Seeing “Michael” in the theater was truly one of the most moving film experiences I’ve had in a long time. I’ve seen it three times now, and I’m still not bored. My boyfriend and I both grew up listening to Michael Jackson and it has quickly become our joint comfort movie before ever leaving the box office. The immersive nostalgia the film creates throws fans back into Michael Jackson’s unimaginable rise to superstardom. Between the concert sequences, music, and personal details, the movie hypnotizes viewers with this global icon’s allure.
The main reason this film is such a hit has to be because of Michaels own nephew; Jaafar Jackson. This Biopic is his first major acting job, and his performance has left everyone wanting more. It doesn’t feel like he’s imitating Micheal, it feels like you are watching Micheal himself. He captures the star’s mannerisms, soft voice, smooth movements, and unmistakable energy in such a natural manner. It’s almost uncanny how much he looks and sounds like him in certain scenes. Critics have given him nothing but praise over his convincing stage presence.
Jaafar has brought so much of his heart to this role. This could have been a basic persona impersonation like other movies showcasing celebrities’ lives, but he brings life to the past. You can feel the deep admiration for his uncle and his legacy. Realizing he comes from the infamously large Jackson family only adds more layers to the emotion you see on screen. His grandmother, Katherine, holds this work of art close to her heart, crying at the embodiment of her beloved late son.
With that being said many critics and certain Jackson family members have supported one of the bigger conversations about this Biography, its acuracy— or lack thereof. Many analysts have deemed it “sanitized,” accusing directors of profiting off pure nostalgia bait rather than facing harsh realities of the star’s life. The movie definitely leans into iconic moments of Michael Jackson’s career and forgets the darker and more controversial parts of his life. Personally, I fully understand these complaints. Coming in with prior knowledge I was waiting for them to address some of the allegations made against Michael, only to be disappointed. This film clearly focused on “Michael Magic” instead of his faults.
Michael Jackon was repeatedly accused of child abuse across multiple decades– this movie avoids those charges all togther. It doesn’t matter if Michael was innocent or guilty, this was a key identifier of his public legacy. By sidestepping this altogether the film feels somewhat incomplete. Executives claim that earlier prototypes included the controversy, but were cut after legal complications and rewrites.
Despite this deletion, I was still fully invested in the story the directors chose to tell. The film’s focus on Michael’s childhood trauma, his experience with global fame, and fatherly pressure that weighed him down made the quieter scenes showing the Jackson family extremely impactful.
But behind the scenes the Jackson family only continues to be strained by fame. Michael’s only daughter, Paris Jackson, has bravely condemned the movie. Claiming “zero percent involvement” after her concerns about inaccuracies were disregarded by supervisors. Paris found the movie dishonest and “sugar-coated,” fueling the emphasis on protecting Michael’s image over honoring a real legacy. Another family superstar, Janet Jackson, also refused any credit for this movie after declining to be portrayed due to accuracy. Her absence is quite noticeable as one of Micheals most significant relationships.
Looking past all this controversy and debate, I honestly can’t deny how much I enjoyed this movie. I don’t think movies have to be perfectly objective documentaries in order to evoke reaction. Micheal Jackson lived such a large and mostly mysterious life, it would be impossible to make it a fool proof biography. Viewing this movie as an honorary celebration of the music, theatrics, and cultural significance of Michael Jackson might be the only correct way to retain it. The soundtrack is obviously amazing, the performances are mesmerizing, and Jaafar Jackson exceeded every nepotistic expectation.
Is the film faulty? Definitely. Does it ignore controversial topics? Absolutely. But even after recognizing this I walked away entertained, emotional, and hungry for more. After seeing it three times already, I can proudly say it’s one of those movies my family will keep rewatching for years.
