Image credit – Universal Studios
Author’s Score
19/20
Michael will be the highest-grossing biopic of all time
There have been many reviews that have criticised this movie, but from the very beginning, it is clear that it is a well-thought-out film. The structure of the movie is excellent, tracing Michael’s journey from his origins to his rise to stardom. From the start, it portrays the struggles of the Jackson family in Indiana and Michael’s difficult relationship with his father. Although Joe Jackson abused Michael at an early age, one thing the film makes clear is that he instilled discipline and hard work in his children.
The loving relationship between Michael and Katherine Jackson is especially touching throughout the movie and remains evident even as Michael grows older. The film also highlights Michael’s vulnerabilities, particularly his introduction to fame and his struggles to build friendships with people his own age.
The movie explores the loneliness Michael experiences, especially in scenes where he talks to his horse before the recording session for Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough. There is no question that Michael was immensely talented, and it is worth talking about Jaafar Jackson portraying his uncle. Jaafar delivers a brilliant performance and plays the role so convincingly that it almost feels as though Michael himself has been reincarnated to act in his own story. Jaafar’s voice, mannerisms, and personality strongly resemble those of his late uncle, and viewers can clearly see that his passion for the role is genuine. Michael’s ambition was enormous, and his characteristics were unmatched. He understood that music could turn his dreams into reality.
The film also highlights Michael’s creative process, showing how he wrote his music and carefully storyboarded what would become one of the greatest albums of all time, Thriller. It also explores how he wrote Beat It after watching news reports about conflict between the Bloods and Crips gangs, transforming elements of gang culture into a music video with a positive message.
The movie also emphasises Joe Jackson’s greed and the strained relationship between him and Michael, which is consistently shown throughout the film. Joe constantly spoke about the importance of family, yet often made Michael feel isolated and controlled by repeatedly using the idea of “family” to influence him. One particularly telling moment is when Joe asks a doctor whether Michael would ever be able to perform again, which further reflects Joe Jackson’s ambition and self-interest.
Michael Jackson was not weird; in many ways, he was misunderstood. He was not only a gifted musician but also someone who endured abuse and lacked a true father figure or role model. Missing out on a normal childhood undoubtedly affected the way he behaved, but he was also a deeply kind person, and the movie captures this well. Although audiences have heard Michael Jackson’s story many times before, the directors include scenes that viewers may not have seen previously, such as Michael playing Twister with Bubbles, his confrontation with Joe Jackson when he fired him, and his visits to sick children in hospital. These moments reveal who Michael truly was, and the film captures that side of him effectively. Michael’s mannerisms were exceptional, and he had a unique ability to speak to people in a way that made them believe in his vision.
A strong cast was assembled for this movie, and every performance felt authentic. The bond between Katherine and Michael is particularly moving and demonstrates how deeply his mother loved him. The only disappointment is that the film appears to be heavily controlled by the Jackson family, meaning it tells only part of the story. As a fan, I wanted to see more of the struggles Michael faced later in life, rather than focusing mainly on his years in the spotlight and at the height of his career. The Jackson family is undeniably talented, and Jaafar’s performance is proof of that. This is definitely a must-watch film, and hopefully, the second part of the story will answer many of the questions that remain unresolved. Stay tuned.
