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Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall

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92% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings

Critics Reviews

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Jason Bailey Flavorwire It's just plain bursting with joy - it's a documentary that feels like the music it's about. May 3, 2016 Full Review Joey Nolfi Entertainment Weekly Of course Jackson isn't here to discuss matters for himself, and Lee's documentary is, ultimately, enjoyably nostalgic, but says little more than what we already know. Rated: B Mar 2, 2016 Full Review Guy Lodge Variety This bouncily entertaining doc may boast only a notch more formal ambition than a very well-assembled "Behind the Music" special, but is no less essential than Lee's first MJ opus, the excellent "Bad 25." Feb 5, 2016 Full Review Chris Bumbray JoBlo's Movie Network The second installment of Spike Lee's definitive chronicle of Michael Jackson's career. Hopefully all of MJ's albums will get the same treatment. Rated: 8/10 Jan 31, 2016 Full Review Michael Roffman Consequence Journey from Motown to Off the Wall is a friendly, warm, and inviting documentary that dances and shouts without ever shaking its body down to the ground. Rated: C+ Jan 26, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member the king, miss you forever Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Fascinating documentary on Michael Jackson's musical journey which led to the timeless classic "Off the Wall" in 1979. Fortunately, Spike Lee focuses on Michael Jackson's brilliance as musician and dancer, vividly described by great witnesses like Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Siedah Garrett, Gamble & Huff and sound engineer Bruce Swedien. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member awesome bio-doc michael & I were the same age so we came up together it was gr8 going down memory lane viewing this doc Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Excellent documentary setting things straight about the genius of Michael Jackson, and his incredible professionalism. A delight to watch for those who admire this amazing artist. So much hard work, so many sacrifices and such unbelievable talent. Inspiring. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Journey from Motown to off the Wall is Spike Lee's second documentary following Michael Jackson's career with some of his more "less lauded" albums projects, in this case the creative arc he took with first the Jacksons straight out of Motown and the material that they did together, before connecting with mentor Quincy Jones on the Wiz which led him to the landmark Off the Wall album which was a huge hit and provided some great tracks at the tail end of disco and perfectly positioned him for success with Thriller. A lot of pop culture icons are brought into provide commentary on that period from Rosie Perez, the drummer from the Roots, Quincy Jones, Pharrell and Lee Daniels, and what tracks or moments, particularly how Michael was able to cross so many boundaries at that time, especially in pop culture and on the dance floor. Bad 25 is still my preferred doc since that was right at the height of my childhood and I have more connection to that album. Journey from motown to Off the Wall is a decent representation and insight to that period of Jacko's career which may have been over shadowed by other hits and controveries. Solid. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member Michael before he became "Wacko Jacko." Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Director
Spike Lee