After watching the new movie, “Michael,” I have so many thoughts. As a lifelong fan of his music, my jaw was on the floor for a lot of it, but as a moviegoer, I also walked out feeling a little conflicted. Here is my honest breakdown of the good, the “bad,” and the nostalgic.
Let’s start off with the absolute best part of the movie: Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson. He stars as the iconic late popstar, who happens to be the most famous entertainer to ever live, is an impossible task. Jaafar absolutely crushed this film. The physical transformation, the soft cadence of his speaking voice and his dance moves were studied to absolute perfection. Watching him recreate the “Beat It” footwork and the moonwalk on the screen literally gave me the chills. You truly forget you are watching an actor.
Of all the breathtaking sequences, the recreation of the iconic 1983 "Motown 25" performance stands out as the film’s absolute crown jewel. When Jaafar steps into the spotlight, slips on the single rhinestone glove, and transitions into the historic first-ever moonwalk during “Billie Jean,” the energy is electric. The cinematography beautifully captures the collective gasp of the audience, perfectly mirroring the exact moment pop culture shifted forever. It is a stunning, meticulously detailed centerpiece that highlights both the film’s high production values and Jaafar’s uncanny ability to channel his uncle’s legendary stage presence.
The supporting cast is just as stellar. Colman Domingo brings a terrifying, simmering menace to the role of Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, perfectly capturing the strict, tyrannical drive that shaped the Jackson 5. Nia Long also breaks your heart as Katherine, Michael’s mother, serving as the quiet, emotional anchor of the family.
If you are going into this movie just to hear the hits and feel that larger than life energy, director Antoine Fuqua absolutely delivers. The production value is massive. The recreations of the “Thriller” video and the Bad World Tour are worth the watch alone. It almost feels like you are in the stadium watching him live.
By framing his first film as a superstar origin story that concludes around the Victory Tour era, the filmmakers effectively avoid almost all the major controversies, eccentricities, and legal battles that defined his later life. It leans heavily into “printing the legend,” portraying Michael as a chronically innocent, sensitive soul trapped under his father’s shadow. At times, the script relies so heavily on a constant stream of music that it feels like a shield to avoid sitting in real, uncomfortable silence or depth.
The film "Michael" is an uneven biopic but is never boring. It sacrifices complex psychological depth in favor of pure, dazzling entertainment. It is a massive box office ride that will leave your ears ringing, your feet tapping, and your heart a little tugged. It is an absolute must watch for the music alone, even if we must wait for “Part 2” to get any real substance regarding his darker chapters.
