Softwing
Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Rijndri
Load of rubbish!!
Taraparain
Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.
Bluebell Alcock
Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies
paul2001sw-1
Michael Jackson was a rare thing, a child star who actually made it as an adult. He was also a complicated icon of black America, an individual whose sanity was sometimes questioned, and a businessman, very definitely promoting a product. Spike Lee's documentary focuses mainly on the first of these, charting his rise to fame. It's definietly an interesting story, but the overall tone is hagiographic, and the contrast between the young Jackson's astonishingly shy public persona and the confident performer is never completely explained: there are a lot of talking heads here, but none tell us anything that personal. Still, it left me wanting to know about the next phases of his life as well, the rise to megastardom and madness, and his unfortunately early death; and with a sense of recognition of his phenomenal talent, even though his music wasn't my personal taste.
luvtzone
Once again, Spike Lee brings us a wonderful introspective into the life of our beloved Michael. This is a must-see for those of us who literally grew up with the music and presence of the Jackson 5, Jacksons, and "MJ".Not that we need a reminder of the magic of Michael Jackson, but the rare footage and interview snippets definitely will bring smile to one's soul.I especially loved the portion of the film where they discussed The Wiz, which is my favorite film to this day. So many parallels exist between Michael and the scarecrow. It's rare to find behind the scene footage of this movie, so the feedback from the screenwriter, producer, musical director and others talking about working on this cult classic is amazing.And obviously, the mesh of Quincy Jones with Michael to create the masterpiece that is Off the Wall...is the stuff of legends. To this day, this album still sounds new. It simply grooves and is a dancer's dream. From the pulsing bass line and explosive percussion on "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough" to the softer, jazzier Stevie Wonder-flavored Quiet-storm favorite, "I Can't Help It". The iconic "Rock With You" had the gorgeous video of Michael in the silver/black suite and matching boots.The instrumentation and songwriting on OTW was just as incredible as the lyrical performance. Top-notch musicians, writers were used and it was LIVE. Not Memorex. Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson showcased his signature bass slapping on "On the Floor". Then you had former Heatwave member, Rod Temperton bringing hits "Off the Wall" and "Burn this Disco Out" to the table. This album showcased so many talents from writers to musicians. Even "Girlfriend" was written by Beatle great, Paul McCartney. And who can forget a choked up Michael singing the last cracking notes of "She's Out of My Life". He was a master at emoting. Hands down. "It's the Falling in Love" was a smooth duet with Patti Austin, who also sang great duets with James Ingram. Yet, with all the music masters behind this project, the album only won 1 Grammy for the song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". It was all good though because the seed was planted from OTW and the next album Thriller would absolutely break the Grammys and the world on so many levels.We were pretty much introduced to the Michael the solo star from this album. It was truly the catalyst to his rocket-launched career.
MovieHoliks
I saw this off Showtime a few days ago. Spike Lee has made some great docs over the years- "4 Little Girls", "When The Levees Broke", etc.., and this one is no exception. This covers MJ's life/career leading up to, and including, his first solo LP, "Off The Wall". It deconstructs the songs on this album, without which, there would have been no "Thriller"! Loved this movie- the interviews, the music, and the sorta diary of MJ himself, as he talked about what was going on in his life/mind at each event in the film. A must-see! But PS- *possible SPOILER*: don't look for any discussion about all the child abuse scandals. This movie is about the music...
poicop
This documentary on the impressive, to say the least, Michael Jackson...Is GOLD. Can't help but think of the time and skill at which Spike Lee puts into this needed to be told Documentary on the life of Michael Jackson leading up to his release of OFF THE WALL. The old footage. As clear as it can be. Stunning. The editing is incredible. The interviews from the people who were there, in the studio. To the people who were influenced in and around the time of Michael, and the Jackson 5. I didn't want it to end. And yet, I'm reminded of just how extraordinary of a talent Michael was. And the extraordinary sad events on how we lost him.First there was the BAD documentary, then there's the OFF THE WALL documentary. I hope Spike is saving the best for last with THRILLER Documentary. But after watching JOURNEY from Mowtown to Off the Wall. That might be a hard order to fill. Please Spike do it.Two talents...Spike Lee making a documentary about Jackson. Unbelievable. Thanks Spike Lee, and Thanks Michael...for everything.