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Starring: Michael Jackson
Director: Kenny Ortega
Category: Documentary
Rated: PG

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts at London’s 02 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: *** (out of four)
New York Post: * (out of four)
Rolling Stone: ***1/2 (out of four)
USA Today: *** (out of four)

Overall: **1/2 (out of four)

Starring: James Earl Jones, Patrick Stewart
Director: Alastair Fothergill
Category: Documentary
Rated: G

An epic story of adventure, starring some of the most magnificent and courageous creatures alive, awaits you in “Earth”. “Disneynature” brings you a remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet – polar bears, elephants and humpback whales. Filmed with spectacular clarity and beauty, “Earth” is both majestic and intimate as it captures rare footage of nature’s wildest and most elusive animals. From the landmark “Disneynature” collection, “Earth” is an astonishing and heartwarming film filled with adventure, suspense and humor that will take your breath away.  (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: ***1/2 (out of four)
New York Post: *** (out of four)
USA Today: **1/2 (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)

Starring: Bill Maher, Tal Bachman
Director: Larry Charles
Category: Documentary
Rated: R

In this new comedy from director Larry Charles (“Borat”, “Seinfeld”), comedian and TV host Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher” and “Politically Incorrect”) takes a pilgrimage across the globe on a mind-opening journey into the ultimate taboo: questioning religion. Meeting the high and low from different religions, Maher simply asks questions like: “Why is faith good?”, “Why doesn’t an all-powerful God speak to us directly?” and “How can otherwise rational people believe in a talking snake?” For anyone who’s even a little spiritually curious, this divine entertainment will deepen your faith…in comedy. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: **1/2 (out of four)
New York Post: *** (out of four)
Rolling Stone: *** (out of four)
USA Today: *** (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)

Starring: Philippe Petit, Jim Moore (II)
Director: James Marsh
Category: Documentary
Rated: PG-13

Tightrope-walker Philippe Petit’s daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City’s 1350 feet high World Trade Center’s twin towers in 1974, what some consider, “the artistic crime of the century”. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: **** (out of four)
New York Post: ***1/2 (out of four)

Overall: ***1/2 (out of four)

Starring: Bob Cilman, Young@Heart
Director: Jane Villiers, Sally George
Category: Documentary
Rated: PG

Get ready to rock out with the most entertaining “golden oldies” you will ever meet, a fun-loving senior citizen’s choir called “Young@Heart”. To prepare for a show in their hometown that is only weeks away, the lovable seniors must learn a slate of new songs, ranging from James Brown to Coldplay. The chorus’ tireless musical director leads the group through a series of hilariously chaotic rehearsals, proving that hard rock can be hard work – especially when you’re hard of hearing! Climaxing in a triumphant performance that will leave you cheering, their inspiring story celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the life-affirming power of music! (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: ***1/2 (out of four)
New York Post: *** (out of four)
USA Today: ***1/2 (out of four)

Overall: ***1/2 (out of four)