My thoughts on the movie THIS IS IT

I went to see THIS IS IT on opening night. I had heard a few good things... but I was not sure if Michael was really "all there" or what. I was a bit nervous for him, just a tinge, as I waited for the movie teasers to end. Then, to my glee -- to my utter glee -- Michael appeared on that stage in all his glory. Even without the costumes, even without the make-up and hair done, and even without the full backdrop -- he showed himself to be in better shape than ever... to have a singing voice that was in top form... and to have an ability to dance that was, well, nothing shy of stunning. His entire being was shining throughout the rehearsals.... It was like having an inside glimpse into his private "work" world -- watching him create and polish his performance to every last detail. I sat in awe. I sat in wonderment. I KNEW he had it... I knew he was still king...  but not until I saw it with my own eyes, could I rest assured that I was right, and the media nay-sayers were making things up about him.

With THIS IS IT, Michael Jackson will take his rightful place in history as the KING of all entertainers ...not just the King of Pop.  At least, that is my opinion. There was just no denying, as you watched him, that Michael was transcending the stage in every way -- creating a transcendental experience for the audience through his music, his lyrics, and his dance. I was transfixed as I watched. The only time I waivered was when I thought about his death... and what the world has lost in no longer being able to see him in person. I also thought about his children, and was saddened to know that this film is really the only time they will ever see Michael perform.

He did it -- these concerts -- because he wanted his kids to see him perform... But now, all they are left with -- is a film image. Still, the performances, the humanity of Michael, the ability to work so well with others, and most of all --  his humble spirit -- carried me back into the magic of his performances, and made me forget, for a few moments, that Michael was gone. All I really kept thinking was: He is it -- he IS a King. He's magical. He's better than all the rest of them... That ran through my mind the whole time I watched... and in the end, I walked out knowing, in my heart, that I love Michael Jackson, that though his music, he will always live.

I want the whole world to go see this film.... and I will shout from the rooftops... Michael Jackson is the single greatest performer who ever lived. THIS IS IT gives us proof of his genius, his perfection, his timing, his clarity, his greatness, and beyond all else, his sense of love for all things living on this planet.

Michael, I love you -- and I am so sorry that you were misunderstood in your lifetime. The people who are out there calling you a drug addict and sneering at your name, still, should be ashamed of themselves. In death, you have showed them all -- that like a Phoenix -- you can rise from the ashes. I know you are looking down at all of us from heaven now, and I think you're giving us a wink and a smile.