King of Pop, King of the Box Office

Absolutely no surprises at the box office this weekend: Michael Jackson's This Is It was the only major release, and therefore easily danced away with over $21 million in ticket sales between Friday and Sunday. If you add in the revenue from its Wednesday and Thursday screenings in the U.S. and then include its five-day tally from overseas, This Is It has already earned $101 million, making it the highest-grossing concert film of all time. Take that, Hannah Montana!

As expected, Sony has now doubled the title's initial two-week theatrical run -- This Is It will be playing at your local cineplex until at least Thanksgiving.

Hoping that Halloween weekend would fill moviegoers with the urge to be scared outta their minds, Paramount expanded Paranormal Activity into another 459 theaters and spooked audiences into forking over another $16.5 million, landing the low-budget thriller in the number two spot.  Rounding out the top five were Law Abiding Citizen with $7.3 million, Couples Retreat with $6.1 million, and Saw VI with $5.6 million -- a hefty 60% drop from its October 23 debut.

This coming weekend is when the box office race is going to start getting veeeerrry interesting, folks. From Friday on, beginning with The Box, A Christmas Carol and Men Who Stare at Goats, we've got big-budget, big-name cast, big-name director, big-time marketing-budget films opening one after the other, and I'm very curious as to which titles will emerge victorious. I've pretty much given up on trying to predict winners except when it's a sure thing -- like New Moon sweeping November 20 -- so as far as I'm concerned, the rest of the year is up for grabs at the box office.

Comments

[Pauline]

I went to see This Is It and I loved it. It was seeing Michael in concert for the last time. It put away the rumors that Michael was not ready for the concert. I enjoyed it so much that I will be going to see it again since it has been extended.

[alisa fikes]

i want

[E]

I will wait till it comes out on dvd

[Juliana]

I saw the movie unbeliveble I miss him every second too bad he did not finish what he started I would love to see it

[Christopher]

Michael Jackson #1 Tha King!!

[Sujitra]

The show was great. You have to see it on the big screen. I wrote a review about it on my website. Read about the secret behind the man. Long live the King Of Pop!

[Renee]

Michael Jackson to me I see one Gentle kind Man and Very Soft Spoken with his heart.The movie "This Is It" makes you see the Great Talent and Gift he gave us in his Music and Video's.It makes you Stop and Think.How much He did. I would go see it again. Wish this Concert would have happen.It would have been one to Remember Forever.

[karen]

I will also wait until it comes out in dvd can't wait

[LOIS J TYLER]

i will wait until it come on dvd

[rick]

why make a big deal about a movie that has a man that loved little boys 2x in court and alot of money to stat out of jail

[Alexander Pena]

saw this movie on oct 30th and thought it was great. Felt sad how a person with so much talent is gone forever. people were dancing in their seats. There will never be another Michael Jackson....

[Alexander Pena]

In the movie he brings awareness of our environment and how we are distroying it. Which is true, you dont see mega death band do this. Michael is someone who cared about the earth and displayed this through his music like no other.

[karlene]

It was a good movie. Too say it was great is not accurate. Very talented young man. Gone too soon. God bless his family.

[michelle]

THE MOVIE WAS JUST SO GREAT MICHAEL JACKSON WAS SO FULL OF LIFE THE DAYS HE HAD GOTTEN READY FOR HIS FINAL THIS IS IT CONCERT I WAS SO AMAZED TO SEE HIM
IN THE MOVIE HE TOUCH US ALL IN SOUCH A WAY WE HAVE
NOTHING BUT GREAT AND FONDESS MEMORIES OF MICHAEL JACKSON HE WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOR EVER RIP MJ
WE ALL LOVE YOU DEARLY EVEN THOUGH THEIR WAS ALOT OF RUMERS ABOUT HIM CAN WE ALL JUST REMEMBER HIM AND NOT BE SO NEGATIVE ABOUT HIS PAST HES GONE NOW SO JUST ALLOW HIM TO REST IN PEACE GOD BLESS YOU ALL....

[shari]

Michael raised the bar for concerts that followed his back in the 80's. After seeing this movie the bar was raised again for any person/persons doing a concert in the future. He had a way of bringing the people into his music which is so exceptional as opposed to just sitting there popping ones head to the music!

[reality]

Micheal was a person with alot of talent. He was creative and very generous. But its time to let him go. I know it hurts, but if you really love him like you all say, you'll let him rest in peace...what ever happened to rest in peace?.... Even when hes dead there still making money off of him. Whats that about?Its time for the king to be at peace....

[rosaura]

i never meet him but as far as i can remember i loved his songs ever since i saw the Jackson five on tv. i always used to see his shows every time. i never thought he would die. he was young at heart and im glad he inspires anyone that new him. i do wish i meet him at least once or seen one of his concerts.

[Tabitha P]

Took my mom to see it this weekend! We loved it! Singing and dancing in our seats throughout the whole movie! I was very surprised by his dancing and voice and he was only giving it half a go at it! He was such a musical genius...and cared so much about everyone and the earth. Was a great movie I will see it a couple more times in theatre and definitely buy the DVD!

[rosaura]

R.I.P. Michael.... i hope you see my son up in heaven and become friends.

[DiAnne Newton]

We saw this great movie twice. I already knew he was so very talented, but this movie showed what a kind man he was and how much people he worked with respected and loved him. Thx, DiAnne Newton, Little River, SC

[NBD]

Michael Jackason was A child molester!!!
He was a monster!!!!!!!!!! to beautiful children
You all forget about that. Dopey people

[Serina]

I seen "This Is It" and it was great,it is really sad is life had to end so soon,he was a great singer and dancer,he had so much talent that others just dream of,and the sad part about it is that he couldn't share that talent these last few years,because people had to destroy him mentally,it just shows what kind of cruel greedy world we live in,and all he done was try and believe that there was no evil in mankind and give others what he didn't get to have as a child,it is a shame his babies has to grow up without him,I know they were his world as he was theirs.I feel his memory will last forever.

[billy]

your right he is gone but his talent is not why let that go Elvis is still on scrren asn the radio at least Michael could entertain

[Url]

These comments are directed to all the people that are trying to focus on the negative publicity Michael Jackson received in his lifetime. Please keep these Michael Jackson songs in mind: 1)"Leave Me Alone" and 2)"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". I am not saying the people are negative but the comments from some people are "definitely negative." The man is gone for goodness sake. Let him rest in peace! Also, keep in mind, one day his children may end up seeing some of your negative comments and be hurt, when they knew the "true Michael Jackson" because he did not hide his love for them when he was with them. Last thought, think about the childhood his father robbed him and his brothers of - perhaps it will help you understand his need and desire to belong and feel accepted by youth and adults. The man tried his best to do the right thing and use his talent to bring people closer together not divide them or create cliques.

[heather]

I saw the movie with my two girls...and to see them get up and dance in the movie...and my self growing up with M.J. and seeing him in concert when i was little to now..It was great...the whole theater was into the movie singing , clapping, and waving...My girl loved it and so did i...M.J cared a lot about the world and the people in it..You will be missed Michael...

[smokey]

Michael Jackson is a Legend and he will Live through his music. He inspired me to dance when i was youger Micheal Jackson Live On!

[Aly]

I *HAVE* to see this movie, but I think I'll wait until DVD. I mean, he did pass away.. I still may cry just because it is depressing to know that and still see him on film. I'm glad there's such rave reviews and less hatred for the guy. I always believed he was a good man, but people just perceived him the wrong way. The drug thing is a whole other story I am not too aware of.

As for the movie, isn't it funny how just a week ago they were saying how bad it was doing the opening day/night? And they predicted it to not do too well? Come on! Especially overseas.. those people were/are obsessed with him! People were all wearing shirts of his face and his star was covered with presents from fans.. even down the street it was, too (I didn't manage to get close to his star due to crowds)! .. Of course it was going to do well. =P

[Stevie B]

Saw on Nov. 1. It was great!! I had tears rolling down my face during the show knowing Michael is gone.It was absolutely wonderful to see him. My wife and her cousin were dancing in their seats. I am 45 and know all of his songs.I own the Living Off The Wall album and will keep it for the rest my life. We have truly lost a talented and caring artist and human being.I pray that GOD comfort his family,friends and all who mourn. See you in Heaven,Michael.

[JANE DOE]

YOU MICHAEL BASHERS ARE UNBELIEVABLY INSENSITIVE AND JUST PLAIN IGNORANT!!!FIRST OFF, HE'S DEAD SO EVEN IF YOU BELIEVE THE RUMORS WERE TRUE, HOW MUCH MORE JUSTICE WOULD YOU NEED THAN THAT?! CONTINUOUSLY CRUCIFYING A MAN FOR ACCUSATIONS WHICH YOU CAN NOT BE CERTAIN WERE TRUE UNLESS YOU WERE THERE GOES AGAINST OUR BASIC PRINCIPLES OF A MAN BEING INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. FOR ALL WE KNOW THE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN COULD HAVE MINIPULATED THEM INTO TESTIFYING LIES JUST TO FINANCIALLY BENEFIT THEMSELVES. MICHAEL WAS AN EASY TARGET. HE WAS ROBBED OF HIS CHILDHOOD WHICH IS NOT SOMETHING THAT MANY PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO. IN TRYING TO REGAIN SOME SENSE OF AN ADOLESENCE, PEOPLE TRANSLATED AN ODD SITUATION INTO THE MOST NEGATIVE PERCEPTION THEY COULD THINK OF. WHEN WILL WE LEARN THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S WRONG. OF COURSE NO ONE FORGOT ABOUT THESE TRIALS. THEY SIMPLY REMEMBERED ALL THE GOOD THINGS THAT THIS SAME MAN DID FOR CHILDREN AND FOR THE WORLD AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT IS REDICULOUS TO THINK THAT SOMEONE WHO WAS SO PATIONATE AND ABITIOUS ABOUT SAVING AND PROTECTING THE CHILDREN IN THIS WORLD COULD POSSIBLY WANT TO HURT THEM. IT MAKES NO SENSE. BUT NO MATTER WHAT YOU BELIEVE, IT WOULD BE MORE HUMANE TO LET THE MAN REST IN PEACE AND LET THE WORLD DICIDE WHAT THEY THINK. SPREADING YOUR HATE ONLY SHOWS WHAT A MONSTER YOU ARE, NOT HIM.

[reality]

I completely agree with Url. No one is perfect. Every one makes mistakes. And even though most of you idiolized micheal,.. that didnt make him perfect.. He was a human being just like the rest of us. He made mistakes, just like the rest of us. We have no right to judge. We dont know if he really did all those things that he was accussed of. Only michael knew. And still many people judged him. We caused him so much pain......Let the king be at peace......

[Lori C]

If some of you would get past all the media bull and rumors which you should, he is telling stories through his songs that are truth. People are full of hate, greed and just plain selfish....The earth is falling apart and no one to blame but human beings. Money is the biggest downfall of humans...Killing the world and in turn killing us and each other

[Lori C]

Also to add to my last comment...media should be controlled...IF IT DONT COME FROM THE PERSONS MOUTH WHY BELIEVE IT??????????????

[Lizz Horton]

I picked the perfect night, it was raining and it was the first night of the World Series!!! I got there early (showtime was 7:30, I was there by 6:00), so I got the seat I wanted as opposed to the seat I had to take. The movie just showed the human side of Michael and when I say that I mean, not the caricature that the media and his "haters" had made him to be. It is strictly rehearsal footage, but it showed him in his element. He was the consummate performer, it was what he loved and he loved his fans. This show was going to be SPECTACULAR in every way. God what a tragedy!!! He was witty, funny, kind and a perfectionist. His knowledge of music and vocals was amazing, his imagination astounding. He was so good that in certain parts of the rehearsal his dancers and singers would actually forget and be caught up in him!!!!! They were so lucky (and they said it) to have had the opportunity to work with him. One guy said in the auditions that whether he got the part or not, just the opportunity to be in his presence was a blessing and I can definitely see why he felt that way. He was not gay, he was a man.....(with big hands, I might say). It just made me look at him in a whole different light. I reiterate this movie is a MUST SEE!!! and it will only be in theatres for 2 weeks!!!! I can't wait to get the DVD. I am going to see it again probably one night next week.

[Fiirvoen]

Play nice children. Obviously, whether you think Michael Jackson was innocent or guilty of child molestation is going to have a huge impact on how you perceive this movie. Fans are going to defend him until the bitter end and those who believe otherwise have good reason to be upset. Just because he died doesn't mean the controversy died with him. There is no way we all could ever agree, so just chill and try to have a decent conversation. To those who are haters and those who hate on the haters: keep in mind that we are all human beings and all have a right to our own opinions. Getting mad solves nothing. Also, why get mad for him when you didn't know him personally anyway? Just be civil.

[Fiirvoen]

Oh, and to Lori C.: Money is not the root of all evil. Money is neither good nor evil. The LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Guns are neither good nor evil as well. Like money, they are just tools. Tools do not act of their own accord.

[JRBear]

my roommate saw it last night, and made a few good comments:

1. it wasn't crowded AT ALL. if you want to see it, don't let fear of it being sold out keep you away.

2. She said it was a 'great documentary', but an OK concert film. Something most reviewers don't point out very well.. it IS mostly rehearsing, etc.

3. Her friend that went with her is not a big MJ fan, but still liked it very much.

4. She, As others said; see it on the big screen...a home TV cannot do it justice.

[Keber Mccarthey]

Michael J. was never found guilty of child molestation, it was a lot of money hungry parents found an a chance to hit the lottery with there own kids staying at MJ house. The parents are the ones that should be put in jail, who in thire right minds let little kids stay at 40 year old mans house anyway.

MJ is innocent
San Angelo, Tx

[Laura Berry]

Michael J, you will always be in my mind and heart you are the best performer that God brought to this world,But you are resting in peace with the Our father who gave you you'r talent that you have. And I know you are still Dancing but you are Dancing with a special person that will always love you and pray for you and all of your family and fans we love you! Michael please look over all of us that love you and admire you!
God Bless You Michael Jackson:)RIP

[Jazzy K]

This film was awesome!!!! It really displayed the consummate professional/perfectionist that MJ was. He was nothing short of amazing. I went to his concerts back in the 80s and they were great, this one was to be the concert of all concerts. Just like Thriller changed videos this would have changed all future concerts. His musical awareness was nothing short of brilliant. He brings out a feeling of anticipation, adrenaline and happiness with his music and dancing abilities. Everyone in the theater was singing along just like in his concerts. My 12 yr old son got to see the genious at work and I explained that there will NEVER be another global icon like MJ. I loved that he ruled his world and they all kissed up to him. To those negative people--no one has ever proven MJ did anything wrong. Even some of those people at his memorial were hypocrits. He was a wonderful person full of love for everyone and everything. RIP MJ

[Jannie Lomax]

To all of Micheal Jackson fans and who are fans and who are not I recommend that you go see THIS IS IT. This out tops everything that he has ever done. I took my three children who were never into him until he passed, they loved him to death. They know all of his songs know because me. This movie shows the brillance of a master at his craft. I enjoyed it so much that I'm gonna see it again and I'm taking my husband with me this time.Too bad he didn't live to pull off this wonderful masterpiece. RIP MJ,YOU ARE WITH HIM NOW, GOD BLESS.

[Joe stamp]

Does anyone at all remember he was a child molester?!? I care less that he was a musical genius and more about kids lives he ruinied, even the ones who didn't get a big fat settlement for their silence. Sure he was found not guilty.... But so was OJ, that's what money in the court rooms of America does. It makes me sad that people focus on his unbelieveable musical talent, which he clearly possesed, I'm not disputing that, as a matter of fact I like his music, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't see him for the sick and twisted child molesting sexual preditor that he was. I mean, come on, we as a society gave more distain and loathing to Michale Vic for fighting dogs than we did, or even do, for Michale Jacksons outlandishly inappropriate behavior WITH CHILDEREN!!!. It just shows that if you have enough cash and smart laywers, especially in America, that you can get away with
anything. and to his loyal fans I ask this, would you really let your kid stay a weekend with Michale Jackson at his house unsupiorvised? Really?!? Screw this movie, I for one will not see it.

[Carolyn]

I saw the movie on opening night and a few days ago. Can't wait for the dvd. It was awesome. It left me on the edge of my seat listening to every direction and detail he was giving. It was as if he were talking directly to me, I didn't want to miss a beat because I wanted to make sure I got all the music and the dance steps right for the next rehearsal tommorrow. Then I realized there would be no tomorrow and that he was really gone, but he will always be in my heart. Its too sad though that he abused drugs the way he did. I left the movies with a serene and uplifting feeling that all is okay and that he did his best. RIP MJ.

[Livia]

LOL-I saw this movie that featured the "King of Pop". Michael Jackson's This Is It was absolutely memorable, I didn't see it on the opening night but I did see it on Halloween day (10-31-09), I went to the showtime at 3:00PM.

It was a great documentary\musical movie, I want this movie on DVD-OMG, these movie distribution companies take forever to get out a certain movie out on DVD and I will be getting this movie on DVD when it comes available in the Winter sometime.

Yes, I have to admit it I am a Michael Jackson fan including my friends and some of my family is Michael Jackson fans.

This movie is not stupid, it's a documentary so it can't be stupid and lame. I loved this movie and I will be getting this movie on DVD right away since I want to show my family\friends the film since it was that good!

I already have the soundtrack of the film and I've been listening to it for the past day or so. I love the music\dancing in the movie.

There wasn't any melancholy at all, the only melancholy is that Michael Jackson is deceased and let him rest in peace and we will be cherishing him and his exquisite perfomances and music.

For Redbox: Redbox should get this movie. Great documentary\musical.

[GGautier]

We haven fallen so far from family values, from what really matters, we have become so perverted...let me rephrase that, YOU as a nation have become so perverted that you are incapable of seeing the good in people. Because the guy loved kids in general, (boys just as girls)and because he spent private time with them, YOU had to go judge him and try to make a big deal out of it. Why because he had money!!!
When we have parties for the kids, they fall asleep every where, on the couch, on the table, in their beds , in adults beds, and omg...we are so perverted, we must be child molesters because we had kids sleeping on our beds!!!! my son sleeps on my bed, my nephew sleeps on my bed....I must be a child molester!!!!

May be if YOU were not so busy cheating on your wifes and husbands, may be if you were not so busy focusing on your divorces because you've been so unfaithfull, may be if you were not so focused on crap that does not matter, may be if you had more family values, just may be, your families would not be so disfunctional and you would know what really caring means.You have become all a bunch of pervs that are incapable of seing anything but sex in everything.

No wonder we have so many people that hate us!!

[od]

Love the mj movie and the concert would be great if he had a chance to do it, but much sorry he died. One concert of this would be money worth, with new material. Exspecially for people who never been a live to see how great the guy music and dancing skills really it.

[Ron Wess]

Went to see Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Halloween Day the first showing at our Junction City Cineplex Theater. It was everything that I expected and more,I watched his concerts over and over nobody I mean nobody gives it to you for 2 + hrs and as a Hip Hop Instructor/Choreographer. I wasn't at all disappointed from beginning to end. To see Michael in rare form doing what he does best, is command perfection behind the scenes is Brilliant. I could only imagine what was the feeling of those dancers who got the chance to finally dance and learn from the master. Whatever about those reviews..he was sickly and looked weak, far from the truth. In step and in tune with the band and dancers. Really like the lead guitarist not only is she easy on the eyes but she's a beast on the guitar. look it wouldn't matter if Michael wheeled on stage with a cane I'd still like the movie just the same. Michael Jackson has touched milllions and will continue to do so. I give "this Is It" 2 thumbs up...well I actually don't have enough thumbs...The Michael Jackson Legacy will Live On!

[M.Smith]

My children and I went to see THIS IS IT opening night I was sad to see that there wasn't as many people there as I expected. We loved it. So sad to think that we will never here any new songs from him again. I also have his last C.D. it's wonderful the title song will definately have you in tears. R.I.P MICHAEL. A fan for life.

[Livia]

This movie is little over two hours but it's wonderful throughout and I mean Michael Jackson gives you in detailed choreography and he literally makes you dance while you are in public-LOL. OMG-this is one of my favorite movies-anyway with the other two favorites-Julie & Julia, The Time Traveler's Wife.

We can keep on dancin' to Michael Jackson's music for the rest of our lives-this movie was made for the Michael Jackson fans and they did great on this film for the fans\not the fans but exceptionally I will be getting this movie on DVD-no matter if it's out or not on the release date! Redbox should practically get it-also! OMG, my family would love this movie. LOL, I have to admit I did actually dance in public-in the movie theatre actually!

[Diane House]

This movie was fantastic, I saw it with my 12 year old son and we both were in awe at such a talent.
We all should remember that this concert was being done for Michael's fans and that is what it would have been. He sang all the hits we all love. He wanted it perfect and the work that was put into it was amazing.
All the comments about him being a child molester have nothing to do with this concert. REMEMBER HE WAS NOT GUILTY. And in my heart when I watch this man, I do not
believe any of it and neither did the JURY. Let it go,
move on. Enjoy the gift Michael Jackson has left us.

[zeroguy1954]

To the morons who don't not know enough not to use all capital letters or correct punctuation or both; stop being an illiterate idiot and learn how to compose a real sentence that includes punctuation. No one takes an illiterate seriously, especially when you write like you are SHOUTING. Stop using all capital letters. Learn some posting etiquette! You're not doing MJ any favors by being stupid.

[Rhonda Wimmer]

hi i just wanted to know if this michael jackson this is it movie will ever be coming out on dvd? i live in a smaller town and that movie hasnt been brought to our theatre here yet and idk if it will... id love to see it but i dont wanna drive to the nearest bigger city a long distance away just to see a movie if i can see it later on dvd????? does anyone know the answer to this question??? i sure hope it does come out on dvd and not just end with the theatres...

[Earlene]

What an amazing experience. I would probably never have had the chance to see him at a live concert so, this was up close and personal for me. He was truly one of the best. We have all lost the love and hope he had for the world. May his music live on forever.

[Livia]

It will soon coming out to DVD soon, one of my family members live in a cute little town and they get the movies on DVD there even they have a Redbox\Movie Theatre there, in my opinion wait until it's available on DVD at the Redbox or a locale store. -To Rhonda Wimmer.

A great movie!

[Nacho C.]

Michael Jackson the best of the best ever, "King of Pop" a very deserved title, hope God his family will be bless for ever, because I don't believe any of the bad things they said about him, he was such of good man that bad peopple toke advance of that and I sure there will not be another Michael.

[mariah]

a king that we should have reconqized how much we appreciated him before he died , instead of puttinq him down all the time.

- we miss you mic.

r.i.p *