Bad 25
| Release Date: October 19, 2012 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
69
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyJun 20, 2020
The film is a sensational snapshot of the peak of the music video as art form, as well as the intricately layered process by which superior pop is crafted. Read full review
80
Screen DailyMark AdamsJun 20, 2020
As a snapshot of a time, a talent and an album, Spike Lee’s absorbing, moving and resolutely toe-tapping documentary about the music and impact of Michael Jackson’s album Bad, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a wonderfully complex look into the creative genius of Jackson. Read full review
80
The GuardianPeter BradshawJun 20, 2020
Lee wants to clear away the tabloid smoke and spite, and bring the focus back to Jackson's professionalism, his craftsmanship, his artistry and his pop genius; the movie defiantly insists that Jackson was and is superior to his detractors. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesMikael WoodOct 25, 2012
On-screen, Bad 25 moves in the style of a great pop song. Read full review
80
TimeRichard CorlissOct 19, 2012
Bad 25 is an intimate view of a performer at his peak in the intense splendor of creativity. Read full review
80
Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlOct 19, 2012
Spike Lee has given the world the first tribute that fully measures up to Jackson the artist. Come on get your sham on. Read full review
75
The PlaylistOliver LytteltonNov 21, 2012
It's fascinating, warm and immensely watchable stuff, and fans of both Jackson and pop music in general will surely eat the film up. Read full review
70
VarietyGuy LodgeOct 19, 2012
A blockbuster melange of Motown, metal, hip-hop, world and gospel influences, bound by trailblazing production, "Bad" has stood in its predecessor's shadow too long, and Spike Lee convincingly makes the case for reassessment with this exhaustive and entertaining if less-than-penetrating documentary on its creation. Read full review
70
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisOct 19, 2012
Though at times a tad worshipful, the film's tone is ultimately more awed than hagiographic, its commenters too cleareyed and candid to back away from negative publicity or public disenchantment. Read full review
60
CineVueJo-Ann TitmarshJun 20, 2020
Bad 25 is primarily a film about an album and not about a life; a tribute to the master craftsman and musical talent that was Jackson and not a penetrative investigation of the man who made the music. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanOct 19, 2012
Michael Jackson fans will love Spike Lee's look back at the making of a classic, even if the extensive collection of clips and contemporary interviews - which could have used a firm edit - feels more suited to DVD. Read full review
50
New York PostLou LumenickOct 19, 2012
The posthumous campaign to polish Michael Jackson's tarnished reputation continues apace with this Spike Lee infomercial, commissioned by Sony and the money-grubbing Jackson estate to promote the 25th anniversary of his 1987 album "Bad.'' Read full review
40
Time OutDavid FearOct 19, 2012
This is little more than an episode of VH1's Classic Albums writ large. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about the making of this chart-topping behemoth - except for insights about the man in the mirror who created it. Read full review
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