GREENSBORO, N.C. — Michael traces the first few decades of the life of Michael Jackson, following his rise from a child star in the Jackson 5 to one of the most influential entertainers in music history. As his stardom reaches unprecedented heights, the story offers a curated look at the man behind the music and the legacy he leaves behind.
A biopic that has literally been years in the making, Michael, much like the King of Pop himself, bounces with kinetic energy as the audience is transported on a musical journey. Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, seems to be possessed by the musical spirit of his deceased uncle. His embodiment of Michael is nothing short of uncanny as he struts, sings, and steals every scene without fully making it a parody. Jaafar, along with Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Jackson’s parents, deliver wonderfully full-throated performances… even when the script abandons their depth.
While not a novel analogy, Michael acts as a repeat of the artist’s greatest hits. If you go to Apple Music or Spotify, you’ll see the essential Michael Jackson tracks near the top and that’s nearly analogous to the film itself. You, the viewer, see the essential storylines woven together in a foot-stomping medley that will certainly get you moonwalking out of your seat, but ultimately leave you with a feeling of artificial, pop-frenzied emptiness afterward. You’ll remember the music and the glimpses of artistry in the makeup and costumes, but forget the bland building blocks that attempt to create a poorly realized monument to the King of Pop — one that never really takes a good, long look at the Man in the Mirror…