Exclusive photos: 'This Is It' premiere reveals Michael Jackson and his fans

October 28, 4:14 PMAEG Events ExaminerSusana Capra

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This Is It director Kenny Ortega sheds a tear in an emotional moment on the red carpet (Susana Capra)

Michael Jackson's presence could be felt, if not heard, at Los Angeles' Nokia Theater premiere of 'This Is It'. The full blown affair was a bittersweet moment for all involved, excitement for the film but a stilllingering sadness at the King of Pop's death. In true Los Angeles fashion it was a red carpet extravaganza, elegant and classy. The stage was set at Nokia Plaza with a massive 'This Is It' sign as the main attraction, the same one seen in the monumental last photos of Jackson on stage. Perhaps more of the main attraction were the celebrity guests and the Jackson brothers. With his mother, father and sisters making no appearance the brothers were IT. 

With celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, American Idol's Adam Lambert, Neil Patrick Harris, Ian Ziering, Paula Abdul and Paris Hilton rolling into the premiere in limos and fancy cars, it was apparent Michael Jackson was a Hollywood favorite. Regardless if this premiere was simply the hot Hollywood event with a necessary red carpet appearance or these celebrities were true fans of the pop star, the fans screamed and the flashes went off. Fans lined the red carpet decked out in 'This Is It' shirts and silver beaded gloves, holding tickets for that evenings show. 

The show began in Nokia Theater at 6pm and was introduced by the film/tour director and Michael's good friend, Kenny Ortega. The film, running two hours, has been highly anticipated ever since talks of its creation was announced. Fans were beyond excited for this movie and media were just as excited, this is the biggest event since the sudden death of the legend. Without the chance to see 'This Is It' live on stage, this film would be the only way to be in Michael's presence. The day news broke that Michael had passed many who loved him grieved but at the premiere there was a sense of joy and anticipation.

Many of the fans gathered at L.A. Live last night were there to see the 9pm showing at the new Regal Theaters. These fans would be the first to see the movie and fittingly, as these were the people who spent 2 nights out on the concrete floor of LA's Nokia Plaza in line for the very tickets they were holding last night. For these fans, Michael Jackson was a piece of their heart and 3 days in line was simply 'worth it.' One fan though seemed to be all the rage, a Michael Jackson look a like, Michael Kiss who upon a quick glance would stun you with his perfectly similar look. He has mastered the mannerisms, sayings and look of Michael Jackson. Being mobbed by fans and cameras, you almost thought he was Jackson (take a look at the photos below). For fellow fans, they structured a line to take photos of him and get his autograph because for that quick second he was the legend,  Michael Jackson and he was theirs. 

The film itself was a montage of rehearsal footage from March - June 2009 of Jackson preparing for the 'This Is It' tour. It presents Michael in his musical expression and brilliance, with such knowledge of every tempo and every moon walk. At some points Jackson looked frail and thin but it never stopped him from executing his dance moves, the moves he made legendary. This was perhaps the extraordinary part, to see this man whom the people know mostly as a controversial public figure, in his element, a creative musician who knew what he wanted and asked for it, with love and many God Bless You's. You simply wonder how his life ended when his time on stage was just beginning again. It is a film documenting the concert he wanted to show the world, if the film does nothing else for you, what it will do is wish you could have seen 'This Is It' live. More on the movie review to come. 

 Jackson's spirit lived on at this premiere and with 'This Is It' set in stone, the future will be a bright place for the late legend, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. 

PREMIERE PHOTOS -Susana Capra (AEG/CAPRAPHOTO)

 Check back for EVEN more photos of Thrill the World, the Regal Cinema Michael Jackson opening and more....

All things Michael Jackson:  http://www.examiner.com/category-Michael_Jackson.html