Big Sunday shows 'This Is It' isn't performing like a concert film

"This Is It" continues to throw all the old rules about concert movies out the window.

Domestic ticket sales for the Michael Jackson movie totaled $8.3 million on Sunday, nearly $2 million more than the $6.3 million Sony Pictures projected Sunday morning and 17% more than the movie grossed on Saturday. The movie's total domestic gross is now $34.4 million, making the worldwide number $103 million.

Concert movies traditionally see ticket sales decline rapidly after they premiere, as avid fans who turn out on opening day make up most of the audience. But "This Is It" grossed more on Sunday than any day since it debuted, a sign that word-of-mouth is strong and moviegoers who initially may have been hesitant are turning out. There also may be repeat viewing, which is often the case for concert films.

If the trend continues, "This Is It" should enjoy a relatively modest decline next weekend, and what initially looked like a middling domestic performance may actually turn into a pretty good one, albeit not nearly as big as overseas. That's where Jackson is really cleaning up.

-- Ben Fritz

Photo: Michael Jackson in "This Is It." Credit: Kevin Mazur

Comments

[Zack]

I just saw the film a few hours ago. It really serves as a testament to Michael Jackson's passion and work ethic- even during a dress rehearsal.

While some of the editing and storytelling is disorganized, the film is still a great use of 100 minutes. I really enjoyed it and began to miss Michael Jackson all over again. But it's comforting to know that he was still giving it 101% until the very end.

[Chris in San Diego]

I agree with Zack- MJ was amazing in this. Has anyone ever worked harder on a stage before? Watching him transported you back 25 years- a gracious and loving man, with a work ethic that is sorely lacking in most performers nowadays.
Even if you are not an MJ fan, go see this movie- just to see what it looks like when someone works really hard.
His message is clear, and always has been. His relationship with his crew was a loving one, on both sides. His chemistry with Judith Hill, the singer, was palbable.
What a loss for the world. He was back.

[hudson frecate]

Bye BYe micheal

[D-R]

I was skeptical but I LOVED it. And not for the spectacle, but for the chance to see Michael Jackson working through his act.

It was really inspiring. And I'm a cynic. But I came out of the theatre inspired. It was just such a pleasant surprise.

No hype, no screaming fans. Just Michael working through the minutiae of his concert planning. This light comes on here, this dancer comes out here...

I'd never seen anything liked it. And I loved it.

[prince]

Media doesn't get it! In no way can anything about This Is It be seen as disappointment. Less than a week into release and it's already the highest-grossing music/concert doc in history. Never underestimate MJ's magic.

[MaxxFlash]

Oh what could have been! THIS IS IT! Is a perfect gift not only for Michael Jackson fans, but for ALL fans of dance and great music!

Seeing Michael literally running circles around his 1/2 his age or greater dance troupe was just amazing! I wasn't much of a Michael Jackson fan until his death; my, how I lost out!

To think, had I been a fan, I might have had the priviledge to see him LIVE! Unfortunately, this is the the best I can get, and it's PERFECT! My only hope is that the blu-ray release offers an entire HD option. I would only say that perhaps 20% of the film is non-HD, and its too bad, several full dress rehearsals were not captured in HD; but again, a minor, minor nuisance. After you see this film, you will realise that Michael was NOT a frail old man, was NOT hopped up on drugs and WAS NOT using a double! (SHAME ON YOU JOE JACKSON for even thinking this film was a sham and had doubles for Michael!). What you see is quite possibly the single most brillant SHOWMAN in the world, doing what he loved for the world; till the very end.

[nikki]

i would tell anyone to see this movie. cuz it was perfect like mj was. mj was a god of music he was a great man as a human so if they respect him as a human they will wont be let down

[Warren]

Glad to see the movie grossed $100 million. Going forward MJ's Estate will earn the majority of the profits.

[violfer]

"That's where Jackson is really cleaning up. ".... that's a sad statement. Jackson is dead. He's not here anymore. If he were, the things that would be most important to him would not be how much his latest movie is "cleaning up." His family, his children, that's what he would care about. Why is it always about money?

[violet]

"That's where Jackson is really cleaning up. ".... that's a sad statement. Jackson is dead. He's not here anymore. If he were, the things that would be most important to him would not be how much his latest movie is "cleaning up." His family, his children, that's what he would care about. Why is it always about money?

[Landu Calrizzian]

That's all they wanted from you Michael...the M.O.N.E.Y. Dead or Alive. A true angel that graced this planet...

[evelyn jose41]

to all michael jackson fans lets all keep celebrating the king of pop when we wanted to see him perform again after his concerts we had to go to another state or some country now we can see him as many times as we want while they run the movie let support our beloved michael i am going again this weekend to see it again yes I LOVE IT AND I CRIED THROUGHOUT....Been a fan for 35 years and have had a crush for the same i have always felt michael was the most handsome men alive well groomed just beautiful i miss you michael and i will love you for life..... save me a place next to you in heaven..... i felt his presence while watching the movie and you will to......respect to the jackson family and to his children you are not alone you have alot of extended family and we all love and respect you ......we will keep your father legency alive god bless you

[evelyn jose41]

Amazing, brillant, full of talent, energy,sexy, smooth Michael Jackson GREAT i am going back for more this weekend, he would have thrilled London O2 arena with his moves, i just cant believe it i felt as if i was at a concert watching a warm up performance WOW

LOVE YOU MICHAEL

JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON

[Link]

We went and were teary eyed at the end thinking of the waste brought by whoever overdosed him.
He was a good human being, great showman, and terrific musician. The small audience here, IN Evnasville, IN,was rocking the entire show..... it was every bit as good as the actual show could have been, sans constumes for MJ.

[Kate]

This Is It is an excellent movie all around. It's bitter sweet to see MJ in the mode that he loved most - creating. The This Is It CD is awesome as well, with the remastered versions I can hear the beat more intensely and the words (MJ's voice) more clearly. The poem on the CD is beautiful - it's heartbreaking to hear his voice. I will see the movie a total of three times and then I'll buy the DVD for myself and for others as Holiday gifts.

MJ is awesome . . . I can't say enough good things about this movie and CD.

[cindy]

I just saw this film myself, and I too was in awe of the way Michael Jackson worked. I was a huge fan of his when I was younger, and grew ambivalent about him as a person, when he was going through his trial. Although I never stopped loving his music. What I didn't care for in the film was the fact that he did not really sing all out on any of the songs. What I did feel very blessed about was the fact that I got to see him perform. I don't think I would have been able to see his concert, so it was bittersweet to see the movie...

[Kjack]

I have to say that I choked up when he thanked his family, naming each member thinking what that would mean to his mother, brothers and sisters hearing him on screen lovingly say their names...(for the last time) So many of these little moments we got a glimpse of, indeed the man we hardly knew behind "the showman" genius. It left me heartsick that we lost him and did not appreciate him until we did.

[VJA Newport Beach]

Saw THIS IS IT yesterday in a sold out theater with friends. I was transfixed by the magic of memories past back to the Jackson 5 and of what could have been the single greatest concert series ever! MJ + Kenny Ortega + plus the multitude of musicians, dancers, set builders, choreographers and singers = perfection and excitement. I along with my friends had goose-bumps several times during the film and the feeling we were experiencing something great. The sound was fabulous and each number was perfection. Experienced The Earth Song as never before and it left me sorely wanting more. Orianthi's guitar, wow! I shed bittersweet tears for what could have been along with tears of joy for Kenny Ortega & MJ's creative vision. Thank you Sony for bringing us this wonderful film. This is how I wanted to remember the great artist Michael Jackson, as the King Of Pop of my generation. After seeing this film, now I will!! MJ was back! God bless his children.

[victoria lucero]

I have always been a fan of M. J. I am still in shock that he is no longer with us. This Movie is breath taking , and helping me deal with his death. I have watched this movie 4 times and every time I cry when he sings Earth Song ,laugh when he said its with love, L.O.V.E . Michael is an angel sent from GOD I feel every thing he did was for the children . The helpless . No one understood him Why Because He was Pure LO.V.E . Just Like JESUS he was out cast because he was diffrent and all he wanted was to save us . so help Michael live on by saving our earth and do your part. Just like he said who are they the government no it start with us we need to change. HEAL OUR EARTH we have 4 years. And love our children for they are our future. To all MICHAEL'S fans thankyou for sticking by him while he was on trail, pain and sorrow for us he knew he was loved.

THANK YOU FOR READING WITH LOVE VICTORIA ONE OF HIS BIGGEST FANS.

[Rock Rote]

One has to wonder about the cast that was left withn nothing but pain and promise but no real job. You can believe this group of awesome athletes are and still must be going through an incredible depression for Michael and themselves. I'm sure from a career point of view some of these background stars were planing on their big break with this concert series and eventual film. Let's hope we hear about some getting another big break of putting together their This is It performance in full costume with Michael signing on film behind them, I'm sure that would be worth seeing and they would deserve every bit of the pub for what they put into this.

[von]

i love MJ this movie is soo good that it makes me sad. i've watched it twice and would like to go for the third
i miss michael very much!

[froggytuff]

the headline makes it sound so negative.
what made u choose that for a title???

[e]

Seen it twice now & plan more screenings. The sadness of so many unrealized possibilities has now given way to joy & privilege @ bearing witness to pure, unmitigated electrifying talent. What's wonderful about experiencing the film is the reaction of children; they clap and bounce (sometimes standing) on their seats in tune to the songs. Obviously that's where MJ's legacy lies.

[Cleide]

I don't even need to read the content, just want to comment the headline of this article: No it's not a a concert film performing! Don't we know that???
Don't we know the movie is a collection from MJ's rehearsals? Jesus!

[Steph]

I saw it for a second time on Sunday with my husband and every seat was full. You could have heard a pin drop - the movie had everyone's full attention. It was lovely. We all clapped, laughed, cried, gasped together. I can't remember the last time a whole audience has been so in tuned together. Once again MJ brings people together in a cultural event. He really mattered to lots of people and it's sad to know he's gone. But the movie is a good send-off. We were honored to have experienced life with him in it.