As a long time fan of Michael Jackson, it was no question that I would go to see this movie.  Decked out in Thriller-style “This Is It” t-shirt, Thriller jacket, black slacks, white socks, and the pennies, my girlfriend and I arrived to the midnight premiere rather surprised - we weren’t the only ones there.  That’s saying something coming from southwest Virginia - a land where the mere mention of the King of Pop instigates many puns and allegations.

I’ll try not to spoil the fun for those that are going out to see this film in its two-week run.  However, I will enlighten those that may not truly get the film.

As it states, the film is made up of rehearsal footage.  If you’re expecting to see the EXACT show dancestep by dancestep, then I’m sure you’re going to be disapointed.  Even I noticed some movie-goers in our showing that were rather confused with Michael’s random arm movements, persistence of using the sideways moonwalk, and rather random pointing and stomping. For those that may wonder, a lot of that wasn’t what would have been the routines - he’s cueing the percussion and signaling the timing for the band.

It was hyped very much to show Michael’s genius and I do believe if you pay attention to the intricate details you will see that.  The man knew his music and was very much on the road to bringing to his fans a show they never knew they wanted to see.

Even if you only go to see the newly shot short-film segments, it is well worth the price of admission.

Rest in Peace Michael - you were truly onto something.

• Learn more about the movie at www.michaeljackson.com/us/this-is-it.