Michael Review: A Masterful Biopic That Lives Up To The King Of Pop’s Legendary Status

by

Movies and shows about the lives of famous singers aren’t uncommon. Just in the last few years, we’ve seen biopics like Elvis and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (both released in 2022), followed by Bob Marley: One Love in 2024. Michael Jackson’s story has been told many times too, including through the Broadway musical MJ, which premiered in 2022 and focuses on his early career and path to fame.

The film faced significant challenges in capturing the essence of Michael Jackson, especially given his iconic status. However, it also had some advantages. Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the lead role and bears a remarkable resemblance to his uncle. Furthermore, Lionsgate invested heavily in the project, with a budget of around $170 million – making it one of the studio’s most costly films ever.

The final result was well worth the investment. Everything, from the actors to the outfits and the elaborate concert scenes, truly captures the spirit of the iconic Michael Jackson it’s based on.

Michael Is As Close To The Real Deal As It Gets In 2026

The strongest part of the movie Michael is definitely the acting. Jaafar Jackson’s performance as Michael is remarkably like the real King of Pop – it’s easy to believe you’re actually watching Michael Jackson. This is especially true during the concert scenes, which feel authentic and could easily be mistaken for footage from Jackson’s actual tours. Jaafar doesn’t just nail the big moments; he perfectly captures Michael’s subtle mannerisms, voice, and even his smile. He also flawlessly recreates iconic moves like the moonwalk.

Jaafar Jackson isn’t the only actor who embodies Michael Jackson in the film. The movie begins by showing Michael’s childhood, and Juliano Valdi does a fantastic job portraying him during those early years. Valdi brilliantly captures Michael’s incredible talent, even as a young boy, and also effectively shows the difficult home life and loneliness he experienced. The other actors are also strong; Colman Domingo is convincingly unlikeable as Joseph Jackson, and Nia Long delivers particularly moving performances as Michael’s mother, Katherine.

Biographical films about musicians often struggle to create a strong story while also including the songs fans want to hear. Often, these movies end up prioritizing the music over a good narrative. However, the film Michael avoids this pitfall. Unlike Elvis, which sometimes felt exaggerated, Michael provides a nuanced and compelling look into Michael Jackson’s personal life, offering a story that is strong enough to stand on its own, even without the music.

Despite the intense drama, the movie features musical numbers that showcase its high production quality. While some of these sequences might run a little long, it’s easy to forgive, especially considering Jaafar Jackson’s remarkably accurate performance, the beautiful 1970s-inspired costumes, and the concert-like staging. The movie is so immersive that it’s often hard to tell if the audience cheering is from the film itself or the actual theater – and sometimes, it’s both!

Michael Jackson wasn’t perfect, but he had few significant flaws. It’s worth noting that some family members, including his daughter Paris and sister Janet, have voiced concerns about the recent movie about his life – and neither of them appear in it. While this doesn’t change the story the film tells, it’s important context, especially since Paris Jackson has said the movie presents a false, overly polished, and unrealistic portrayal of her father.

It’s hard to say if the movie is accurate, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Most viewers probably aren’t focused on historical details, but the film’s inaccuracies are still a weakness. A smaller issue is the appearance of Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles. Bubbles’ computer-generated look is particularly jarring, standing out in a movie that is otherwise visually impressive and pulling viewers out of the story.

Some scenes feel a little slow and could have been cut, particularly those focusing on Michael’s father. The film quickly establishes that Joseph Jackson wasn’t a loving parent—something most viewers already know. Therefore, repeatedly showing his harsh treatment of Michael feels unnecessary, especially when the movie should be highlighting Jaafar Jackson’s incredible performance as his son.

Beyond a few minor flaws, Michael is a perfect example of how a biographical film should be made. It’s lively, genuinely funny, and clearly focused on capturing the essence of Michael Jackson’s style and voice. The movie will make audiences feel like they truly understand the iconic superstar, though they might wish the story didn’t end as his career was beginning to shift. Fortunately, the film ends with a message – “His story continues” – hinting at a possible sequel, so fans have something to look forward to.

Read More

2026-04-21 16:08