This Is It
This Is It Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: This Is It
| Movie | This Is It |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Kenny Ortega |
| Genre | Music / Documentary |
| Runtime | 111 minutes |
| Language | EN |
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 & Character Study
The performances in This Is It are led by Michael Jackson . The supporting cast, including Orianthi and Kenny Ortega , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
This Is It stands out as a strong entry in the Music genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Music narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, This Is It has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Music fanbase
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
This Is It Ending Explained: Directed by Kenny Ortega, This Is It resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core music themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Michael Jackson. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the music themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of This Is It reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
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
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Where to Watch This Is It Online?
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YouTubeThis 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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movieMx Verified
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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