Michael Jackson's "This Is It" - Review and Box Office Predictions
This past Tuesday, I couldn't help but feel super cool. I was on the list for the screening of the highly-anticipated Michael Jackson's, "This Is It." Produced and released less than 4 months after his death, the film captures a unique behind-the-scenes look at the King of Pop that the public has never seen before as Jackson rehearsed for his sold out worldwide concert.
I spoke with Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com about the premiere (which he attended), the film and got his box office predictions.
If MJ's concert film is going to make box office records, it'll have to beat the 2008 Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which grossed $31.1 million in its opening weekend. While Sony did spend around $50 million to acquire the rights to "This Is It," they have nothing to worry about. Dergarabedian told me he predicts the ode to Jackson's life should make in the realm of 40 million domestically and over 100 million worldwide by the end of the weekend.
The buzz seems to be thrilling, too. The New York Daily News is reporting over 1,600 sold out showtimes already. This Is It has also kept the spotlight as a trending topic on Twitter.
I'll admit, being at that screening at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater, made me feel like I was a part of Hollywood history. Since his death, many have called Michael Jackson the biggest star of all time. Watching him on the big screen that night, you seem to forget all the negativity that scarred him in life. You instead can't help but embrace and want to dance to this unearthly talent who is bigger, badder and better than ever.
Watch the trailer below: