The much-anticipated biopic on the King of Pop, Michael, has finally hit the screens, promising audiences an intimate look into the life of one of the most iconic entertainers the world has ever known. While the film is undeniably crafted with reverence and love for its subject, it ultimately struggles to rise above the formulaic structure of a standard documentary, leaving viewers wanting more cinematic punch.
A Familiar Biopic Opening
The film kicks off the way most biopics do, walking the audience through the origins of its subject. The first thirty minutes are dedicated to exploring what, how, and why Michael became the Michael the world would eventually come to know. While the intent is clear, the opening stretch lacks the explosive energy one might hope for from a film about an artist of such magnitude. There is a quiet expectation that the narrative will gather steam as it moves forward, but the early moments feel restrained rather than electrifying.
Standout Performances, Especially From the Young Lead
One of the film’s brightest spots in its opening act is the child actor portraying young Michael. The young performer delivers a surprisingly confident and emotionally resonant performance, anchoring the early portions of the film with remarkable skill. His vocal presence in particular stands out as solid and captivating.
Interestingly, as Michael grows into adulthood within the film, his voice takes on a noticeably more feminine quality, which feels slightly jarring compared to the powerful vocal presence established in the childhood scenes. It is a creative choice that may divide audiences.
The lead actor, Jaafar Jackson, who plays the adult Michael delivers a performance so immersive that at times it no longer feels like acting. He seems to gradually transform into Michael himself, and by the latter half of the film, it is almost as if viewers are watching the legend perform live once again.
Equally compelling is the actor portraying Michael’s father. His deep, commanding voice cuts through every scene with an unnerving, almost neurotic intensity, striking a nerve with the audience in a way that lingers long after the scene ends.
The Cost of Fame Arriving Too Soon
One of the film’s more thought-provoking takeaways is what happens when success and fame arrive too early in life. Through young Michael’s journey, the film quietly meditates on the psychological weight of stardom at just ten years old, and how that pressure shapes a person for life. It offers a window into understanding why Michael was often perceived as eccentric or unusual, a theme the film returns to throughout.
A Father-Son Dynamic at the Heart of the Story
The film does not shy away from portraying the difficult relationship between Michael and his father, who is depicted unflinchingly as a harsh and controlling figure. One of the most powerful emotional beats in the entire movie comes when Michael finally fires his father, a moment that truly feels like the end of an era.
In the scenes that follow, audiences see a completely new side of Michael, one that is lighter, freer, and more positive. It is a pivotal moment that reframes the rest of his journey.
Music, Nostalgia, and the Fight Against Industry Bias
Michael is a musical at heart, and for fans who grew up on the King of Pop’s discography, the film delivers waves of nostalgia. The recreations of his iconic performances are crafted with care and are likely to be the highlight of the viewing experience for longtime admirers.
The film also tackles Michael’s fight against the racial barriers in the music industry, most notably MTV’s policies against featuring Black artists during the early years of the channel. The portrayal of CBS’s support for Michael during this critical period is one of the most touching arcs of the film, highlighting a key moment in music history where one artist’s persistence helped reshape an entire industry.
A Journey of Self-Discovery, Not Conventional Inspiration
Michael’s transformation, from a boy who performed for his family to the global phenomenon the world remembers, is portrayed with authenticity. However, his story, as presented here, is not the typical rags-to-riches inspirational arc. Instead, it is a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, one marked by the familiar highs and lows that come with extraordinary fame.
Where the Film Falls Short
For all its sincerity, Michael suffers from a significant lack of dramatic momentum. The film feels short on kick, rarely escalating into moments of true cinematic tension or catharsis. It meanders through its subject’s life without ever fully landing the emotional blows it sets up. And before the audience knows it, the film simply ends, with little sense of a satisfying climax or resolution.
Final Verdict
Michael is, without a doubt, a heartfelt tribute to a legendary artist. For those who have listened to, cherished, and lived through Michael Jackson’s music, this film will feel like a warm, nostalgic embrace. However, for the general moviegoer expecting the drama, tension, and cinematic storytelling of a traditional biopic, the experience is likely to fall flat.
Ultimately, Michael feels far more like a documentary than a film, and for that reason, it earns just 1 star in this review. It is a love letter to the King of Pop, but not quite the cinematic experience his legacy deserves.
Rating: 1/5 Stars Genre: Musical Biopic Recommended for: Die-hard Michael Jackson fans seeking nostalgia
