Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.
This Is It is a poignant document of Michael Jackson's final rehearsals, offering genuine access to a legend at work. The cinematography captures the spectacle of a massive production with reasonable craft, and Jackson's presence and professionalism are compelling viewing. However, as a documentary it lacks narrative arc — it's essentially extended rehearsal footage without meaningful story progression, leaving the 'plot' thin. The ending feels abrupt and melancholic by circumstance rather than design, as the film was assembled posthumously without a true conclusion. Novelty is solid given the unique circumstances — intimate access to Jackson in his final weeks is irreplaceable — but the format is fairly conventional concert-doc filmmaking. Acting scores reflect Jackson's natural charisma and the genuine emotional moments from collaborators rather than performed roles.