'This Is It': Does the Michael Jackson documentary redeem or fail to acquit?

The posthumous Michael Jackson documentary, “This Is It,” reported less-than-impressive numbers on opening night but has since garnered hope with its increasing ticket sales, says our Company Town blog.

The box-office surge is partially due to its popularity overseas (like in Japan), but also because of positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

However, readers’ reactions to the film still mirror public opinion seen and heard after Jackson’s sudden death in June: a battle between sympathy for the tragedy of losing a legend and repulsion to repeated allegations of child molestation during his life.

Times film critic Ann Powers gave the documentary an overall positive review, and some readers agreed:

Natalie wrote: 'This Is It' speaks loud and clear to debunk all the myths about Michael Jackson that media/tabloid has implanted in the public's mind. He is a true genius who masters his craft, yet he is also humble and childlike. There is so much talent and goodness in this man that the world has just chose to ignore -- and now we've lost him forever. This film is a gift to all of Michael's fans and music lovers.

For All Time wrote: Through 'This Is It' we learn more about the kind of person MJ really was inside than the last 30 years of slanderous gossip about him. His relentless pursuit of musical perfection, his rare kind of professionalism with fellow players and his unmatched energy level will never be seen in show business ever again.

But others stood by their opinion that Jackson’s personal problems overrode any good brought about by his music:

David wrote: Cant we let this narcissistic madman fade away?? Oops..there is still cash to be squeezed out of him.

archangel wrote: Oh, please Jackson "channeling God"! And which channel was he tuning into during his drug induced God delusions? The Baby Channel, Barney, Comedy Central, the Doper Channels (MTV/VH1). I'm in a quandary deciding which the worse pathos is; Jackson for his mediocre, tainted and trashed legacy... or the media for squeezing this landfill stench from a dead guy just to rack up the sales? Enough!

joel wrote: of course foreigners would cough up the money to see jackson they think he was a god. most countries over there think its ok to molest a child.

If you have seen “This Is It,” tell us what you think. Do you think we ought to appreciate a great film honoring this departed musical legend? Or is it impossible to separate Jackson’s personal life -- and his controversial relationships with children -- from his music?

And if you haven’t seen the film, are you planning on attending? Are you waiting for the inevitable DVD? Or have you had enough of the King of Pop?

-- Kelsey Ramos

Photo: Movie poster for "This Is It." Credit: Sony Pictures

Comments

[Poyee Leung]

I'm from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I watched This Is It 5 times. Since they r just showing it for 2 weeks, I'll probably go again tomorrow, and Friday, for sure, with my husband again. He already watched it 4 times just to accompanied me. He likes MJ songs, but not quite a fan as he's a workaholic petroleum engineer. Anyways, I like MJ because he was an amazing performer, a remarkable showman. We're not interested in other people's person life. I don't want people to go into my personal life, its best to mind our own business. When we are not 100% sure of something, dont accuse, dont stoop so low as to insinuate just based on speculation. Go see This Is It, its an entertaining film. May be some of your readers will post something more positive. Be happy, hopful. Believe me, your life will be better. I'm retired, so I just want to enjoy my life, no work stress, just travel, and simply enjoy my life. I enjoyed seeing This Is It. Its sad at the end though. Such a great loss.

[Georgette]

He wasn't guilty. It was money driven. Anyone with a brain at least the size of a pea knows this by now. Do a modicum of research. Google the GQ article "Was Michael Jackson Framed?" for a start. The evidence presented at the 2005 trial was laughable -- read "Michael Jackson Conspiracy" by Aphrodite Jones for a hair-raising account of that travesty. It should make you ill to realize what people will do for money. (By the way, he was already acquitted).

[Dhamu Patel]

I have seen the film and am definitely planning to purchase teh DVD, have recomended watching 'This Is It' to all of my friends. For those ignorant enough to believe all the negative stuff about MJ in the media, let them wallow in their ignorance. They cannot deny the massive impact and influence that Michael had on this planet. We have lost someone of which the likes will never be seen again. South Africa

[gloria]

Everyone seems to forget that he was found not guilty. Also everyone should have a read of The Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones, it details the second court case and how the media turned it to suit them. Even if you don't like Michael it is a fantastic read. I just can't believe the media after the decades of rot they have put up about him. Every week gossip magazine publish just that - gossip yet we still seem intrigued.

[Ben]

I used to think there is no such thing as a wrong opinion.

But if you still think Michael Jackson is just some washed up 80s pop star after watching "this is it", then I am sorry, your opinion is wrong.

That's all.

[liz]

JAPAN?? Michael Jackson SOLD OUT 50 CONCERTS IN LONDON,ENGLAND!

He was totally exonerated fron that criminal suit ! from an all WHITE STA BARBARA LADIDA JURY NO LESS!

as for the haters.. what do you have to leave this world as your legacy,huh??

when all is said & done.. SCANDALS DIE OFF.. BUT MICHAEL'S MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER!

where Sneddon,now??

[jovan]

David, Archangel specially Joel are just ignorant people!
Everbody is entitled to their own opinions but JOel- You are not God to Judge! and Michael is accquited of all the charges.

[Kamal]

brilliant!MJ was like no other!
we will miss he genius!

[Mig]

Repeated allegations????? No 2 people using the same lawyer. Please get you facts correct. MJ's insurance company and lawyers at the time thought the pay off a simple way to get Michael on track again-Wrong another came along after the Bashir documentary, claim abuse happened after the doco........
be fair and read the transcripts and factual info. At this point the press should print a mass apology to Michael and his family for only printing selected material that made him look bad......................

The media should print apologies for they contributed to his pain.

[Anna]

It's quite interesting to note all the negative comments presented here (and in most other forums) are by male critics.
Nothing speaks louder than words than the immature nature with which they are written - in this case- seething jealousy.
And then there are the ignorant stereotypes such as: "most countries over there think it's ok to molest a child", proving they're already acquainted with making assumptions about anything and everything and really disintegrates anything they can present in the way of an opinion.
These kind of comments really do showcase the general standard of poorly-informed and inarticulate people who can only offer crude innuendos, which they think are clever, to try and prove their point.

[Dean]

I think "this is it" is a brilliantly put together piece of film.

I dont think anybody should judge MJ on a personal level because 99% of the3 people that do wouldnt even have met the man.

Love him for what he gave to the world (his music), and don't be blinded by what the world gave him (slander, judgement, hate).. This movie is an absoulute joy for the fans that always stood my MJ, and well and truly cements him as the KING OF POP

[steve]

I wonder why you chose to quote the reader named "joel" in your article. Does every semi-analfabet's ignorant blah count as relevant, publicity-worthy opinion in today's USA?

[MJ is Love]

"most countries over there think its (sic!) ok to molest a child" ???? Excuse me whoever made this comment! I live in "most countries over there" and I don't think it's ok to be a child molester. Furthermore, Michael Jackson was not and has never been a child molester. These cases were all about money and he got acquitted by a jury in 2005. Do you people forget this? Read the court transcripts - it's very obvious that they wanted Michael's money - no matter what. I liked the movie very much, but I could also see that Michael didn't look as fine as Kenny Ortega, Randy Phillips and (now) Frank Dileo claim. Moreover, there are conflicting statements made by people mentioned above before Michael's passing and after. I firmly believe that Michael pushed himself very hard, but on top of that was pushed very hard by AEG live as well since there was a lot of money at stake. I personally was surprised that Michael only rehearsed for about 4 months prior to this mega comeback schedule - it is too short! The stress and pressure must have been unbelievably high. I noticed in the movie that they didn't have a full costume rehearsal and that there wer still songs missing (e.g. We are the world) and there were only 2 to 3 weeks away from the first concert. I liked the movie, since it had some shining moments, but don't like the circumstances how and at what costs this movie was created. I mean think about: it was released so, so fast! It almost seemed like planned. Perhaps it was planned.

[Marcelo Bernardes]

For those invested in believing in all of those stories advertised by the media regarding Michael Jackson's relationships with children, not this movie or anything else will ever be enough to change their judgment. I, personally, look at Michael Jackson's history, trying to put things in a context, and I find very hard to see a bad person, or a child molester. Some would say his want to be around children wasn't normal. Well, becoming a worldwide super star at the age of nine, having already been successfully performing from the age of five isn't normal either. Growing up under the magnifying lens of the press and under the pressure of being the most famous entertainer on the planet isn't exactly the picture of normality. Having the whole world trying to have a piece of you is not something we can relate to. At least I can't. I think the problem is that some people try to judge Michael Jackson from what they understand to be 'normal' in their own lives. Reality is that no one can possibly imagine what it was like to be Michael Jackson, to be in his shoes. Who am I to judge Michael Jackson? I believe his life wasn't normal, but given the circumstances, I think he did incredibly well.

[Simona]

Are you kidding me? This is the type of opinion that you reckon worthy of seeing the light of day in your article (that Jackson has left a "mediocre, tainted and trashed legacy" and that "most countries over there think its ok to molest a child")? Excuse me, but what countries are those exactly? I'm European and I've travelled a little bit, and I never heard of such a screwed nation... As for Jackson's talent, it's obvious that whoever wrote that post is just a hater and jealousy is eating him up: no matter your taste in music, you cannot deny his talent!!! Really! That is why there are two categories of musicians: Michael Jackson and the others. And critics admit that.

[Nina]

Michael was indeed the kindest, most loving, generous, extraordinary human being ever. If only the people who give their opinions and speak lies would at least research their "facts", Michael was innocent ! I will forever carry my King in my heart, he was not only a unique genious, he was the most humble and pure soul, and yes, I am in the United States, and yes, I always believed he never molested any child. I was much too young back then, now that I grew up, I understand more and it is clear that Michael was the victim of evil people who just wanted to take advantage of him. Afrodite Jones, thank you very much, your Conspiracy book spells the truth. He is up above now, where nobody will e-v-e-r hurt him again. I have watched" This is it" my soul broke down in pieces, I loved it and now more than ever, I love him, I love you Michael Jackson even more with all my heart, there will never be someone like you...

[Chris]

I find the comment attributed to Joel above extremely insulting. I can assure the uneducated individual that "...most countries over there" believe a man is innocent until proven guilty and that is why Michael Jackson remains massively popular outside the US. I am sorry he does not believe in this fundamental aspect to his country's Constitution. I am sorry he does not have more faith in his country's legal system.

[american_artist]

Stupid article, stupid question. The sales speak for themselves.

[Doug]

Back in the likeable old US, and oh yeah, according to the US legal system, people were innocent until proven guilty. Not so for the hang-em-high scandal sheet cowboys here. Boys, please consider Wyoming. It's pretty, and you can tell your friends that's the reason you're going there, nothing to do with your attitudes of disinformation, hate-is-great, and put-downs-are-the-best-form-of-entertainment.

[Ian]

At the end of the day, he was acquitted of all child molestation charges in an American court. What are you asking us to do here? Its a movie of him rehearsing for a show. A decent one, I thought, too. Its not meant to try sway us from any particular view of his personal life.

Whatever you thought of the man, leave it at the door. Even at 50 years old, going through the motions of a rehearsal he was a sight to behold.

[Jason]

Well I guess opinions are like anuses everyone's got one!
where I get lost is, the bottom line with Michael Jackson is that he sold more stuff to more people than most/all of the dissenters you will ever hear from, had more success, influenced more people and future generations through his art than we may ever see again, excluding Jesus and the 'holy jet airplane' ministry industries. However, what I’ve found most troubling generally, exemplified in this article, is the way that some people maunder through their discrimination of their discriminations. I was completely taken aback reading one person’s comment that ‘most of these countries support Pedophilia ‘ and it was this reason that they would pay to see Michael Jackson. I suggest to you right now this bastardry is the reason that Americans in general are hated around the world, is it any wonder that Muslim extremists would rather see the likes of this out spoken ignoramus die in a fiery death than enjoy the fruits of a peaceful world?

[costech]

Do you think we ought to appreciate a great film honoring this departed musical legend? - ABSOLUTELY

Or is it impossible to separate Jackson’s personal life -- and his controversial relationships with children -- from his music? - NOT AT ALL. whether it was 'controvertial' or not depends on how your mind works. he was a great musician, legendary artist and a magnificent performer. And that's all there is to it.

[g.i.]

I don't think myself crazy about Micheal Jackson but I love him as a musician, a dancer,a true artist. I don't want to judge his life and certainly don't like to overly analysis his character. Sure, he had his problems if you believed, but just find anther person on this planet who could inspire millions children to learn dancing and singing, who could perform to give generations people enjoyment...just because that, I think he definitely deserve some respect.

[chris]

What EVERYBODY has to remember about Michael Jackson is that he was tabloid fodder for years. A time in which many areas of the media wrote what they wanted about him without being challenged, and this was particularly true during the trials in his life when he was prohibited from discussing those aspects of his life. What we also need to remember is that he was fully acquitted in 2005 and that in the early 90s that accusation did not go to court due to 2 grand juries deciding that there was not sufficient, credible evidence to run a trial. We also have to remember that Jackson DID NOT pay off the child or his family. That payment was made by his insurance company, and that he had argued against it. The settlement even includes a statement to that effect.

I have seen the film and it highlights just how 'normal' Michael Jackson really was. It allows the public to see an unguarded view of him - something we would have not got the chance to see otherwise. that alone makes this film worth the admission fee.

[Colin OBrien]

I saw the movie this weekend with my wife. We asked eachother what we thought and the same word came to mind, "engrossed." I was captivated from the moment it began. My opinion of MJ before the movie was tainted and honestly, I believed him to be freakish. The child molestation stories I have always believed that he put himself in vunerable situations that hush money could only cure. True or false, was not for me to decide; I always felt sorry for him as a victim of "super, media exposed" fame. How could he be normal?
This movie let us experience his genius. This man not only had the talent to validate his stardom, but we got to see his understanding of the business as well. So telling was the scene where he's encircled with his troops and he says, "don't be nervous, have fun. This is escapism. People want to go to a place and escape their troubles." Michael understood what people wanted which is why we've really never seen the behind-the-scenes, working side of him. Just as a magician, he understood the illusion is sacred.
This time I spent with him made me very sad for our society. We cast our stones and the strong survive. We may never have his musical gifts again and for this, I am sad.