Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall (2016) - Rotten Tomatoes

Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall (2016)

TOMATOMETER

93%
91%

AUDIENCE SCORE

89%

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall Photos

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Movie Info

One morning, a television set broke down in a living room in Gary, Indiana, leaving a large family of children with nothing to do, so they started singing. Soon the family was singing at talent shows and winning trophies. Their first four recorded songs would top the charts, and launch the career of one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known. Journey from Motown to Off the Wall allows audiences to travel with Michael as he gets his start at Motown, strikes a new path with CBS records, and forges a relationship with legendary producer Quincy Jones. An illuminated portrait emerges of how an earnest, passionate, hard-working boy would become the "King of Pop".

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Cast

Michael Jackson
Lee Daniels
The Weeknd
Pharrell Williams
Misty Copeland
Mark Ronson
John Legend
Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson
Katherine Jackson
Joe Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Antonio "LA" Reid
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Critic Reviews for Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall

All Critics (14) | Top Critics (11)

It's just plain bursting with joy - it's a documentary that feels like the music it's about.

May 3, 2016 | Full Review…
Top Critic

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.

March 2, 2016 | Rating: B | Full Review…
Top Critic

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."

February 5, 2016 | Full Review…
Top Critic

Lee keeps his celebration smart and not soppy. He gets you excited, makes you feel the moment, see what was new in it, why it mattered.

February 5, 2016 | Full Review…
Top Critic

He's made a fan's film, and he's happy to let us know it, shouting out questions from behind the camera and cackling loudly when he particularly likes an answer.

February 4, 2016 | Full Review…
Top Critic

Spike Lee's documentary on this formative period in Michael Jackson's career derives electric, enlivening energy from fantastic clips.

January 29, 2016 | Rating: C+
Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall

A great documentary on one of the best pop albums in history. Spike Lee shows us and reminds me how much of a genius Michael Jackson was. Great to watch.

Ian Walker
Ian Walker

Super Reviewer

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Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall Quotes

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