This Is It
Performance & Direction: This Is It Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is This Is It (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Music.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Music is often anchored by its ensemble, and This Is It features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Jackson . Supported by the likes of Orianthi and Kenny Ortega , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: This Is It
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, This Is It is a Music, Documentary film directed by Kenny Ortega. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Jackson.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Michael Jackson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: This Is It
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Kenny Ortega, This Is It resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to music resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Michael Jackson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the music themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of This Is It reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch This Is It?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Music films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michael Jackson or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: This Is It
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $261.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
This Is It Budget
The estimated production budget for This Is It is $60.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: This Is It
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch This Is It Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThis Is It Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about This Is It age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of This Is It is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, This Is It is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is It worth watching?
This Is It is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find This Is It parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for This Is It identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of This Is It?
The total duration of This Is It is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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