'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

Readers still split about Rihanna and Chris Brown as 'Rated R' is set to drop

It has been almost nine months since Chris Brown was arrested for assaulting Rihanna while the then-couple drove home from a pre-Grammy party, an incident that caused a huge uproar in the music community and among fans. Brown was sentenced in August to five years of probation and 180 days of community labor.

After the assault, readers responded passionately, both defending Chris Brown and supporting Rihanna as a victim of abuse:

What wrote: Plaxico gets 2 years of his life taken away for taking a gun into a club and shooting himself accidentally in the leg. Harming no one but himself. Chris Brown gets probation for beating the crap out of Rihanna. Our justice system/prison business is extremely flawed.

General wrote: I don't care if she spit in his face and called him an idiotic womanizer. I don't care if she called him every name you can think of. There is no excuse for what he did. A picture tells it all and he doesn't look too hurt to me. Biting someone? That is just sick.

Shakaila Jones wrote: I LOVE MY Christopher Maurice Brown 4get rihanna. I am ANTI-Rihanna right now. She has slaughtered Chris's good name and I dont like her at all. I didnt like when they started dating cuz she took my man and now because of this heck no. I never will like her again. Now everytime people mention chris brown name they are going to call him an abuser and all that nonsense. I will do anything to clear Chris name and rid him of that triffling, jealous, mean, RIHANNA!!!!!!!

Later this month Rihanna will return to the music scene with the release of her new album, “Rated R.” The album features the eye-opening serious single “Russian Roulette” that marks her music comeback from the February incident -- yet regardless of where Rihanna stands, the feelings of our readers remains strongly polarized (comments after the jump):

Did you watch the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl?

U2 was in sync. The Edge was electric. Bono was energetic. That screen was absolutely massive.

Throngs of concert-goers turned out for the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl on Sunday.

After all, it was the largest audience the Rose Bowl has ever hosted. U2's concert brought out tons of celebrities, including J.J. Abrams, Colin Farrell, Michael Bay and Danny DeVito.

The performance received rave reviews, and we want to hear all about your experiences.

Did you brave traffic and crowds to attend on Sunday? Were the streets as bad as some say? Were you impressed with the performance? Were the Black Eyed Peas a worthy opener?

If you decided to skip the show (hey, traffic was rough, and tickets were expensive or unattainable), did you watch on YouTube -- or should we say, U2ube?

Google hasn't yet released metrics, but the YouTube broadcast of the U2 concert was expected to attract millions. Did you have any problems with the stream?

Some were bound to have skipped Bono-mania entirely. Are you going to watch the rebroadcast online, or are you just not impressed with the Irish foursome?

-- Mark Milian

Photo: The Edge and Bono perform at the Rose Bowl. Credit: Associated Press

Readers call Kanye West 'heartless' after he grabbed the mic from Taylor Swift

Last night's annual MTV Music Video Awards brought out the star power, and with that, inevitably, comes the controversy. The trouble started early in the proceedings when rap superstar Kanye West rushed the stage while teen country darling Taylor Swift accepted her award for Best Female Video. West took the microphone from Swift's hand to complain that Beyonce deserved the award because "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" was, as he put it, "one of the best videos of all time."

The result was confusion and mayhem on the live broadcast. MTV ran, what else, a video, and Swift was led off the stage before she could finish her acceptance speech. Later, in a very classy move, Beyonce invited Swift to return to the stage "to have her moment" during the time allotted to the R&B singer after she won Video of the Year. Later West apologized from his "crib" via his blog.

But that didn't end the fireworks. The Pop & Hiss blog received more than 350 comments, mostly ridiculing the talented rapper/producer.

sara said: An apology from him doesn't count for anything, I'm sure his publicist made him do it. He still doesn't really think it was wrong to do that. But he will get away with it like he always does and the media and his music colleagues will not care by Friday. He gets to say and do any rude thing he wants without any real consequence.

James defended West: Why is everyone hating on Kanye? He's just speaking his mind. Can't blame him for that. Let's be honest, Beyonce's video was better then Taylor Swifts.

c.mil didn't think Kanye's apology was sincere: That is such a backhanded apology! He basically said he was sorry, but that Taylor was completely undeserving of the award, that she should have recognized it, and given her award up to Beyonce. He is ridiculous and needs to get over himself.

Ryan Abao asked: kanye! how could you be so heartless?!?!?

Fans on Twitter react to death of DJ AM

Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, was found dead this afternoon in his New York City apartment, according to his publicist.

The popular disc jockey toured with Travis Barker, formally of Blink-182, and called off a much-publicized engagement with "Simple Life" star Nicole Richie in 2005.

Goldstein, who escaped a plane crash with Barker in September, was found in an apartment in the SoHo district of Manhattan, according to the Associated Press. Drugs may have been involved, NBC New York reports.

"The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear," Jenni Weinman, his publicist, wrote in an e-mail. "Out of respect for his family and loved ones, please respect their privacy at this time."

Goldstein was scheduled to premiere an MTV show in October, called "Gone Too Far," about overcoming drug addiction after having battled his own cocaine addiction.

Barker's ex-wife, Shanna Moakler, wrote a message on Twitter after reports of Goldstein's death, saying, "My deepest condolences for DJ AM, you were a great artist and will be severely missed. My thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends."

Goldstein wrote a rather grim message on his own Twitter page on Tuesday, quoting lyrics to the Grand Master Flash song, "New York New York." His tweet, which was sent from a Blackberry phone, read, "New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems."

Thousands of fans and friends are reacting to the news on Twitter. We've highlighted some of the more memorable tweets after the jump.

How did you like this year's Sunset Junction?

This was supposed to be the Sunset Junction Street Fair that never happened. After last year's drama over how far east the annual festival would stretch, how much the mandatory (instead of voluntary) admission prices would be and where everyone would park, neighbors and concerned parties held heated debates that put this year's festivities in severe doubt.

But another August rolled around, and so did another Sunset Junction. The footprint of the fair was extended, neighbors got free wristbands, and parking seemed to be more plentiful, in part because of the demise of the local Circuit City.

Critics still had things to complain about given the $20 admission price, the lack of top-notch local headliners and of course the threat of running into those pesky Silver Lake and Los Feliz "hipsters."

Although most attendees were thrilled with Saturday's melange of bands, Times music writer Scott Sterling was more than satisfied with Sunday's musical lineup, comparing it to that much-grander festival in the desert:

As the Time closed with an extended run through “Jungle Love,” and with Arrested Development and Built to Spill already wrapped up playing to huge audiences, the 2009 Sunset Junction street fair proved you don’t necessarily need Coachella headliners to have an impact.

So the question is, how did you like this year's Sunset Junction? Were your greatest fears realized? Did you enjoy the food? Were you repulsed by bearded 20-somethings and their ironic T-shirts? Did you meet any new neighbors? Did you hear any new bands? And most important, do you think it was worth the 20 bucks?

-- Tony Pierce

Photo credit: Tony Pierce / Los Angeles Times

Guitar legend and multitracking innovator Les Paul dead at 94

Guitar legend, inventor and pop music hit-maker Les Paul has died at age 94.  Paul died of complications from pneumonia at White Plains Hospital, surrounded by friends and family, in White Plains, N.Y.  From The Times' obituary:

One of the finest pickers on the American music scene, Paul was often cited as a major influence on other guitarists, including Chet Atkins, who called him "one of my idols."

But for many other music fans, it was Paul's innovations that will ensure his legacy. They include an early electric guitar as well as new ways to create multiple tracks and echo effects for recordings, which he used in his recordings with Ford and which were later were broadly adopted by other musicians.

The music world was never the same after Paul introduced multi-tracking in the late 1940s. (Having taken time off from a lucrative career playing guitar with such singers as Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, Paul holed himself up in a garage right here in L.A., eventually emerging with his first multitracked hit, "Lover.")  With his then-wife Mary Ford, he recorded a litany of hits like "How High the Moon," "Mockingbird Hill" and a singular version of old favorite "Tennessee Waltz." 

Beyond his innovative recording-studio creations, Paul was an extraordinarily gifted guitar player; his famous solo on Crosby's hit "It's Been a Long, Long Time" is viewed by many as one of the best guitar solos ever recorded.  When Paul's arm was injured in an automobile accident, he even made a famous request of his doctors -- when told that his arm would remain locked in the position in which it was set, he asked that it be set at an angle so he could still play the guitar.  And one of rock music's most instantly recognizable guitars -- created by the Gibson Guitar Corp. using Paul's guitar-building concepts -- even bears the name Les Paul.

What are your memories of this great musician?  Share your thoughts here.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Paul with Ford in 1951.  Credit: Associated Press

Mariah Carey apologizes for her Michael Jackson memorial performance

Hours after delivering her faltering rendition of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" at Michael Jackson's memorial service, Mariah Carey posted an apology on her Twitter page.

"Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying," Carey twittered. 

Carey, who was the first to sing at Tuesday's public memorial service, fell out of key early in the song but quickly recovered.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right, but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me."

Carey wasn't the only one critical of her act. After she sang, hundreds of viewers flocked to Twitter to weigh in on the pop star's performance:

tommyreuh14: Mariah Carey can't reach high notes no more.

More tweets after the jump...

Should taxpayers be responsible for Michael Jackson's memorial service?

After days of speculation, many of the details surrounding Michael Jackson's memorial service have been revealed.  The venue is reserved, the date is set, and most fans already have their tickets.  Yet, one key question remains unanswered -- who exactly will be paying for all this?

Right now, it looks like taxpayers might be stuck footing the bill.

Organizers estimate that the cost of the event could to run into the millions, but city officials are still unclear over how the event will be paid for.  Although Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry said she would love for the Jacksons to help pay the costs of the memorial, she had not heard from them as of this morning.

For many Los Angeles residents, the event is eerily reminiscent of last month's Lakers parade, which caused similar controversy.  That event was eventually paid for by private donors.

"This city still has a $360-million deficit and this is a private event, much like the Laker parade. Someone in the Jackson family needs to pony up the money or cancel the event," wrote Dave.

"Sweet, more tax payer funds to support the rich and famous. I love LA. Can the city pay for my funeral as well?" said Tony Phan.

"City services for any PLANNED event should be paid for by the promoters of the event. In this case, especially, the promoters will likely make a fortune in record sales and future events that piggy back onto this spectacle. There is no reason these people should make money on the backs of taxpayers. It's no wonder our city is broke!" wrote Pablo.

Should it cost to attend Michael Jackson's memorial?

After days of speculation, the location of Michael Jackson's memorial service has finally been announced ... sort of.  Officials say Staples Center looks like the most likely candidate for a public memorial on Tuesday, but the question is who would pay for such a wake?

Several gossip sites around the Web are buzzing with speculation. According to RadarOnline.com, fans who wish to get inside the event will have to purchase tickets at $25 apiece. Memorabilia from Jackson's "This Is It" tour will also be sold at the ceremony, the site claims.

The belief is the memorial will feature numerous guest speakers and musical performances. Jackson's friends and family would be seated on the main floor, while ticket holders would sit in the stands. Video screens would be set up outside the Staples Center for those who don't feel like shelling out money for tickets or those who can't get a ticket.

All of this raises a whole host of questions. Should a memorial service of this magnitude be free? If not, how much should it cost? Where should the money go -- charity, Michael Jackson's children, the Jackson family, the city? And is Staples the best place for it? Should it be somewhere else?

-- Brendan Bigelow

Photo: A child holds flowers outside the gates of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times

Muslims pay their respects to Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the reclusive pop star who dominated the pop charts in the 1980s, passed away yesterday after suffering from cardiac arrest. 

Many knew Jackson as the King of Pop, the moonwalker whose soulful music defined a generation.  But few were aware of Michael Jackson's connection to Islam. 

Although he was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, Jackson reportedly converted to Islam in 2008.  Jackson's brother, Jermaine Friday -- who converted to Islam in 1989 -- reported that Jackson took a great interest in Islam after being shown books from his trip to Mecca.

"When I came back from Mecca, I got him a lot of books, and he asked me lots of things about my religion, and I told him that it's peaceful and beautiful," Friday said.  

Although Jackson never confirmed his conversion himself, Muslim readers from around the world paid their respects to the deceased pop star.

"Abi here from Cape Town South Africa. As a Muslim, I was very touched by his recent reversion to ISLAM. May ALLAH (God Almighty) grant him a high place in paradise... Amen," said ABDURAHMAAN BAILEY.

"He will stay the star #1 in our hearts . You federate people all over the world through your music. May Allah put his rahma in you.Rest in peace From all your Belgians fans," wrote Nanou.

(Read more after the jump)

Readers pay tribute to the King of Pop

Michael Jackson died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center shortly after he was found unresponsive at his Holmby Hills home. He was 50 years old.

Jackson's musical career spanned decades, and included such hits as "Beat It", "Thriller", and "Billie Jean."  Often referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson sold over 750 million albums and received 13 Grammy awards during his career.  

In recent years, Jackson's legal troubles and financial difficulties overshadowed his prolific career as a musician.  At the time of his death, Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 sold-out shows in London.  The tour would have been his first since 1997.

Since the announcement of Jackson's death, hundreds of readers have commented with their personal memories of the King of Pop.

"REST IN PEACE. You and your music will forever. I thank you for all the memories. Your music is my generation. Your music is the greatest. You are the Elvis Presley of my generation. You will be dearly missed," wrote Herman Matias.

"From Germany: Just heard the terrible message before I was going to sleep. One of the greatest artists of the last decades is dead. I grew up with his music, videos and concerts. May he rest in peace, his songs will live on," said Alex.

Twitter abuzz with speculation after Michael Jackson rushed to hospital

Michael Jackson has been rushed to a Los Angeles hospital. In the wake of the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon, Twitter users are already bracing for the worst:

bopbopperano: i think i've heard about like 6 people dying today, and michael jackson's in cardiac arrest? end of the world.

nimrodfox: I just heard that Michael Jackson was rushed to a ambulance to an LA hospital and that he was not breathing. I hope he's alright.

gabbyhon: Ed McMahon. Farrah Fawcett. Will Michael Jackson be the third in the usual dead celebrity trifecta??

csiworldde: RT @danysnet: Ed McMahon on 23rd, Farrah Fawcett 2today - Michael Jackson cardiac arrest - please dont let him be no.3!!

Dynodelta8: Michael Jackson Hospitalized...wow. If he dies too, OMG (Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett...lets hope it's not MJ, cause death does happen in 3s)

UPDATE: Michael Jackson has died after suffering cardiac arrest.  He was 50 years old.  

-- Brendan Bigelow

Photo: Michael Jackson greets a crowd in March. Credit: Joel Ryan / Associated Press

Has justice been served in the Chris Brown case?

L.A. Now reports that prosecutors have made a plea agreement with R&B singer Chris Brown, who faced a five-year sentence after being accused of assaulting Rihanna shortly before the 2009 Grammy Awards. 

Although he has not been formally sentenced, Brown now faces six months of community labor and five years' probation as a part of the deal. He will also be ordered to take a year-long domestic violence prevention class. Judge Patricia Schnegg added that she would be issuing a stay-away order, which would prevent Brown from making contact with Rihanna.

The case began in February, when Brown was arrested after he allegedly beat and threatened Rihanna while driving home from a pre-Grammy party. Since his arrest, Brown's case has received unprecedented media attention.  More than 50 media outlets had asked to attend today's proceedings. 

Now that the case has come to a close, we want to hear from you. What do you think of the plea agreement? Was justice served or did Chris Brown get off easy?

-- Brendan Bigelow

Photo: Chris Brown is confronted in court with assault charges. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

Readers defend pianist's boycott over U.S. military policies

He's one of Poland's most famous pianists, but Krystian Zimerman will not be sharing his musical talent in the U.S. any longer.

In an unprecedented announcement at his debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday night, Zimerman stated that he had no desire to play in a country whose military wanted to control the world. Then he added, "Get your hands off of my country.”

Though it was reported that 30 to 40 people walked out after he made his claims, many of the 200-plus comments on the Culture Monster blog are in support of Zimerman's choice to boycott America.

Biff writes: The hedline linking to this is wrong. He didn't make "anti-U.S.comments" he was not talking about U.S. trade policy or is feelings about the inequities of the various Federal Reserve banks or any other number of things. he was speaking of the United States horrible militaristic aggression over the past 8 years. If, any of those bright lights who marched out at the first sign of dissent ever travel outside the US, they'll get much more than that. He's right and the truth hurts.

You do not deserve people like him to visit your country and perform in front of you.  

Observer writes: But I do care, and he is right.

Why do we need to put a military base with missles in Poland?

For the future Iranian nuclear missle? No, that missle will not get off the ground and will be destroyed before it launches.

The missles in Poland are there to influence the region in an Empirialistic fashion.

Those that think he doesnt matter. Well your eyes must have a lot of sand in them from living your life in hiding from reality.

Cris Macdonald writes: Thank you Mr. Zimerman - your honest cannot be accepted by some narrow brained people.

And for all of you who think that he should be grateful because he makes money in America - give us a brake.

Your own country prepared strikes in NY. But most of you are lazy hamburgers and you do not have a clue what is going on.

You do not deserve people like him to visit your country and perform in front of you.

Do you feel that an artist should boycott a nation because he disagrees with certain military policies, or is it his or her duty to perform for his listeners regardless of their nation's decisions? Sound off below.

-- Michelle Castillo

Photo: Krystian Zimerman in 2005. Credit: Kasslara