Why MJ's Movie Knocked My Socks Off (5 pics)

Last night, my future sister-in-law, my good friend Vic, and I went to the Paramount Studios lot to watch This is It, the Michael Jackson movie/concert experience. After battling 2 1/2 hours of traffic, I made it there and begged my way through (the guys at the main gate said the movie was full but my sad, traffic sob story sold them and they let me in). I arrived 15 minutes late but, boy oh boy, was it worth it.

Why is this movie great? Because you get to see a side of Michael that you've probably never seen before. He strives for perfection, he knows what he wants and he expects only the best from everyone around him. You see his kooky side, his human side, when he laughs at the word "booty" you see his innocent side. Most of all, though, when the music starts and the lights come on, the man becomes a presence. He just doesn't feel the music, he becomes a part of it. He makes it come alive and you can't help but tap your feet and sing along to the songs you grew up with - the songs of your childhood.

There was a deep sense of closure I felt when the credits came on. Watching the interviews and seeing the rehearsals, I felt that Michael had put everything he could into this show. So as we say goodbye to Michael, I forget the man with the troubled past and remember the man who's heart was as big as his talent. Perhaps...even bigger.

By the way, this guitar chick rocks.

This is It will be in theaters until December 3rd. Catch it on the big screen - it's the closest thing you'll get to a concert experience!

Photos by Kevin Mazur/Columbia Pictures

Have you seen the movie? If so, what did you think of it?