I was hesitant to watch this because I felt that she would never let go and really talk about things in an in-depth way (and I don't mean talking about tabloid topics). I just hope it makes people appreciate what a phenomenal talent Janet Jackson is.
It's weird that people consider 'Damita Jo" a flop when it actually went multi-platinum, 2 million copies worldwide. It's probably because it was released during nipple-gate.
As a fan of Janet I don’t think this documentary was meant for us who’ve been with her from the beginning but more for todays audience who she’s re-introducing herself to. She’s unfortunately still dealing with damage control from the Super Bowl fiasco. I can’t wait for new music!
I am a huge Janet Jackson fan just like the both of you. However, this documentary left a lot to be desired. 1. Janet walked around the biggest topics. 2. Joseph, I agree with you. Perhaps maybe she had some “business being taken care of.” Insert no longer being pregnant. 3. Janet album was huge- all they could talk about from that Chapter was the videos-Rene directed and Michael. 4. What about the other albums- Damita Jo, etc.? 5. Was there a desire to perhaps be a mother sooner than 50 (outside of J.D. relationship). 6. Were the films and music an escape from the pain of family burdens and failed relationships? 7. Has she learned to lover herself-no matter what size she is? 8. What are somethings she would like to teach her son? 9. How is her relationship with the other siblings-LaToya? 10. The documentary felt like Lifetime Commercials featuring the Janet documentary. 11. Nick touched on a great point when he said that the documentary should have been broken up by albums. Also, when Nick said that if you never knew who she was; this documentary didn’t do a great job of telling you who she was. 12. What was her favorite album? Conclusion: Janet is an Icon and a Legend but this documentary felt like film students trying to figure out what should go where.
Booo, she touched on what was being discussed in the media, the baby with James, the relationship with her father, her relationship with her brother mike and the superbowl. She could not speak about many things because of Lawsuits and other legal ramification that could come from the documentary. She knows what she's doing and I'm sure she's discussed the legalities with her lawyers of what she can and cannot disclose as they pertain to other people. It would take more than a two part documentary to touch on her entire life and the things she didn't not mention or say.
As someone who's a year younger - similar personality: Feisty, stubborn, beyond loyal etc - I grew up with her.. and the Jackson Fives were my first 'boy band'. My Uncle owned their very first ever album. Saw her 1st TV interview and loved her from Good Times to Fame to her different movies. #ZeroShame CRIED MY ASS OFF - MANY TIMES during this Documentary!! from a strong sense of nostalgia, sentimentality and love for that family. Identified with their struggles in the early 70's on up. May have grown up on a backwards tiny Island in the Caribbean (left for 20 plus yrs and ironically relocated back home) but I came away extremely satisfied. Aside from not delving into her son's father and that relationship. Assumed that as a Middle Eastern billionaire - she'd already signed an NDA from the word 'Go'. Pertaining the Super Bowl: Saw it live. Mouth hit the floor as millions of us had the same reaction. The entire debacle left a bad taste in my mouth and lost a huge respect for Justin, who I used to love. Takes two hands to clap and bad (impulsive) decision or not - why did SHE receive all the backlash while HE walked away unscathed? The double standard back then was sickening!! Appreciate her (undying loyalty) in trying to paint him in a graceful light? I call bullshit. He literally ghosted her team when serious shit went down and only responded weeks after the damage had already been done. Guess that's where we differ. Am not so gracious! In terms of documentaries? From Whitney Houston to Selena etc - this kicked ARSE - so in my humble opinion from the present day 'Queens' :Aka Beyonce..Mariah..Cardi B..etc? She came first and not ONE OF them...can compare as NONE of them, have faced the adversity and uphill battle, this legend faced from the minute she was born by virtue of the family she was born into. Over the years, can listen to any of her songs and remember during my darkest days when her message and music helped me get through it so I may not own a t-shirt with her face on it? But trust and believe ....probably her number one fan in the Caribbean - WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, JANET!! 😂😂❤❤
👏👏👏👏Best and most truthful review I have seen so far. Yes Janet and Rebbie danced around that baby question 💃💃 without Janet just simply saying "NO I was not pregnant in the 80s and NO I do not have a child with James Debarge" to FINALLY put the rumors to bed. Rebbie gave it away though not being able to look in the camera and just saying " they said I raised Janet's daughter ". *weak laughter*....but again no direct "NO I didn't raise their daughter" 😂. Either way, i remember what I saw on Fame in 1984, read in Jet and Right On! Magazine in 1984 and what everyone was talking about on tv and radio in 84' regarding Janet and James. Still a huge Janet fan and her music was basically the soundtrack of my youth. 💜💜💜💜🌷🌷🌷
If I may correct or rather clarify one thing about the scene where she and Jimmy are having the disagreement about how she’s singing during the recording session, that particular song , “You Need Me” was intended for a family scandal concept album that A&M records wanted. After recording that song, Janet did not want to go in that direction, and thus the RN1814 concept was born. As you are big Janet fans yourselves, I’m sure you remember that “You Need Me” , which was about her relationship with Joseph, would later become B side on the “ Miss You Much” single . I’m here for all my fellow fans of the Nation, so I’m going to be sure to subscribe.
If you are a real fan or admire her as the artist she is~ You will appreciate the fact she even shared any part of her life so I was very happy with this documentary but was shocked to know her relationship with her father was more positive than what we heard from her brothers……..Thank you Janet❤️
I don't have Lifetime, but this is interesting - she and Michael (yes with all of the issues) - iconic - you are right - I don't think people realize the cultural impact of these artists. I was living in LA when Michael passed, and it was like nothing I have ever experienced. LA stopped, for a month. I hope someday she becomes comfortable enough to share her real story, I am sure it is fascinating but maybe she won't. I remember SCREAM - I bought it and watched the video several times - it was dark for both of them and all I saw was pain. I laughed when the Bowie story came up - I discovered Bowie in the 90's right after high school and fell in love - saw him 20 + times before he passed, and I can tell you maybe 10 things about his personal life. I can tell you anything about his music, collaborations, books and art... but the man was private. In such a superstardom atmosphere - holding onto some privacy may give her control or even comfort. Thank you both for the review.
I love your comments, especially the last part about privacy. I'm a fan but I don't need to know the detailed minutiae of where she lives, her favourite food & decor, how she loses weight etc etc. The story behind each popular album was enough for me. I'm disappointed with Jermaine Dupree, he cheated on Janet Jackson 🤦🏾♀️
Janet is my idol, and her documentary was a reminder as to why. I would love to learn more about her, but at the same time, I appreciate her mystery. She is the 👸🏽 !
I agree with y’all on all points this could’ve been a lot better I grew up with her music I am 50 years old I remember every part. I am an auntie and I was very disappointed of how they shot her in the documentary her make up the lighting was bad I don’t know who thought that was a good idea did not like it. ❤️❤️Janet thanks for your review love you guys
_I really enjoyed the special because I'm also a longtime diehard fan of JDJJ. What I think the producers of the documentary seemed to have missed is the fact that we as Janet Jackson fans knew every single item shown in the special. (Granted, seeing some behind the scenes/never before seen footage from her second ex-husband Rene Elizondo did have merit). The thing I love about Janet is she never shades anyone from her past. That's the epitome of a legendary artist. Since she didn't talk about her third marriage(or divorce) which would have given the project more relevancy and texture, I was surprised. Plus she didn't talk about who in her inner circle ended up cheating with her soon-to-be ex-husband at the time, Rene. Lots of good stuff was in fact glossed over. What I did get from the show was the difficulty she initially had in living up to her last name Jackson. And Janet totally took the high road on the SuperBowl circumstance that seem to derail her career for a bit. That's the thing about Jan though, she is truly a 'black diamond'._
It's also interesting for me to see both your prospectives on the doc. I agree that she glossed over certain things but for me as a MUCH more casual fan than you all; I enjoyed it. I was entertained and educated but then again I didn't grow up with Janet at all. I partially understood her impact from my parents but her prime was before my time. To put it in perspective; the super bowl fiasco happened when I was in elementary school and that was probably one of my earliest Janet memories after the "All For You" music video and her dancing on the guy strapped to the table at a Hawaii concert haha. So I'd be interested to know how someone even younger than me who has even less Janet knowledge perceived this doc and if they felt her impact from it without any prior knowledge of who she is.
I wish she bragged about herself a little more in this documentary. She accomplished so much. An 8 or 10 part series breaking it up so she can talk about more things in depth and have an episode dedicated to why she is iconic would have really been awesome. I feel like this should have been done in her 70s when she’s got less to lose.
I have become a fan of your reviews and even though most of the films you review I have never thought of watching. But because you both are so introspective, I decided to Subscribe to your channel and look forward to your commentary, past and present. Perhaps it’s just PANDEMIC RELATED, but I have become a fan.
Agreed with everything you said. My guess about the David Bowie reveal was that it was safe to tell the story because he is dead. He can't sue her. Love Janet and would also love to see her move into producing and directing movies and/or TV.
I enjoyed this documentary, but I don’t feel we will ever hear the true story of Janet’s evolution until the passing of Mama Jackson. This is the most successful family in the history of popular music, but their respect for their parents (Katherine, is still a practicing Jehovah Witness) are so strong they never will disrespect them by revealing topics that those parents prefer to keep secret). Case in point, Janet may not have had a DeBarge Baby, but she was pregnant and must have had an abortion). Also Her second husband Rene Elizondo, spent ten years filming his wife’s life. If you were shocked by her revelations in The Velvet Rope album, what is contained on the tapes if ever release will shock you more. And so the lucrative divorce settlement was not based on his contribution to her musical career, but the sex tapes that Rene filmed of her for over a decade. Lastly if you noticed how covered Janet appears lately, the fact that Jermaine and Michael along with Janet have all converted to Islam, but once again still feel may be too controversial for the mother and public to accept. Once again not until Mama Jackson passes will you get the truth behind how the Jackson’s evolved. And you can bet the siblings who did not participate, like LaToya and Jermaine, are dying to release their own revelations. Until then the siblings revelation and their secrets are going to be KEEP IT THE CLOSET.
My theory is that Rene and Janet had an agreement where they could have sex partners and that Rene chose them for her. The two explored voyeuristic experiences, BDSM etc. I remember her saying he had recordings of her piercing her vagina. He had so much more. So she had to pay him millions.
RENE woulda been perfect for instagram and everything thats happening today in terms of social media..gotta give em credit their they never mentioned 'different strokes' and her relationship with todd bridges..and way to much on joseph..Jan played it safe AND YES MORE TALK ABOUT THE CRAFTING OF EACH ALBUM
I don’t have Lifetime either so appreciate the extended time to share your thoughts. I watched the clip of Janet giving insight into the making of her biggest hits for Allure magazine. That was so interesting and I’d wished it could have been a lot longer. It felt a privilege to hear as Janet has seemed to be a private person. I also look out for your reviews!! And podcast episodes
Thanks for speaking on this, I totally feel what you guys are saying regarding the film. As a documentary filmmaker myself there were a lot of things technically that were not stylized and a bit off, including the lower thirds and flashing her accomplishments at the bottom of the screen and the poor use of word graphics...it just wasn't right for a lady of her magnitude. also as a black gay man she was our Madonna, they totally skipped the Janet Tour and album it was a lot..idk. I almost want to make my own version of the janet doc
I was disappointed honestly, I love Janet but it seemed so obvious a whole lot was unsaid and left out. I wanted more also no mention of her son's father. I didn't expect anything extraordinary but still
one thing I never understood Janet saying was that she didn't remember where she was when she heard Michael died ..how can that be ,everybody remembers THAT day girl
Thanks for making this video, FJ. I watched both episodes & I’m very happy to see her again front & center. I followed her for years. I didn’t like seeing her pain in the episodes. I’m so glad she’s a mom now, and making new music for us🎤
I think when Janet was offering to open up for Michael and the J5 that was in the mid-2000's after his second allegations/trial (cuz that's around the time he lived in Vegas, not the late 90's) so it makes sense why he was closed off to the idea. He seemed pretty broken even after he won the trial. But it does sadden me how she talked about their relationship deteriorating but at least their final moment together was a good one.
Oooh yeah been waiting this 🥰🥰. I agree I felt she could have went deeper.. I was hoping she would have went into the 3rd marriage. She let Justin off the hook, I was really upset about that. So many holes
I lapped up this entire review from start to end. The research and commentary was on point. I stan Janet, and this enhanced the #JanetJacksonDoc for me even more. (Nick and Joseph 😍)
I'm not mad at Janet...MONEY GRAB! Her control and she gets paid. That's how celebrities should do it. They need to hold the purse strings. We know she isn't going to tell it all but we are entertained. Thank you for the review :)
Well lets say I made a Janet playlist and rocking her in the home. Made mom watch this doc cause she is a huge Jackson 5 groupie. We are still fighting about that secret baby. I Stand No secret baby and she keeps on with secret baby "facts". 🤷🏽♀️ That's my mama😘
Yea as a long time Janet fan I knew pretty much all the tea. I didn’t know that Rene was pill popper, but my auntie said the rumor was he used to smack her around and the song “what about” is about her. In 2017 when she performed it she said “this is me” so it might be some truth to that. That would have been huge tea if she would have divulged that. They did hint that he was controlling.
Thank you this breakdown is perfect I argued with my cousins for days that the question re: the secret baby was indeed never answered! Everyone danced around it. It’s not our business but they were playing in our face 💯
I was so excited for this! I will leave the reviews to you, tho, lol. You're far more diplomatic than I am! I will just say that I agree with you, and was also a little disappointed. I didn't want to hear about her relationships. I, too, wanted to see more footage like Janet writing, or in the studio with Terry & Jimmy. I also didn't know about the Coke ad. I will say that she did my David Bowie so dirty, smh & lol! I was stunned to learn that those hands (Rolling Stone cover) were Rene's! I agree: 3 stars. Thanks guys!
I’m a huge fan of Janet since I was a kid in the 70s. I own all of her albums, but for me personally, Velvet Rope was the last great one. Damita Jo was aight. I might watch this at some point, no rush. 😊 Great review as always guys. ❤️❤️
Joseph, your comments on what I would have liked to have seen are on point. Just day to day things. I didn't want to hear tea on scandals just want to know more about who she is as a human being/black woman.
I guess that so many people had to weigh in on Janet's story that it couldn't help but become disjointed. Her mother, a rigidly devout Jehovah Witness, always watched them like a hawk and would come down on them for the slightest impropriety in their presentations. This must have greatly hindered Janet's attempt to tell it all. Plus, her overly protected privacy and intense shyness always causes her to play it safer than she may like to. The documentary was decently done and worth watching. But I believe that this is the most honest Janet is ever going to be with the public while her mother is still alive. Like the rest of her siblings, she fears her mother as much as she loves her.
Anxious to see what Joseph thinks of this, of course. I thought it was poor. Janet seemed reluctant to really reveal what drives her - "This is too painful!", etc. Umm, you ARE doing a doc, b*tch! lol Like a friend of mine said, we never discover who she is outside of the music - and really, it's still the best way to see who she is and get your groove on, too. 😁Thanks guys. ❤
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a super fan. I totes agree about the baby thing. She didn’t explicitly say. I was so emotional watching. And you can’t tell me that nipple gate wasn’t planned. That lady been on 60 million stages and now a malfunction. Nah. It just didn’t read in the media well. The footage of her and Michael made me boohoo. (My daughters middle name is Michael for MJ).
I think those who are disappointed just wanted her to be a little more messy but that's not what the world was missing the media kept the messy out there I think she addressed what most apply to her and she wanted the sun to shine on her documentary more than it rained there's nothing wrong with that it's just the bad stuff is attractive the good requires extreme effort just to be noticed so if you want the positive to Trump the negative you got to be on positive overload she put to rest a whole lot as it applied to herif she were to address IN DETAIL every Jackson scandal it would have taken up the whole 4 hours and I'm glad I was not bombarded with trash about someone whom I admire so much
I've only watched parts 1+2 and I loved it. I understand & agree with some of your criticism'. You have to remember, Janet Jackson & Tina Turner were so very grateful & I would say, relieved to have made it out of the ghetto, made money and survived alcohol, drug and domestic abuse. These women have been through it. They weren't trained to brag about their accomplishments, and to be honest getting through each day seems to be an accomplishment in itself. If Janet was with James deBarge when he was a drug addict, did she also occasionally dabble & take drugs with him? Is Janet Jackson a recreational drug user?
"Totally Skipped 'Different Strokes', Didn't She And Todd Bridges 'Fling' For Awhile, Why Wasn't LaToya Invited To The Feast, Love Her Music And Dancing Choreography And Her Look Is Always Impeccable But For The History Of The Jacksons I Would Have To Believe LaToya"...
This review is all over the place. Latoya Jackson has stated over and over that she lie on her brother because her abusive husband was her manager. He was Jealous of her family and threaten her life.
What people don't understand is, she is not one to open up cans of worms that she doesn't have to. what she was presenting was the exacts...those things that have been continually discussed in the media, the secret baby, the relationship between she and her father and brother, her weight as well as the Superbowl. She could not speak too much on her son or husband, because there are legalities that her and her husband have agreed too, where he doesn't want their sons face being shown in the media, and in particularly in the UK they cannot show underaged children without the permission of a parent. I think she told what she wanted us to know without causing controversy which she never wants and what the media can misconstrue or misinterpret. And we have to understand that she is still private and this is the most she's sat down and discussed her life...and also she may be saving all things up for her memoirs...if she decides to give us one. Her life is complex and there are wounds that you can see that she hasn't healed from...things she's internalized and that she's finding her way through as she gets older...and if she will ever get over them. So I think it was a great documentary and a lot of people should lighten up as to what she did and didn't include and respect her for the fact that she was coming out of her shell enough to give us what she has.
He was verbally, emotionally, and mentally abusive. Randy called him out on it. He called her a b**ch throughout her pregnancy so she couldn't even enjoy her pregnancy. 😡 There may have been physical abuse because in her song, "What About?" During her last tour, she was crying throughout it and after the song she said, "This is me."
Thank you Janet for SEEING 👀 that yes your dad was who he was BUT at least he elevated his Family. Some father as strict and do nothing GOOD and productive for their Family !!!
I adore Janet, always have. This Documentary was nothing more than a fluff piece for non-fans whom vaguely know of her as a Name. It was hyped as a Reveal but it dodged way too much, outside of vaguely addressing the baby rumor n why The JD relationship ended (which I already knew). No detail of her recent husband (damn NDA), music career post Damita Jo (FF straight to RnR Hall of Fame), etc. Side note: I found it odd that she mentioned being thought of in the public as Guilty by Association due to MJ yet the only example she gave was she lost out on a Coca Cola deal…as if the only hiccup was losing out on more millions than she already had, really? Granted, she deserves a better legacy than she is stuck with but there is also NO self responsibility taken for many of these decisions, which ultimately does her no justice. It’s better to watch her E True Hollywood Story or VH1 Driven and most curiously: Beth McCarthy Millers interview on Archives discussing the Super Bowl that she directed.
I don't think Janet Jackson has to say no she doesn't have a secret child you should be sophisticated enough to pick up on that on that thought oh my goodness! 🤨
This review says it all. Janet made the show, and the reviewers said "she doesn't owe us anything." Hence the documentry was empty. Janet's show was only memory lane of her hay-day of a 20 year old song hit.
Dear Lord, what do you people want? “She didn’t go deep enough for me” do you know Janet… at all? Janet is not about the salacious, messiness you people wanted. Everybody is pissed, wanted her to lash out at Justin, but Janet is not like that. She is all about peace and love. As a fan, you should know that. I have been a fan for 40 years. There was stuff in that doc I didn’t even know. Give me a break. Also, I LOVE that they went in chronological order with the storytelling… that’s how you tell stories. Great doc. Great human-being. Love me some Janet!
I adore Janet. But she revealed absolutely nothing new. But, you know what she's never been articulate. I expected this and I wanted to be wowed though.
I think MJ was definitely competitive. What surprised me is that for his Dangerous album he tried to recruit Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (her producers) but they turned him down out of respect for Janet. That is sneaky behaviour trying to steal her sound, expecially as he successfully done that previouslyto Jermaine Jackson years before. I didn't like that revelation about him.
I like some of her songs, but I was never a fan. I never like that mousey or innocent thing that they all portray in interviews. she is a hell of an actress and dancers.
I was hesitant to watch this because I felt that she would never let go and really talk about things in an in-depth way (and I don't mean talking about tabloid topics). I just hope it makes people appreciate what a phenomenal talent Janet Jackson is.
It's weird that people consider 'Damita Jo" a flop when it actually went multi-platinum, 2 million copies worldwide. It's probably because it was released during nipple-gate.
It is a great album. It just sold less than her previous albums, mostly because the backlash shortened the album rollout.
Rightttt FACTS!!!
That’s true but at the time for THE JANET JACKSON that was a small amount
As a fan of Janet I don’t think this documentary was meant for us who’ve been with her from the beginning but more for todays audience who she’s re-introducing herself to. She’s unfortunately still dealing with damage control from the Super Bowl fiasco. I can’t wait for new music!
I am a huge Janet Jackson fan just like the both of you. However, this documentary left a lot to be desired.
1. Janet walked around the biggest topics.
2. Joseph, I agree with you. Perhaps maybe she had some “business being taken care of.” Insert no longer being pregnant.
3. Janet album was huge- all they could talk about from that Chapter was the videos-Rene directed and Michael.
4. What about the other albums- Damita Jo, etc.?
5. Was there a desire to perhaps be a mother sooner than 50 (outside of J.D. relationship).
6. Were the films and music an escape from the pain of family burdens and failed relationships?
7. Has she learned to lover herself-no matter what size she is?
8. What are somethings she would like to teach her son?
9. How is her relationship with the other siblings-LaToya?
10. The documentary felt like Lifetime Commercials featuring the Janet documentary.
11. Nick touched on a great point when he said that the documentary should have been broken up by albums. Also, when Nick said that if you never knew who she was; this documentary didn’t do a great job of telling you who she was.
12. What was her favorite album?
Conclusion: Janet is an Icon and a Legend but this documentary felt like film students trying to figure out what should go where.
The documentary needed to be longer. 8 episodes would've been great!
Booo, she touched on what was being discussed in the media, the baby with James, the relationship with her father, her relationship with her brother mike and the superbowl. She could not speak about many things because of Lawsuits and other legal ramification that could come from the documentary. She knows what she's doing and I'm sure she's discussed the legalities with her lawyers of what she can and cannot disclose as they pertain to other people. It would take more than a two part documentary to touch on her entire life and the things she didn't not mention or say.
I wish she reflected more on all the records she set and broke
As someone who's a year younger - similar personality: Feisty, stubborn, beyond loyal etc - I grew up with her.. and the Jackson Fives were my first 'boy band'. My Uncle owned their very first ever album. Saw her 1st TV interview and loved her from Good Times to Fame to her different movies. #ZeroShame CRIED MY ASS OFF - MANY TIMES during this Documentary!! from a strong sense of nostalgia, sentimentality and love for that family. Identified with their struggles in the early 70's on up. May have grown up on a backwards tiny Island in the Caribbean (left for 20 plus yrs and ironically relocated back home) but I came away extremely satisfied. Aside from not delving into her son's father and that relationship. Assumed that as a Middle Eastern billionaire - she'd already signed an NDA from the word 'Go'. Pertaining the Super Bowl: Saw it live. Mouth hit the floor as millions of us had the same reaction. The entire debacle left a bad taste in my mouth and lost a huge respect for Justin, who I used to love. Takes two hands to clap and bad (impulsive) decision or not - why did SHE receive all the backlash while HE walked away unscathed? The double standard back then was sickening!! Appreciate her (undying loyalty) in trying to paint him in a graceful light? I call bullshit. He literally ghosted her team when serious shit went down and only responded weeks after the damage had already been done. Guess that's where we differ. Am not so gracious! In terms of documentaries? From Whitney Houston to Selena etc - this kicked ARSE - so in my humble opinion from the present day 'Queens' :Aka Beyonce..Mariah..Cardi B..etc? She came first and not ONE OF them...can compare as NONE of them, have faced the adversity and uphill battle, this legend faced from the minute she was born by virtue of the family she was born into. Over the years, can listen to any of her songs and remember during my darkest days when her message and music helped me get through it so I may not own a t-shirt with her face on it? But trust and believe ....probably her number one fan in the Caribbean - WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, JANET!! 😂😂❤❤
Janet has had a camera in her face since she was a child & then Rene always had the camera on so I now understand why she’s so private with her life!
Good point
Congratulations on 10k gentlemen!!! Talk about channel growth! So proud of you guys! Here to 100k!
👏👏👏👏Best and most truthful review I have seen so far. Yes Janet and Rebbie danced around that baby question 💃💃 without Janet just simply saying "NO I was not pregnant in the 80s and NO I do not have a child with James Debarge" to FINALLY put the rumors to bed. Rebbie gave it away though not being able to look in the camera and just saying " they said I raised Janet's daughter ". *weak laughter*....but again no direct "NO I didn't raise their daughter" 😂. Either way, i remember what I saw on Fame in 1984, read in Jet and Right On! Magazine in 1984 and what everyone was talking about on tv and radio in 84' regarding Janet and James. Still a huge Janet fan and her music was basically the soundtrack of my youth. 💜💜💜💜🌷🌷🌷
If I may correct or rather clarify one thing about the scene where she and Jimmy are having the disagreement about how she’s singing during the recording session, that particular song , “You Need Me” was intended for a family scandal concept album that A&M records wanted. After recording that song, Janet did not want to go in that direction, and thus the RN1814 concept was born. As you are big Janet fans yourselves, I’m sure you remember that “You Need Me” , which was about her relationship with Joseph, would later become B side on the “ Miss You Much” single . I’m here for all my fellow fans of the Nation, so I’m going to be sure to subscribe.
I've always loved her acting, I wish she would do more!
If you are a real fan or admire her as the artist she is~ You will appreciate the fact she even shared any part of her life so I was very happy with this documentary but was shocked to know her relationship with her father was more positive than what we heard from her brothers……..Thank you Janet❤️
So thrilled you’re almost at 10k gentlemen! 🎉🎉🎉 beyond deserved 💙🙏
I don't have Lifetime, but this is interesting - she and Michael (yes with all of the issues) - iconic - you are right - I don't think people realize the cultural impact of these artists. I was living in LA when Michael passed, and it was like nothing I have ever experienced. LA stopped, for a month. I hope someday she becomes comfortable enough to share her real story, I am sure it is fascinating but maybe she won't. I remember SCREAM - I bought it and watched the video several times - it was dark for both of them and all I saw was pain. I laughed when the Bowie story came up - I discovered Bowie in the 90's right after high school and fell in love - saw him 20 + times before he passed, and I can tell you maybe 10 things about his personal life. I can tell you anything about his music, collaborations, books and art... but the man was private. In such a superstardom atmosphere - holding onto some privacy may give her control or even comfort. Thank you both for the review.
I love your comments, especially the last part about privacy. I'm a fan but I don't need to know the detailed minutiae of where she lives, her favourite food & decor, how she loses weight etc etc. The story behind each popular album was enough for me. I'm disappointed with Jermaine Dupree, he cheated on Janet Jackson 🤦🏾♀️
Janet is my idol, and her documentary was a reminder as to why. I would love to learn more about her, but at the same time, I appreciate her mystery. She is the 👸🏽 !
I agree with y’all on all points this could’ve been a lot better I grew up with her music I am 50 years old I remember every part. I am an auntie and I was very disappointed of how they shot her in the documentary her make up the lighting was bad I don’t know who thought that was a good idea did not like it. ❤️❤️Janet thanks for your review love you guys
Hey, You guys were great!!
_I really enjoyed the special because I'm also a longtime diehard fan of JDJJ. What I think the producers of the documentary seemed to have missed is the fact that we as Janet Jackson fans knew every single item shown in the special. (Granted, seeing some behind the scenes/never before seen footage from her second ex-husband Rene Elizondo did have merit). The thing I love about Janet is she never shades anyone from her past. That's the epitome of a legendary artist. Since she didn't talk about her third marriage(or divorce) which would have given the project more relevancy and texture, I was surprised. Plus she didn't talk about who in her inner circle ended up cheating with her soon-to-be ex-husband at the time, Rene. Lots of good stuff was in fact glossed over. What I did get from the show was the difficulty she initially had in living up to her last name Jackson. And Janet totally took the high road on the SuperBowl circumstance that seem to derail her career for a bit. That's the thing about Jan though, she is truly a 'black diamond'._
It's also interesting for me to see both your prospectives on the doc. I agree that she glossed over certain things but for me as a MUCH more casual fan than you all; I enjoyed it. I was entertained and educated but then again I didn't grow up with Janet at all. I partially understood her impact from my parents but her prime was before my time. To put it in perspective; the super bowl fiasco happened when I was in elementary school and that was probably one of my earliest Janet memories after the "All For You" music video and her dancing on the guy strapped to the table at a Hawaii concert haha. So I'd be interested to know how someone even younger than me who has even less Janet knowledge perceived this doc and if they felt her impact from it without any prior knowledge of who she is.
I wish she bragged about herself a little more in this documentary. She accomplished so much. An 8 or 10 part series breaking it up so she can talk about more things in depth and have an episode dedicated to why she is iconic would have really been awesome. I feel like this should have been done in her 70s when she’s got less to lose.
I nearly fell over when you described Janet’s new look as being Pandemic Related. That phrase is now apart of my vocabulary, thank you.
I have become a fan of your reviews and even though most of the films you review I have never thought of watching. But because you both are so introspective, I decided to Subscribe to your channel and look forward to your commentary, past and present. Perhaps it’s just PANDEMIC RELATED, but I have become a fan.
Agreed with everything you said. My guess about the David Bowie reveal was that it was safe to tell the story because he is dead. He can't sue her. Love Janet and would also love to see her move into producing and directing movies and/or TV.
Took a walk w this one. Enjoyed it. Thank you.
Great review guys totally agree with all points made
I enjoyed this documentary, but I don’t feel we will ever hear the true story of Janet’s evolution until the passing of Mama Jackson. This is the most successful family in the history of popular music, but their respect for their parents (Katherine, is still a practicing Jehovah Witness) are so strong they never will disrespect them by revealing topics that those parents prefer to keep secret). Case in point, Janet may not have had a DeBarge Baby, but she was pregnant and must have had an abortion). Also Her second husband Rene Elizondo, spent ten years filming his wife’s life. If you were shocked by her revelations in The Velvet Rope album, what is contained on the tapes if ever release will shock you more. And so the lucrative divorce settlement was not based on his contribution to her musical career, but the sex tapes that Rene filmed of her for over a decade. Lastly if you noticed how covered Janet appears lately, the fact that Jermaine and Michael along with Janet have all converted to Islam, but once again still feel may be too controversial for the mother and public to accept. Once again not until Mama Jackson passes will you get the truth behind how the Jackson’s evolved. And you can bet the siblings who did not participate, like LaToya and Jermaine, are dying to release their own revelations. Until then the siblings revelation and their secrets are going to be KEEP IT THE CLOSET.
My theory is that Rene and Janet had an agreement where they could have sex partners and that Rene chose them for her. The two explored voyeuristic experiences, BDSM etc.
I remember her saying he had recordings of her piercing her vagina. He had so much more. So she had to pay him millions.
Your channel just popped up I'm glad that it did you gentlemen tell it like it is in my book a very good job by for now
RENE woulda been perfect for instagram and everything thats happening today in terms of social media..gotta give em credit their
they never mentioned 'different strokes' and her relationship with todd bridges..and way to much on joseph..Jan played it safe
AND YES MORE TALK ABOUT THE CRAFTING OF EACH ALBUM
I don’t have Lifetime either so appreciate the extended time to share your thoughts. I watched the clip of Janet giving insight into the making of her biggest hits for Allure magazine. That was so interesting and I’d wished it could have been a lot longer. It felt a privilege to hear as Janet has seemed to be a private person. I also look out for your reviews!! And podcast episodes
I loved this review! Fair & unbiased. Which is why y’all are the best. Huge Janet fan btw ❤️
Love this video! Y’all were spot on with my thoughts on the doc. And right!!!!! She NEVER denied not having a child did she🤔
Thanks for speaking on this, I totally feel what you guys are saying regarding the film. As a documentary filmmaker myself there were a lot of things technically that were not stylized and a bit off, including the lower thirds and flashing her accomplishments at the bottom of the screen and the poor use of word graphics...it just wasn't right for a lady of her magnitude. also as a black gay man she was our Madonna, they totally skipped the Janet Tour and album it was a lot..idk. I almost want to make my own version of the janet doc
Please do. I’d watch it!
I was disappointed honestly, I love Janet but it seemed so obvious a whole lot was unsaid and left out. I wanted more also no mention of her son's father. I didn't expect anything extraordinary but still
one thing I never understood Janet saying was that she didn't remember where she was when she heard Michael died ..how can that be ,everybody remembers THAT day girl
I thought the documentary was good
She's has a NDA. Can't talk about him or show the baby. It's part of the settlement.
@@whatadollslife it probably hit her different since she is related to him, and not a fan like us.
I've always loved Janet Jackson!! Thanks for a very thoughtful review!
Thanks for making this video, FJ. I watched both episodes & I’m very happy to see her again front & center. I followed her for years. I didn’t like seeing her pain in the episodes. I’m so glad she’s a mom now, and making new music for us🎤
I was puzzled why she didn't talk about different strokes
Same
I think when Janet was offering to open up for Michael and the J5 that was in the mid-2000's after his second allegations/trial (cuz that's around the time he lived in Vegas, not the late 90's) so it makes sense why he was closed off to the idea. He seemed pretty broken even after he won the trial. But it does sadden me how she talked about their relationship deteriorating but at least their final moment together was a good one.
been waiting on this review
Oooh yeah been waiting this 🥰🥰. I agree I felt she could have went deeper.. I was hoping she would have went into the 3rd marriage. She let Justin off the hook, I was really upset about that. So many holes
Oh I am so here for this! 🙌❤️
I lapped up this entire review from start to end. The research and commentary was on point. I stan Janet, and this enhanced the #JanetJacksonDoc for me even more. (Nick and Joseph 😍)
Oh my! Can’t wait to hear what you both think
I'm not mad at Janet...MONEY GRAB! Her control and she gets paid. That's how celebrities should do it. They need to hold the purse strings. We know she isn't going to tell it all but we are entertained. Thank you for the review :)
Well lets say I made a Janet playlist and rocking her in the home. Made mom watch this doc cause she is a huge Jackson 5 groupie. We are still fighting about that secret baby. I Stand No secret baby and she keeps on with secret baby "facts". 🤷🏽♀️ That's my mama😘
I’ve never believed the “secret baby” rumour neither, enjoy your playlist - I need to create one too!!
Where's #42 guys?By the way Joseph,I've bought 4 of your favorite colognes;Continuum,Spice Bomb,etc. Wife loves them. Thank you!!!
We had a rough weekend, but there will definitely be one this Sunday. I’m glad you’re wife likes them!
Joseph you are so right!! JANET. is my favorite album of all time and its barely mentioned !!!
great review from the both of y'all
I wasn’t going to watch the documentary but I’ll watch you gentleman speak on it!! Ty!!!!!
I thought it was good
You should watch it. I’m a superfan as well. She was more vulnerable than I thought she would be.
Yea as a long time Janet fan I knew pretty much all the tea. I didn’t know that Rene was pill popper, but my auntie said the rumor was he used to smack her around and the song “what about” is about her. In 2017 when she performed it she said “this is me” so it might be some truth to that. That would have been huge tea if she would have divulged that. They did hint that he was controlling.
What About and This Time are about James.
Kishi Chad Damn where did you hear her say this?
Thank you this breakdown is perfect I argued with my cousins for days that the question re: the secret baby was indeed never answered! Everyone danced around it. It’s not our business but they were playing in our face 💯
“Janet Jackson.” 😂😂🤣
Loved it. Thanks.
LOL @ Janet Jackson Period. Joseph, I want your shirt. Where did you get it?
www.redbubble.com
@@fishjellyfilmreviews Thank you.
I had a boyfriend who bought Randy Jackson’s big Mercedes and we used to drive around in it in LA
I agree I want to see Janet on TV or at the movies, I think the success of this documentary will reopen those doors for her.
I was so excited for this! I will leave the reviews to you, tho, lol. You're far more diplomatic than I am! I will just say that I agree with you, and was also a little disappointed. I didn't want to hear about her relationships. I, too, wanted to see more footage like Janet writing, or in the studio with Terry & Jimmy. I also didn't know about the Coke ad. I will say that she did my David Bowie so dirty, smh & lol! I was stunned to learn that those hands (Rolling Stone cover) were Rene's! I agree: 3 stars. Thanks guys!
I’m a huge fan of Janet since I was a kid in the 70s. I own all of her albums, but for me personally, Velvet Rope was the last great one. Damita Jo was aight.
I might watch this at some point, no rush. 😊
Great review as always guys. ❤️❤️
Joseph, your comments on what I would have liked to have seen are on point. Just day to day things. I didn't want to hear tea on scandals just want to know more about who she is as a human being/black woman.
I guess that so many people had to weigh in on Janet's story that it couldn't help but become disjointed. Her mother, a rigidly devout Jehovah Witness, always watched them like a hawk and would come down on them for the slightest impropriety in their presentations. This must have greatly hindered Janet's attempt to tell it all. Plus, her overly protected privacy and intense shyness always causes her to play it safer than she may like to. The documentary was decently done and worth watching. But I believe that this is the most honest Janet is ever going to be with the public while her mother is still alive. Like the rest of her siblings, she fears her mother as much as she loves her.
My favorite people and as always the shirts are on point.
You guys have great insights and takeaways. Most are what I was thinking 🏳️🌈
Anxious to see what Joseph thinks of this, of course. I thought it was poor. Janet seemed reluctant to really reveal what drives her - "This is too painful!", etc. Umm, you ARE doing a doc, b*tch! lol Like a friend of mine said, we never discover who she is outside of the music - and really, it's still the best way to see who she is and get your groove on, too. 😁Thanks guys. ❤
Thank you for this review! I LOVE Janet Jackson ❤💕♥! But I don't have Lifetime so I wasn't able to watch.
Damn! A petition?
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a super fan. I totes agree about the baby thing. She didn’t explicitly say. I was so emotional watching. And you can’t tell me that nipple gate wasn’t planned. That lady been on 60 million stages and now a malfunction. Nah. It just didn’t read in the media well. The footage of her and Michael made me boohoo. (My daughters middle name is Michael for MJ).
Anticipation has been quite hi 🤣😂🤣😂
Janet Jackson period🤣😂😂😂💜
I still think that Jermaine Dupree looks like the Ray from princess and the frog especially in his early days lol
💀
I think those who are disappointed just wanted her to be a little more messy but that's not what the world was missing the media kept the messy out there I think she addressed what most apply to her and she wanted the sun to shine on her documentary more than it rained there's nothing wrong with that it's just the bad stuff is attractive the good requires extreme effort just to be noticed so if you want the positive to Trump the negative you got to be on positive overload she put to rest a whole lot as it applied to herif she were to address IN DETAIL every Jackson scandal it would have taken up the whole 4 hours and I'm glad I was not bombarded with trash about someone whom I admire so much
I've only watched parts 1+2 and I loved it. I understand & agree with some of your criticism'. You have to remember, Janet Jackson & Tina Turner were so very grateful & I would say, relieved to have made it out of the ghetto, made money and survived alcohol, drug and domestic abuse. These women have been through it. They weren't trained to brag about their accomplishments, and to be honest getting through each day seems to be an accomplishment in itself.
If Janet was with James deBarge when he was a drug addict, did she also occasionally dabble & take drugs with him? Is Janet Jackson a recreational drug user?
"Totally Skipped 'Different Strokes', Didn't She And Todd Bridges 'Fling' For Awhile, Why Wasn't LaToya Invited To The Feast, Love Her Music And Dancing Choreography And Her Look Is Always Impeccable But For The History Of The Jacksons I Would Have To Believe LaToya"...
This review is all over the place. Latoya Jackson has stated over and over that she lie on her brother because her abusive husband was her manager. He was Jealous of her family and threaten her life.
How old are you? When people do their own Life story.I like it better because other people give opinions.They weren't even born.ILoved it.
Huh?
Not y’all calling out Tyler Perry 😂😂😂
😬
Her first two albums were not flops.
Great video! 🌞
Its lifetime always commercials
I’m a huge fan of Janet and I liked it a lot.
What people don't understand is, she is not one to open up cans of worms that she doesn't have to. what she was presenting was the exacts...those things that have been continually discussed in the media, the secret baby, the relationship between she and her father and brother, her weight as well as the Superbowl. She could not speak too much on her son or husband, because there are legalities that her and her husband have agreed too, where he doesn't want their sons face being shown in the media, and in particularly in the UK they cannot show underaged children without the permission of a parent. I think she told what she wanted us to know without causing controversy which she never wants and what the media can misconstrue or misinterpret. And we have to understand that she is still private and this is the most she's sat down and discussed her life...and also she may be saving all things up for her memoirs...if she decides to give us one. Her life is complex and there are wounds that you can see that she hasn't healed from...things she's internalized and that she's finding her way through as she gets older...and if she will ever get over them. So I think it was a great documentary and a lot of people should lighten up as to what she did and didn't include and respect her for the fact that she was coming out of her shell enough to give us what she has.
So basically what we said?
@@fishjellyfilmreviews yes, but with fu out explanation
the only thing I wanted to hear about was why she divorced than fine middle eastern millionaire
He was verbally, emotionally, and mentally abusive. Randy called him out on it. He called her a b**ch throughout her pregnancy so she couldn't even enjoy her pregnancy. 😡 There may have been physical abuse because in her song, "What About?" During her last tour, she was crying throughout it and after the song she said, "This is me."
Thank you Janet for SEEING 👀 that yes your dad was who he was BUT at least he elevated his Family. Some father as strict and do nothing GOOD and productive for their Family !!!
I adore Janet, always have. This Documentary was nothing more than a fluff piece for non-fans whom vaguely know of her as a Name. It was hyped as a Reveal but it dodged way too much, outside of vaguely addressing the baby rumor n why The JD relationship ended (which I already knew). No detail of her recent husband (damn NDA), music career post Damita Jo (FF straight to RnR Hall of Fame), etc. Side note: I found it odd that she mentioned being thought of in the public as Guilty by Association due to MJ yet the only example she gave was she lost out on a Coca Cola deal…as if the only hiccup was losing out on more millions than she already had, really? Granted, she deserves a better legacy than she is stuck with but there is also NO self responsibility taken for many of these decisions, which ultimately does her no justice. It’s better to watch her E True Hollywood Story or VH1 Driven and most curiously: Beth McCarthy Millers interview on Archives discussing the Super Bowl that she directed.
I don't think Janet Jackson has to say no she doesn't have a secret child you should be sophisticated enough to pick up on that on that thought oh my goodness! 🤨
Oh my goodness if you don't believe what she's saying then what's the point of you even critiquing this documentary? 🤔
Something that's understood needs no explanation hello!
Do you think it makes sense to only critique things we believe in 100%?
This review says it all. Janet made the show, and the reviewers said "she doesn't owe us anything." Hence the documentry was empty. Janet's show was only memory lane of her hay-day of a 20 year old song hit.
Dear Lord, what do you people want? “She didn’t go deep enough for me” do you know Janet… at all? Janet is not about the salacious, messiness you people wanted. Everybody is pissed, wanted her to lash out at Justin, but Janet is not like that. She is all about peace and love. As a fan, you should know that. I have been a fan for 40 years. There was stuff in that doc I didn’t even know. Give me a break. Also, I LOVE that they went in chronological order with the storytelling… that’s how you tell stories. Great doc. Great human-being. Love me some Janet!
I think you need some milk.
Oh you sweet, sweet little bird. Bless your heart.
Tyler Perry, girl, get real!
I adore Janet. But she revealed absolutely nothing new. But, you know what she's never been articulate. I expected this and I wanted to be wowed though.
I believe MJ was jealous of her
?
I think MJ was definitely competitive. What surprised me is that for his Dangerous album he tried to recruit Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (her producers) but they turned him down out of respect for Janet. That is sneaky behaviour trying to steal her sound, expecially as he successfully done that previouslyto Jermaine Jackson years before. I didn't like that revelation about him.
I like some of her songs, but I was never a fan. I never like that mousey or innocent thing that they all portray in interviews. she is a hell of an actress and dancers.