Must see movies: Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG); Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (12A)

Oct 29 2009

Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG) ****

Why we are excited: This revealing documentary offers a glimpse at what might have been Michael Jackson's sold-out concerts at London's O2 Arena. Plot: This documentary draws upon hundreds of hours of backstage and rehearsals footage shot predominantly in June at Staples Centre in Los Angeles and The Forum in Inglewood, California.

The film, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound and with select sequences in 3D, reveals the tricks and illusions that the late singer had planned for his This Is It concerts, choreographed by Kenny Ortega, intercut with interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (12A) ***

Why we are excited: Paul Weitz directs and co-writes this spooky fantasy based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan.

Plot: Teenager Darren (Chris Massoglia) agrees to become a member of the undead in exchange for saving the life of his best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson). Little does Darren know that Steve has been recruited to a deadly vampaneze group, who intends to use him to shatter a 200-year-old truce between the rival vampire factions.