Moonwalker Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Michael Jackson uses his moonwalking superpowers to stop Joe Pesci from injecting kids with super-addictive happy juice, all while promoting his ‘Bad’ album.

🍿 Moonwalker: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Career Montage and Music Videos

The film begins with a performance of ‘Man in the Mirror’ and transitions into a montage of Michael Jackson’s career highlights, from the Jackson 5 era to his ‘Bad’ album success. This serves as an introduction for viewers unfamiliar with his extensive discography and establishes his cultural impact.

Claymation and ‘Speed Demon’

Following the montage, a claymation sequence depicts Michael being chased by zealous fans. This segment blends live-action with stop-motion animation, providing a visually unique experience that reflects the intense media scrutiny Jackson faced. The ‘Speed Demon’ music video emerges from this chase, adding another layer of artistic expression.

‘Smooth Criminal’ and the Anti-Drug Narrative

The film’s centerpiece is the extended ‘Smooth Criminal’ segment, which includes a narrative about Michael protecting children from a drug dealer, Mr. Big, played by Joe Pesci. This section blends musical performance with action and fantasy elements, delivering an anti-drug message while showcasing Jackson’s dance prowess.

Transformation and Confrontation

In a climactic scene, Michael transforms into a robot and a spaceship to defeat Mr. Big and his henchmen, rescuing the kidnapped Katie. This surreal sequence utilizes special effects to create a fantastical showdown, reinforcing the film’s themes of heroism and protection of innocence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael Jackson (Michael Jackson): A fantastical version of Michael Jackson protects children from a ruthless drug dealer using his musical talent and magical abilities.
• Mr. Big (Joe Pesci): A ruthless drug dealer, Mr. Big aims to corrupt the world’s children with drugs, serving as the primary antagonist.
• Sean (Sean Lennon): One of the three children saved by Michael, Sean is a loyal friend who becomes embroiled in the fight against Mr. Big.
• Katie (Kelley Parker): Katie is a courageous young girl and one of the three children protected by Michael Jackson from Mr. Big’s evil schemes.
• Zeke (Brandon Quintin Adams): Zeke is another of the three children befriended by Michael, becoming a target of Mr. Big’s villainy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Big: “I just want to get everybody high!” – Mr. Big reveals his evil plan to addict all the children to drugs.
• Agent: “A Prince t-shirt and red sneakers.” – An Agent describes what a young Michael is wearing, and Michael reacts disapprovingly to the Prince t-shirt.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Moonwalker Reviews

Personal Review

As a kid, I was completely mesmerized by Moonwalker. The ‘Smooth Criminal’ segment was just iconic, and the special effects were mind-blowing for the time. Watching it now, it’s a bit cheesy, but it still brings back a lot of nostalgia. The music is timeless, and it’s a great glimpse into the world of Michael Jackson in his prime.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Michael Jackson fans”
  • “80s music enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of music videos”
  • “Viewers interested in special effects and fantasy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Drug references”
  • “Some scary imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Moonwalker is a visual feast blending science fiction, superheroes, concerts, and animation, featuring Joe Pesci in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s a unique experience that captures the essence of Michael Jackson’s artistry.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though Moonwalker has its flaws, the film showcases Michael Jackson’s creative genius during his peak, blending music videos with a fantasy storyline in a way that’s both entertaining and surreal.
• IMDb User Review: “Moonwalker is as self-indulgent as you’d expect from Michael Jackson. Much of it is unnecessary, even crap, but when it falls back on its strengths, namely the music, it shines. A time capsule that the culture of the 1980s really deserves.

Audience Reactions

The ‘Smooth Criminal’ segment’s dancing and choreography are considered legendary by fans.: Fans generally agree that the music videos, especially ‘Smooth Criminal,’ are the highlights of the movie.

Overall Consensus: Moonwalker is a mixed bag, appreciated mostly by Michael Jackson fans for its music videos and nostalgic value, though criticized for its disjointed plot and self-indulgent nature.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Jackson originally wanted the movie released in theaters in the United States, but budget problems forced him to make it a straight to video release. However, it was released in theaters internationally.”
• “The film combines elements of concert footage, music videos, and a fantasy-adventure storyline, showcasing Michael Jackson’s various talents.”
• “Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon, appears in the film as one of the children Michael Jackson protects.”

🖥️ How to Watch Moonwalker?

Moonwalker is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon and Apple TV. While it may not be readily available on subscription-based streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video, it can often be found for rent or purchase on digital storefronts. Check your preferred digital movie retailer for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Moonwalker, you might like these similar films:

• Purple Rain (1984): A music-driven film starring Prince, showcasing his musical talent and persona.
• Xanadu (1980): Combines music, dance, and fantasy elements in a visually creative way.
• Spice World (1997): A movie featuring a pop group, blending music with a comedic storyline.
• The Wiz (1978): A musical with a predominantly Black cast with original songs and unique takes on plot.

🛒 Moonwalker Related Products

• Michael Jackson – Moonwalker (Sega Genesis): Relive the Moonwalker adventure in this classic side-scrolling beat ’em up game. Transform into a robot, use your dance moves, and save the kids from Mr. Big. A must-have for retro gamers and MJ fans.
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller Jacket: Officially Licensed ‘Thriller’ Jacket, red with black stripes, capture Michael’s Iconic Dance Moves. Perfect for Halloween, parties, or just showing your love for the King of Pop. A high-quality replica for dedicated fans.
• Michael Jackson – The Essential Collection: This collection includes hits featured in the movie, remastered for exceptional audio quality. A great way to enjoy the songs that made ‘Moonwalker’ memorable.
• Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary: Full of rare photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and insightful analysis. This book delves into the making of Moonwalker and Jackson’s artistic vision, providing a deeper understanding of the film and its impact.

🎧 Soundtrack

Moonwalker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Man in the Mirror” – performed by Michael Jackson
• “Smooth Criminal” – performed by Michael Jackson
• “Speed Demon” – performed by Michael Jackson
• “Leave Me Alone” – performed by Michael Jackson
• “Come Together” – performed by Michael Jackson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Michael Jackson – Bad (Official Video) vs “Badder” MoonWalker(Kids VERSION)

Ever wondered how the ‘Badder’ parody in Moonwalker stacks up against the original ‘Bad’ music video? This side-by-side comparison is fascinating – the kid actors nailed it!

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker – Full Game – Part 1/3

Did you know Moonwalker had a video game? This playthrough shows you the whole thing on Genesis! It’s pretty wild how they translated the movie into a game format.

(YTP) Moonwalker but Michael Jackson has had enough

Need a good laugh? This Moonwalker YouTube Poop is hilarious! It’s a crazy remix that will make you see the movie in a totally different (and funny) light.

Reflecting On Michael Jackson & Writing ‘Man In The Mirror’ | Siedah Garrett | the detail.

Want to know the story behind ‘Man in the Mirror’? Siedah Garrett, the songwriter, shares her memories of working with Michael Jackson. It’s so cool to hear about the song’s creation and its role in Moonwalker.

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