Michael movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Michael

This hugely successful biopic is still playing in theaters, as well as available on Amazon Prime.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours and 35 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+

Featured Product About This Movie:

You can find this fun Michael Jackson costume and others on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4fayFa5

IN A NUTSHELL:

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael offers an epic, cinematic look into the triumphs, tragedies, and undeniable creative genius of the King of Pop. Starring Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s real-life nephew) in a breakout performance, the biopic attempts to navigate the deeply complicated life of a global icon, from his rigid childhood upbringing under his father’s iron grip to the heights of solo megastardom.

This film is already the highest-grossing music biopic by Lionsgate, and the first biopic to make 1 BILLION dollars!

It’s interesting that the film critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie an abysmal score of 38%, while audiences loved it and awarded the film a whopping 97%! I think that underscores that film critics saw the movie as overly simplified and sanitized, whereas the general public enjoyed the entertaining musical numbers. Never does the elephant in the room make an appearance. I read that the film’s final act initially focused on how the 1993 child abuse allegations impacted Michael Jackson’s life. Lionsgate scrapped that ending after attorneys for Jackson’s estate pointed to a settlement clause with accuser Jordan Chandler that barred his depiction in the film. The movie was delayed, and Jackson’s estate covered the $15 million spent on re-shoots.

Already, the movie about the King of Pop has been nominated for various awards, winning 7 titles.

The real-life Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, and La Toya all worked as Executive Producers. Rebbie, Janet, and Randy Jackson requested not to be included in the film.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Intense family dynamics and depictions of strict, aggressive parenting with physical and verbal abuse from Joe Jackson.
Thematic discussions surrounding intense media scrutiny, isolation, and personal struggles.
Mild profanity.
Talk of gang violence, racism

THEMES:

The cost of perfectionism and fame
Family loyalty vs. individual identity
Greed
Nurturing your inner light despite external darkness

THINGS I LIKED:

Jaafar Jackson’s Performance: Taking on the mantle of his real-life uncle is no small feat, but Jaafar Jackson does his family proud. His vocal inflections, dancing accuracy, and mannerisms remind us how unique Michael truly was. This is his first feature film ever! He said he was “humbled and honored” to be selected to play Michael. There was a two-year casting process! That must have been such an amazing experience for him to play the legend.
The Musical Numbers: The recreation of iconic performances like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and the Jackson 5 eras are electrifying and wonderfully staged.
Colman Domingo and Nia Long: The supporting cast is phenomenal. Domingo captures Joe Jackson’s intimidating presence perfectly, balancing it against Nia Long’s warm, anchoring portrayal of Katherine. Other cast members who were fun to watch were Miles Teller and Mike Meyers.
Juliano Valdi is adorable and instantly charming as the young Michael Jackson. I thought it was so adorable when the young Michael Jackson was recording in a sound studio and he couldn’t keep himself from moving to the rhythm of the music. Dancing was such a part of his style and singing.
Joseph Jackson: I assumed that the film would downplay how brutal Michael Jackson’s father was. I don’t know everything that happened in the family, but the average viewer could see his relationship was Michael was definitely traumatic and difficult. I thought it was interesting that none of the kids called him “Dad”, but “Joseph.”
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video was a HUGE hit in 1983. Nothing like it had ever been done. I remember when it first came out! For the movie, they recreated it on Union Pacific Avenue in Los Angeles, California, exactly where they made the iconic video!
Fun fact: Lada Gaga owns some of Michael Jackson’s actual performance clothing. She told the production company they could use any of the pieces for free if they agreed to let her attend any of the shooting days she wanted to.
Michael Jackson used to go on huge shopping sprees at the famous toy store. We know he bought a lot of things for himself, but it was heartwarming to see how much he did for children suffering in hospitals.
In the movie, we hear Michael Jackson hum the song “Smile” by Charles Chaplin. It was his favorite song. His brother, Jermaine, sang it at Michael’s memorial service in 2009.
It’s always fun to take a peek behind the scenes of such popular stars, and learn a little bit about them. It does make you wonder what actually happened, though.
At the end of the film, the screen says, “His story continues…” There was talk that they were going to make a Michael Jackson movie into two parts, but it was finally decided to just have one stand-alone film. Would you like to see another one?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The Pacing: Trying to squeeze decades of highly publicized, dense history into a single film means some eras feel rushed while others drag a bit.
Sanitized Perspectives: Because the film was made with the direct involvement of the Jackson estate, certain complex, controversial aspects of Michael’s life are handled with a very protective, soft lens.
I wondered where they were going to end the film. I assumed it would be a high point. It was.

INTERESTING LINES:

Joe Jackson: “In this life, you’re either a winner or you’re a loser… Y’all wanna work in a steel mill like me for the rest of your days? Because I sure as hell don’t.“
Joe Jackson: “Michael, you’ve got a lot to learn about family.”
Michael Jackson: “I love my family. I just want to do my own thing. I just have all these ideas in my head. I just got to get them out.“
Katherine Jackson: “You have a very special light… Don’t you ever let anyone take that away from you. Not even yourself.“
Mr. Gordon: “You have something to say. That’s rare.”
Michael Jackson: “I can see it. If you can see it, you can do it.”
Michael Jackson: “If I’m not here to receive these ideas, God might give them to Prince.”
Michael Jackson: “Music will bring people together, Bill. That’s the point.”