I think he is a child molester, just because he wasnt found guilty means he had $$. My momma always told me if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it has to be a duck. Roman Polanski is a great film-maker but he did have anal sex with a 13 year old, should he have ever gotten an oscar NO! Jackson is in the same realm, great entertainer, but should be celebrated, NO!

Hands down-no contest-Madonna in
Truth or Dare and
I'm Going to Tell You a Secret in which both Promise to Try
(her mother's remembrance
-flowers on grave) and Imagine
(Lola's embrace and Johnny Rebel's Beatle Dream of Peace are highlights of Madonna's life and continued Reign!
You Go, My beautiful Lady Madge!

Couldn't agree more with BlindMan | November 2, 2009 6:12 PM:

"There is a subculture in America that is in general is stuck “cynic’s cool” In this way MJ and “This is It” is an easy target for the insecure.
Both the NY times and LA times are afraid to claim MJ film has any real merit.
Claiming that only “foreigners” made it a hit. (sounds a little racist to me).
Although both papers will promote any half baked menial obscure violent tinged flick
to reaffirm they’ve still got “the cool.”
It is easier to knock something than it is to like something. (kind of like Fox News)".

The movie was fantastic! Michael still had all his moves and though he held his voice back a bit at times for the upcoming shows, when he did let it go, it was better than ever! This concert, had it gone off, would have been phenomenal! Michael would have had the comeback and respect he so deserved. The love message he gave throughout was so beautiful too. This was the real Michael, not the media Michael and he was the best! Thank you Michael for the gift that was you! I'll never forget you!

I went and saw it. I am a fan however. At first I had tears in my eyes, then I watched to see how healthy he was, then I was amazed that the man could still sing and dance amazingly considering the fact that according to the autopsy reports he suffered from moderate lung damage and arthritis...He must of really been in pain after those rehearsals. It gave you a sense of him as a performer, perfectionist...and as I stated before HE STILL HAD IT!! It would of been great.

To those people playing down the success of "This Is It":

In only a few days it has become the biggest grossing concert film of all time! That must be called a success in anybody's book. The previous record holder (Hannah Montana) took 13 weeks to get that far, so to do it in 5 or 6 days is astounding, it really is.
To say it has failed or been a disappointment is ridiculous.

I had the honor and opportunity of attending his Memorial @ Staples Center and the red carpet premiere. I met Kenny Ortega, who is a brilliant and humble man. He rivals me as MJ biggest fan.

These two experiences I will never forget. Being in the same room as Michael's lifeless body is the single most powerful moment of my life. I thank MJ for making it possible for me to be present.
You are safe now, Michael. Sleep in peace now...

I'm 60 years old. My children grew up with MTV and Michael and some of my best memories are of my children and me dancing around the living room to Billy Jean or Beat It...and Thriller! There was nothing as much fun as watching my boys act out the zombie parts, dancing along with Michael. He has been part of our family! Watching this movie was a sweet and heart-wrenching visit into the past in which my children and I and Michael are still young with many long years ahead of us. I am sorry Michael is not among the living any more, but I am so glad that he lived and made music and danced and entertained us! This movie is going to remind those of us who loved him how much we have lost and will help those who vilified him see a side they may not ever have seen. It is a wonderful movie!

u dont know MJ power of love, soon This is it will exceed US500 million worldwide...

MJ is truly has pure soul & divine mind....He has above than normal ordinary human...ur american have nonsense kind of sex going on but it acceptable coz is between adults ...but when michael sleep with children ya sleep why a mother can sleep with her kinds...it s that kind of thought that micheal has.....like a mother to kid...no matter how much u hates him....it will not work..coz he has pure heart & mind ...can't u c why billions of people love u , by the way who s Hannah Montana ..never heard about that im from malaysia

I saw This Is It on Halloween and words cannot even describe how amazing this film is. I so desperately want to see it again, and cannot wait for the DVD to be released.
For those who are "reluctant" for whatever reasons, you really need to get over it and see this film. It is history in the making to get a look at how this legendary musical genius planned his shows. It is time to forget all the controversy, the fake allegations, and all of that nonsense and appreciate a true genius and his work.
And did someone honestly say they won't "pay full price to see a documentary film?"
Are you serious? You have no problem paying for the other crap movies that come out on a regular, but not a true piece of art from arguably the greatest entertainer that ever lived.
This just shows that unlike other countries, Americans have issues with their priorities. It is disgustingly laughable to think that Hannah Montana's "concert" film should even be mentioned in any proximity as Michael Jackson. And Paranormal Activity is definitely not worth the hype; who cares to watch a fake documentary filmed on one camera with a scary noise here and there.
No wonder MJ was planning to do his last shows in London. I seriously hope people stop dragging their feet and go see This Is It. MJ fan or not, it is impossible to be disappointed with the film. It was beyond amazing.

It was incredibly tragic that MJ left us so soon. I'm sure his concerts would have been a great success and the documentary for "This Is It" shows that he and his team were well on their way to achieving his dream.

I was taken by how, like a true musician, MJ encouraged and guided his band inorder to draw out and shape the individual personalities of each song. Nothing is rushed. As he said sometimes it just has to simmer or sizzle and always nourish. In fact these moments with his collaborators were especially interesting in this film since we got to see a very non-tabloid and dare I say normal acting MJ. (Although his wardrobe could be a bit out-there at times. What was up with the cone shaped shoulders. YIKES!) He was nothing like the wheel chair bound, masked, groggy, painfully frail person that had been presented over the last couple years of his life.

Whether you're a fan of his or not the movie is well worth watching on many different levels.

God bless you MJ and may you rest in peace.

"It's all about love. L.O.V.E."

michael......i miss u soooo much !!!!

u hav changed the world and we all love u and miss u!!!

LOL @ THE today's American generation. Most of you Live on CREDIT, are OBESE, and PREACH FAIRY TALES, hardly wear any clothes and are so full of yourselves that you cannot see AND are so GULLIBLE...LOL again!

bwahahahaha.......

I wish MJ had come to Australia to live,we would have loved him unconditionally,you guys in the US are so judgemental and racist,something he fought against all his life.leave the mongering behind,and do yourself a favour watch this film,really watch and listen,his was the kindest,sweetest soul and he was a genius that will remain unsurpassed in our life time.

Awesome movie!

What kept me away?

I'm not a fan. I have never been.

As you can see from the comments, the same people are watching the movie over, and over again; which means most of the nation is not interested. As for being huge overseas, are you kidding me? You really think 68 million is huge? There are billon+ people in China alone. They were expecting 250 million+ in the first five days. I doubt it will make that in its whole run, even whith his fans watching it over and over again.

I am from the states and I watched it twice with my family, to support Michael's vision. So for those who didn't see it missed something that was pure genius. There will NEVER be another Michael Jackson. Open your eyes, this man fought for great causes.

"Americans are some of the stupidest people in the world. Look at their reaction this summer with the health care debate. The media puts a negative twist on it and everyone is up in arms about something they have absolutely NO CLUE ABOUT. Especially since very few of them actually took the time to actually read the bill that was available online.

It's easier to read the headlines rather than the fine print which is why so many people still believe he was guilty even though is more evidence that proves that both families were nothing but money grubbing liars.

''As one shifty reviewer claimed, he was disappointed in the movie b/c there wasn't any juicy gossip for them feed off. "Michael Jackson's personal life was more interesting than his music." Then again, look at the kind of news that reigns supreme in the US. Celeb news and neoconservative nonsense.

It's a real sad state of affairs in this country.''

I agree with you

"Americans are some of the stupidest people in the world. Look at their reaction this summer with the health care debate. The media puts a negative twist on it and everyone is up in arms about something they have absolutely NO CLUE ABOUT. Especially since very few of them actually took the time to actually read the bill that was available online.

It's easier to read the headlines rather than the fine print which is why so many people still believe he was guilty even though is more evidence that proves that both families were nothing but money grubbing liars.

''As one shifty reviewer claimed, he was disappointed in the movie b/c there wasn't any juicy gossip for them feed off. "Michael Jackson's personal life was more interesting than his music." Then again, look at the kind of news that reigns supreme in the US. Celeb news and neoconservative nonsense.

It's a real sad state of affairs in this country.''

I agree with you

miley is already on the path of lohan and spears, so dont even and her movie is number 2, it wouldnt have gotten that high if tween girls and boys didnt follow trends so much

when we go to a concert we go to hear someone sing the songs, not because they were the ones who wrote the songs. Concerts are for singers not composers.

ELVIS PRESLEY NEVER COMPOSED any music-- any song.. not a lick..

he was a great interpreter of other peoples' work.. not a creator.

agreed, that's the thing most haters dont see is that mj created his music, and elvis just copied

ELVIS PRESLEY NEVER COMPOSED any music-- any song.. not a lick..

he was a great interpreter of other peoples' work.. not a creator.

Americans are some of the stupidest people in the world. Look at their reaction this summer with the health care debate. The media puts a negative twist on it and everyone is up in arms about something they have absolutely NO CLUE ABOUT. Especially since very few of them actually took the time to actually read the bill that was available online.

It's easier to read the headlines rather than the fine print which is why so many people still believe he was guilty even though is more evidence that proves that both families were nothing but money grubbing liars.

''As one shifty reviewer claimed, he was disappointed in the movie b/c there wasn't any juicy gossip for them feed off. "Michael Jackson's personal life was more interesting than his music." Then again, look at the kind of news that reigns supreme in the US. Celeb news and neoconservative nonsense.

It's a real sad state of affairs in this country.''

Wow lol thats better than what i had said... Agree totally 'Americans'

"World never understood the Americans and how they treated one of its greatest exports. But greed and senational reporting without facts is more interesting to people. American media is very biased and racist, just look at FOX news. Fact is the rest of the world saw through all the bogas accusations and appreciated the greatness that is Michael Jackson. The world could care less what America thinks, infact MJ was never really thought of as American to the rest of us. He was more much more, he was a global citizen. There is a reason America is pretty much hated around the world. I bet you any money Obama is going to be slated so much through the next few years that he'll lose the next elections due to your biased and racist media that he wont be able to win a second term. Hes already generating hate and he hasnt even been in office for a year."

Congratulations. I agree with everything you wrote.

Americans are some of the stupidest people in the world. Look at their reaction this summer with the health care debate. The media puts a negative twist on it and everyone is up in arms about something they have absolutely NO CLUE ABOUT. Especially since very few of them actually took the time to actually read the bill that was available online.

It's easier to read the headlines rather than the fine print which is why so many people still believe he was guilty even though is more evidence that proves that both families were nothing but money grubbing liars.

As one shifty reviewer claimed, he was disappointed in the movie b/c there wasn't any juicy gossip for them feed off. "Michael Jackson's personal life was more interesting than his music." Then again, look at the kind of news that reigns supreme in the US. Celeb news and neoconservative nonsense.

It's a real sad state of affairs in this country.

Which is the best song Elvis had composed? Someone tell me please.

World never understood the Americans and how they treated one of its greatest exports. But greed and senational reporting without facts is more interesting to people. American media is very biased and racist, just look at FOX news. Fact is the rest of the world saw through all the bogas accusations and appreciated the greatness that is Michael Jackson. The world could care less what America thinks, infact MJ was never really thought of as American to the rest of us. He was more much more, he was a global citizen. There is a reason America is pretty much hated around the world. I bet you any money Obama is going to be slated so much through the next few years that he'll lose the next elections due to your biased and racist media that he wont be able to win a second term. Hes already generating hate and he hasnt even been in office for a year.

There is a subculture in America that is in general is stuck “cynic’s cool”
In this way MJ and “This is It” is an easy target for the insecure.
Both the NY times and LA times are afraid to claim MJ film has any real merit.
Claiming that only “foreigners” made it a hit. (sounds a little racist to me)
Although both papers will promote any half baked menial obscure violent tinged flick
to reaffirm they’ve still got “the cool.”
It is easier to knock something than it is to like something. (kind of like Fox News)

Please use your own mind and judge for yourself.
“This is It” is an honest look into the affirmative about MJ.
His talent, energy, vision and positive messages.
(With great songs like, Man in the Mirror, Black and White…MJ spreads the message similar to The Beatles…both reminding us what is really important in this life…LOVE)

haven't seen the MJ film. i'm sure it's good and i'm glad his fans have one final sovenier ... but i agree with Travers on his picks. i think Elvis: That's The Way It Is is the best rock doc i've seen - probably a lot like This Is It but we get to see the final show after the rehearsals which are amazing. just seeing Elvis mix and mash up Little Sister/Get Back in the studio with his band is worth the price of admission alone... and Polk Salad Annie is fucking unstoppable. Stop Making Sense was unbelievable as well.

Thank you, John, for the insight. You made a good point in your write-up. Wow, you sould like an avid fan. Good for you. Will see This Is It again this weekend for the 4th time. In Canada, Calgary, Alberta, we don't really care too much about all those scandals, true or false, we're not all that interested. MJ is an amazing performer, he facsinated the world with his dance moves and vocals, that's all there is to it. I like to think that I'm his #1 fan in Calgary. I'm retired & I can do whatever I want.

Dude!! The movie was AWESOME!!! I saw it 6 times. I saw the premier here in Bermuda and then flew to NYC to see it 4 times and then again last night. It felt like seeing him in a real concert and it felt like he was still alive.

Finally, finally, finally MJ is getting the acknowledgment for his work that he deserves! People were so cruel to him over the child molestation charges.... of which he was acquitted. I plan to see the movie sometime this week. I am so happy to see that globally it is succeeding .... it is sad that it took his death for a lot of people to appreciate his talent and genius....

Sadly, it proves once again how brainwashed and uneducated most americans are.

Since most of them are just "Headlines readers" they have drank the tabloids kool-aid over the years and can't bother to do real research on their own, like reading a factual book like Michael Jackson Conspiracy or watch a factual documentary like The Untold Story of Neverland etc etc.
They're also too proud of their stupidity to change their mind.
The rest of the world knows not to scratch their heads anymore about what pathetic americans do or think.

I'm huge fan of Peter Travers, and pretty much take whatever he says as the religious truth, but I'm just wondering Mr. Travers, did you give "This Is It" 3.5 out of 4 because you felt an obligation by working for a music magazine? From what I've heard, it just isn't up to snuff. I think another contributing factor as to why American's didn't see the film, was because much of MJ's life (including live performance footage) was drilled into our heads for weeks on our cable news networks. This movie may have been more successful on the anniversary of MJ's death rather than so soon proceeding it.

Everyone that hems and haws about going to the This Is It movie, think again. Surprise yourself. It is actually quite amazing. The concerts would have been jaw dropping; the effects were superb, the dancers top notch and Michael Jackson was sounding and dancing pretty darn good for someone that's been out of the picture for so many years, not to mention 50 years old. As for the "old" music, it's still fresh and he did state that he would be performing the music the fans want to hear. That was the mandate. It's a good movie, well worth the ticket price and, who knows, you might just walk out with a whole new perspective.

In my city people just wont go cause there is nothing scandalous about this movie, they know for the reviews that MJ looks great, in great shape, all singing and dancing, so they cant take it that they judge him so badly and now theyre all proven wrong. Thats why they avoided the movie, at least for the people Ive met.

Kate - to call a music genius who had single-handedly changed the landscape of the history of pop music something as what you claim as "not culturally relevant for the past 15 years" is clearly nothing more than an astronomic clutter of stupidity that's been pulled out of your biased a s s. And to say that you'd rather see the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus' films, just confirms your low mental fortitude. Go back to school you colossal moron

I've seen it once, but I do want to see it again. I have never been a huge MJ fan but the movie was fucking great. Say what you want about his personal life, but the man was a genius and this movie proves that further.

I expected the movie to be badly put together because it was obviously made to make money but I was definitely wrong. Very, very good. It's a shame that ignorant people like Kate will be missing out on such a good movie.

America people like to See Hannah Montana because they are shallow and superficial, it is even stupid to compare such a commercial gig such as Hannah Montana tha a talented artist such as Mj.

kate,

This MJ bashing IS getting REALLY lame, OLD and BORING!

Go find someone really deserving to bash, like Jon and Kate or Octomom or the Henne “Balloon Boy” family...LOL!

The BEST documentary film EVER, truly Oscar-WORTHY!

I have seen the movie twice and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend going to see it. You will be very surprised to discover that it is really amazing. You will leave the theater very glad that you went to see This Is It. Roger Ebert gave it 4 stars because it is so good.

I saw this is it twice this weekend. I am a huge Michael fan. I feel that the movie was just what I needed. I needed to see him and hear his magical voice. I am just shocked at how we treat our celebs here. We must remember they are people just as we are. I will always love Michael Jackson and his music. This Is It, is the best I've seen at the theater all year. I saw it twice and I want to see it again. I should win something big. It is the first of it's kind, isn't it? If not, then it is the best of it's kind and so it should win big.

I'd watch Hanna Montana or the Jonas Brothers concert films before seeing anything with Pedo Pan in it.

Best concert movies:

Elvis: That's The Way It Is

Elvis on Tour (Golden Globe winner)

U2:

Rolling Stones

and pretty much any concert movie that went out and held it's own against the slate of movies also released

not this bogus flaying of the concrete encased corpse who's not been culturally relevant for over 15 years

kinda like the Grammy year where they nominated all his songs in all the categories and gave him a lifetime award to ensure a record win year was set for him

undeservedly.

i love u Michael Jackson

Oh, aren't you all cynical and jaded. How very Rolling Stone-reader of you. Whether or not the music is "old" or not is certainly not the point of this film. This is a cultural phenomenon in a different light than people have ever seen him - one that shows him to be driven and talented and actually kind of normal - and most importantly, down to business. No scandal, no salaciousness here. It's easy to forget the media circus when you're watching such electric talent. Nothing about his singing, his dancing was old. In fact, the songs that were old didn't seem old at all. They seemed new and fresh and re-imagined. This movie is full of LIFE and is more concert than documentary.

MJ died, everybody paid tribute by buying his old music. But the truth is, it's old music. A new performance of old music is still not more interesting to me than the old performances of it. This movie is 20 years too late.

Just not a huge MJ fan, probably because of the scandals, and then the saturated coverage of his death, and then a movie only months after his death? And didn't you mention this was a movie to avoid in a RS issue for your fall preview Mr. Travers? I typically agree with your movie choices, so that in itself made the movie fall off my radar.