Never before have I witnessed a theater erupt in applause at the end of a film, until Saturday, April 25, when I saw the Michael movie. As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, I’ve always envied those lucky enough to experience his genius live. Yet, for two hours, the film gave me that feeling: an up-close view of his artistry, creativity, and magic.
Jaafar Jackson embodies the legend masterfully. His devotion to capturing Michael’s signature movements and stage presence is evident. While Jaafar isn’t an exact replica of his uncle, his performance vividly brings Michael’s meteoric rise to stardom to life.
Before Michael’s breakout and his eventual freedom from his father and manager, Joseph “Joe” Jackson, the film takes us to his early years. We see young Michael singing with his brothers in The Jackson Five. Juliano Valdi’s portrayal is so good; he channels Michael’s vocal talent and playful spirit as a child. It’s a clear reminder that, while Michael became the world’s biggest star, he was also a son, grandson, and brother. He was a real person thrust into the harsh spotlight, facing public scrutiny, privacy invasions, and personal struggles.
The film movingly depicts Michael’s yearning for a place where he can simply be himself, which he eventually finds in Neverland. I was glad his love for animals was highlighted, as was his goal to entertain in a way that brings people together, and his determination to turn his music videos into mini movies.
Michael movie: A two-hour time machine for the world’s biggest star
Watching this film, I saw the Joe Jackson I’d only read about in stories or heard in various TV jokes. Colman Domingo delivers an unsettling performance that scared me. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how Joe’s relentless drive for success (through his children) casted seeds of trauma that followed them for years.
I wasn’t alive during Michael’s biggest moments, but the theater’s energy lifted me up as if I had been. I sang along to every hit, from “I’ll Be There” and “Who’s Lovin’ You” to “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” While I wish “Rock With You” and a few other favorites had made the cut, the soundtrack was a genuine celebration.
I loved every performance, but I was impatiently waiting for the Motown 25 performance of “Billie Jean.” Every detail, from choreography to set design, felt carefully designed. I also loved the moments between Michael and his mother, Katherine (played by Nia Long), who seemed to be his safe haven.
With a legend as colossal as Michael, it’s impossible to capture every chapter of his life in two hours. That’s why I’m glad there’s talk of a sequel; there’s much more to explore. Director Antoine Fuqua, producers John Branca, Graham King, and John McClain, and screenwriter John Logan have created more than a biopic; they’ve built a time machine that lets fans revisit the magic again.
To critics: this movie wasn’t made for you.
I’ve never shied away from saying I respect critics, but for me, the voices of real moviegoers matter most. Critics shared their takes from early private screenings, and most reviews felt harsh. Some couldn’t handle the film’s whimsical portrayal of Michael, an authentic reflection of who he truly was, and seemed to crave more darkness than celebration.
As soon as the film was released, its Tomatometer (audience reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes soared to a 97%. Michael is breaking biopic box-office records, and I would go watch it again. In my opinion, critics, this movie is not for you. This is something special for Michael Jackson fans. Although they’re also sharing thoughts on what could’ve been better, it’s not coming from a place of negativity.
Header image credit: Lionsgate Films
