goose bumps

Chris Richard review blindly states "It's a rehearsal film -- and one that will leave Jackson's most zealous fans waiting for goose bumps that never arrive". For any one who doesn't get a bum from this flick (Chris Richard), I suggest a little intervention, see your doctor.

Chris Richard is a mean, spiteful little man

What a nasty, dishonest review. I went to see this movie over the weekend and thought it was spectacular. It was almost as good as seeing the actual concert which would have been like no concert the world had ever seen before. Contrary to Mr.Richard's mean-spirited review, Michael was very articulate, obviously in charge of every creative aspect of the show and epitomize respect, love and appreciate to everyone involved in the show. He was gentle soul and an amazing creative genious!!

Chris Richard Should Be Fired

Read his review. Saw the film anyway. How is it possible not to be impressed with this compilation of film? You are fired.

L-O-V-E

That is what MJ and This is It is all about. MJ loved the fans and we loved him back. I've seen it twice and will buy the DVD. Critics and Journalist are just like politicians...They can be bought...Shame on you, Chris. The media vilified Michael Jackson having us believe he was wackie. Now that the truth comes out, not one media outlet has come clean with their connection to the haters and manipulators who wanted to bring Jackson down financially. Tell that story. You know who you are!

Richards way off

Not sure what kind of mood Chris Richard was in when he saw "This is It" but I don;t believes he saw the same film I did. MJ wasn't in top form bu he wasn't nearly as bad as Richards would have you believe. Surprsingly entertaining.

MJ's GIFT TO WORLD

I was crying through many scenes in this film, which is a mostly a documentary of the rehearsals leading up to the world tour that never launched. MJ is an extraordinary talent, and was able to inspire and collaborate with 100's of top performers: singers, dancers, musicians, costume designers, set designers, movie makers, lighting designers, and more. The creative process that is shown, and the "behind the stage" decisions are awe inspiring. MJ is my inspiration for world peace.

Pure Genius

I also was not a huge MJ fan, but I did enjoy his music in the 80s and early 90s. Yes, he looked like the "Joker" in this film, but his music & his dancing, his talent & his genius are undeniable. This is a fitting tribute to a great artist and the world is sadder with his passing. I really enjoyed this movie and I'm buying the Blu-ray.

Life is not rehearsal

The film, of course, is commercially viable, but it is also a labour of love with an abundance of heart. See it, don't see it, hate it, love it, whatever - but don’t blame Michael for not being who he used to be. That shame lies with Tom Sneddon,Dimond, Evan Chandler, Janet Arviso and the mostly American media. In their hands Michael's spirit was degraded and eroded for over 15 years and the damage you see in the film is their handiwork. What was done to this beautiful, beautiful boy who became a man just in time to die, must never be forgotten. Our loss, whether we know it or not - is incalculable.

True Art is Immortal

The film is of course, commercially viable, but it is also a labour of love with an abundance of heart. See it, don't see it, hate it, love it, whatever - but don’t blame Michael for not being who he used to be. That shame lies with Tom Sneddon, Dimond, Evan Chandler, Janet Arviso and the mostly American media. In their hands Michael's spirit was degraded and eroded for over 15 years and the damage you see in the film is their handiwork. What was done to this beautiful, beautiful boy who became a man just in time to die, must never be forgotten. Our loss, whether we know it or not - is incalculable.

For the fans/ is the review a hoax?

I am fine with a well-balanced critique, but it is too bad the WaPo reviewer was paid for his article. Just being able to watch the dancers, musicians, production coordinators and yes, MJ was very good reason that this film is able to draw the audience in. Even if MJ's music wasn't a large part of the reviewer's childhood, teen, and college years- statements about MJ's "frailty" (can the reviewer dance, sing, anything??) were either biased or- a hoax? It is as if the reviewer had not even viewed the whole movie. Too Bad. This film is worth the movie admission esp when you think how much people pay for cable tv to watch talentless 'reality' stars. As the opening screen says.. this is "For the Fans." Enjoy yourself.

Great Man, Great Film

You can tell the greatness of a man by his enemies. The film and the man were awesome. Haters, go back to your grubby little lives. You are not wanted here.

Wonderful Experience

This is It was the most entertaining two hours I've spent in a theater in a long time. I don't understand the points the Post critic attempted to make. We knew going in it was rehearsal footage. Reminds me of a theater novice watching a play rehearsal and then deciding not to see the actual play based on the rehearsal seeming incomplete. How ridiculous! This behind-the-scenes look was an opportunity to see how major stage productions take shape, especially in the hands of a gifted singer and performer. As to the Thriller segment, I found it more fanciful than frightening and less disturbing than the original Thriller. Viewing it as a rehearsal also softened it. The Post owes its readers better than the review provided for this gem.

MJ 100% MUSICIAN & ENTERTAINER

Mr. Richards, You want to be entertained so just look at a picture of MJ and listen to CD of him. Your review was not correct, sir. The clips of MJ were a unexpected look into the musician & entertainer. Proof look at certain parts where he mentioned to female guitarist that "this is your time to shine". Fact Entertainers encourage this. Listen to when the keyboard player said MJ knows every piece of his music and what goes where. Fact This is what a musician does. Proof look at part where he mentioned "how he wanted the music to simmer for a moment and collaborated with keyboard player. Fact: Musicians do this and entertainers do this. THIS WAS A GOOD!! TRIBUTE. You might be a critic but a musician or entertainer you are not.

True artists are not ordinary people

If you agree, go see this film. If you are not sure what art is, if you have some lurking hang-up about Michael Jackson's nose, race, or musical genre--stay home and God Bless You. MJ had a "grand vision," that perhaps only Kenny Ortega could carry out. He wanted his three children to experience his outstanding performance technique, but moreso, I believe, he wanted them and us to look into his artist's soul, and to share his sense of alarm for the rape of our planet, for the despoiling of the home of all that is alive or ever will be. He would spare no decibel or special effect to communicate what must have kept him awake at night.

You blew it

Chris, maybe you should try another line of work since you clearly have no sense of what is a good movie and what is not. Not only is "This is it" a great tribute to Michael Jackson, it also gives his fans a lasting memory -- and a renewed appreciation -- of his once-in a-generation talent. Your review is not only off-base, it is an embarrassment to film critics everywhere.

Excellent Rehearsal Film

Sorry, Chris, you're so wrong. I liked this movie.

INCONSISTENT

He always spoke of love and children. However,Thriller contained such "frightening" images, images that were not appropriate for a young child. Talk about night-mares!!! One thought comes to mind-how can his professed love for children be consistant with such frighening images?

Brilliant - Will See It Again

I COMPLETELY disagree with Chris. Michael looked healthy. He was the same size he was during Thriller. His face was beautiful. The autopsy proved he ONLY had his nose done and had vitiligo just like he ALWAYS said. Anyone interested in the truth about the FALSE allegations can find it. I've read the transcript (Google it). Michael was innocent. The press tried to make him look weird. This Film proves he's not. Michael took a lot of abuse during his life; let's give him his due respect in death. This Is It is Brilliant and gives the viewer a glimpse into the genius that was Michael Jackson. Michael is unguarded, loving, professional, dancing and singing like he did in his youth. I loved it and will be seeing it again. Truly the King.

A Unique Opportunity...

OK, Chris... I will grant you that Kenny Ortega really enjoys being in front of his camera a bit too much. I will grant you that Michael Jackson looks frail. All that said, this film rather brilliantly captures the sense of a work in progress that sadly will never be completed. Once you get past the strangeness of his face and focus on what Michael Jackson does with his voice, body and spirit, you cannot deny that the brilliance was still there. If you like pop music and grew up in the Jackson era, you WILL enjoy this movie MUCH more than you expected.

Dance & music

This is it .

What ? Still ? ?

I haven't seen the film ... don't intend to ... Why can't we put the era of this drug-abuser/child abuser to bed. His life is a disgusting example. For sane, reasonable people, it SHOULD BE OVER.

Hater Turned Fan - MJ Ruled

I was dragged to this film by my girlfriend and I'm glad I was. Watching the film made me rethink who Michael Jackson was. Turns out he was normal. He was super talented but normal. He made every effort to allow his dancers and band to "shine". He genuinely seemed to love everyone involved. Heck, my boss never told me he loved me. These people really loved him and I could see why. The guy was 50 but you couldn't tell. I'm ten years younger and could only hope to dance with half that energy. His singing was stellar. I was surprised. Most singers his age loose the voice but not him. And, he looked healthy, not at all what I expected. The man can sing and dance and knew how to communicate his needs with respect and, yeah, love. Awesome Dude.

A Genious At Work!

I loved it! I will see it again! I'm not sure what this critic expected, but for me I had a chance to see Michael Jackson behind the scenes, preparing for a concert. I saw mentoring of young performers (the guitarist and singers) and the quest for perfection that led him to be dubbed the King of Pop.

Must See Film Of the YEAR!!!

I loved EVERY Minute! I've seen it twice & am going back for more. This is the REAL Michael, not the distorted version the media fed us. I cried, laughed, danced in my seat, cheered & wasn't alone. The audience responded the same way I did. There aren't words to describe Michael's genius, energy, love for others & his art, his sweetness, sexiness, humor, his VOICE & his MOVES! It was the most amazing footage I have ever seen of him. He was so full of life & energy. He was smiling, laughing & telling everyone he loved them. He was HAPPY. He was doing what he does best -BETTER than anyone else- creating. His voice was AMAZING! Even at rehearsal speed, he was dancing like he was 25! Michael was the Master of His Domain. He is The KING!

MJ Fans will love it

If you went to see this film expecting a "movie" with a happy ending or the heavens opening up to have MJ ascend on a cloud, then you probably wouldn't love this film. It is a documentary on the greatest performer of all time, and a fitting one at that. I thought it was wonderful to see the behind the scenes preparation for MJ's comback in London. I believe Jackson fans will appreciate it immensely, and most likely, DVD sales will break records. But if you are a "Wacko Jacko" thrasher, then you will write reviews like Chris Richards.

Save your money

There is nothing thrilling -- or enlightening -- about Michael Jackson.

Did you see the SAME MOVIE??

I went to see MJ's "This Is It" opening night here in NYC. The movie did not fail to deliver what most fans wanted...one last great moment with Michael. Critics are panning the film however it was not made for them. This film was made for the FAN. I was a fan of MJ since the early 80's but never a fanatic. This film reminded me why I listened to his music. It was spellbinding and reminiscent of a time when it okay to snap your fingers and smile a little when "Say, Say, Say" came on. His perfectionism as an Artist showed we, his fans how much giving a stellar show meant to him. So to the critic, I think you should've let your closest MJ fan "friend" write the article because you missed the mark!!

Reefer Madness

Jackson was the self proclaimed "King of Pop." He comes nowhere near that and this "movie" is a joke.

Definitely worth seeing!!

This was a wonderful movie. I left wanting to see even more. I felt I got a better glimpse into the personality of MJ. He was very talented and humble. I think the world did lose a wonderful entertainer. I'm shocked a critic would give this film a poor rating. This critic's review is another reason why I have lost faith in the media and journalism. The best film I've seen in years. I plan to see it again. The true message of the film in my opinion was L-O-V-E.

THIS IS GENIUS AT WORK

The Post critic must have some vendetta against Mr. Jackson. THIS IS IT is one of the most incredible movies I have ever seen. The best 2 hours you will spend in a movie seat. It showed what a genius, a wonderful human and God given talent Mr Jackson was. Anyone who likes music and appreciates hard work and talent of all involved in a production should see it. Not a swear word only a lot of God Bless You!!!

Music lovers will appreciate

Music lovers and MJ fans can definitely enjoy this movie. It's an excellent behind the scenes look at the making of a large stage production (which is something we don't all know about and can truly appreciate). Michael still has amazing dancing and singing chops and his backup band and dancers are incredible. I would see it again!

What d id You See????

You must not have seen the same movie I saw!!!! This was a rehearsal not a concert! It was well delivered and what was expected when one goes to see a rehearsal. Did he really need to a lot of dancing - Who needed to learn the dance steps Michael or the dancers?? Let's see you get on a stage and peform the way has has at his cncerts and a this rehearsal. I have NOTHING but HIGH praise for this movie. Take another look, you might learn something.

This Is It IS worth seeing

"This Is It" is exactly what it claims to be--footage that was taken of MJ's rehearsals that was never expected to be released. It is an excellent behind-the-scenes portrait of MJ's creative genius and talent. Although there are times when he doesn't go full-out on the microphone, anyone hoping to hear him sing will not be disappointed. There are songs where he is obviously concentrating on his stage movements rather than on singing the lyrics, but that is part of what makes the film special. I had the chance to see the film twice, and normally would not want to see a film two days in a row, but I found things the second time around that I missed in the first viewing. I don't believe that any MJ fan will be disappointed with the film

why do movie critics hate what regular people like?

"This Is It" is exactly what it claims to be--footage that was taken of MJ's rehersals that was never expected to be released. It is an excellent behind-the-scenes protrait of MJ's creative genius and talent. Although there are times when he doesn't go full-out on the microphone, anyone hoping to hear him sing will not be disappointed. There are songs where he is obviously concentrating on his stage movements more than he is on the lyrics, but that is part of what made the film what makes the film special. I had the chance to see the film twice and normally would not want to see a film two days in a row, but I found things the second viewing I missed the first viewing. I don't believe that any MJ fan will be disappointed with the film.