"This Is It' Review by Jenna Schaefer

Initially, I did not think I was ready for this film. I, like many, have taken the untimely death of Michael Jackson very, very hard. I was afraid I may not be emotionally ready to watch This Is It. When the lights went down, and the prompter splashed the first message about the movie across the screen, I burst into tears. I thought for sure I wouldn't make it through

the entire movie. But with the first glimpse of a smiling Michael, a sudden calmness washed over me. There was something about seeing him so happy, so excited, so ready.... that made me feel peaceful inside. The movie was everything you could ever expect from a spectacular performer and more. From the touching words of praise from his hand picked dancers, to the candid MJ moments, to the amazing stage show, there is no doubt in my mind that This Is It would have been the concert of the century. MJ's take-charge yet gentle attitude was admirable, and his creative genius shines bright. He looked and sounded amazing as he rehearsed for his show, and his dancing captivated me. For a moment you almost forget his age, because not only does he keep time with his back-up dancers, he sometimes moves even more quickly and smoothly than they do!

I truly enjoyed every last drop of my experience tonight. My heart filled with warmth when I realized I was in a theatre full of people of all ages, from a 2 year old with bright and big excited eyes, to an elderly lady with a cane, who came there by herself. It amazes me how big his fan base really is. I would recommend this movie to people of all ages, MJ fan or not..., and I would pay money to see it over and over again.

I do want to add one more thing that's not related to the movie. On my way home tonight, I looked up at the sky and all of a sudden, this thought hit me: Michael Jackson is not dead... he never went away. He is right there. He was an angel on earth, and now he is our angel from up above. He is with us, everyday. Wherever we go, he is with us. So, I encourage everyone to spread his message of love and compassion... volunteer, kiss a sad child, open up your hearts and arms to the disadvantaged, under privelaged people of this world. Help them, heal them, love them. That is what made Michael so special, so we owe it to him to carry on for him, and remember... he is not dead. The sky is him. The clouds are him. He blankets every single one of us. He blankets this entire world.

Sincerely,
Jenna Schaefer