Review: Michael “Steers clear of controversy, while still capturing Michael Jackson’s whimsy.”

Michael provides an in-depth look at Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career, tracing his journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 through the phenomenal rise of his solo stardom in the late 1980s. Portrayed by Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film highlights key moments that defined Jackson’s legacy, such as the making of his groundbreaking albums, the artistry behind his iconic music videos, and the cultural impact of his innovative performances. Audiences gain new insight into the determination, creativity, and ambition that made Michael Jackson a global superstar and enduring musical icon.

Jafaar Jackson totally became his uncle for this role. Honestly, aside from a few minor prosthetic slip-ups, you could almost believe you were watching Michael Jackson himself. He stepped into his shoes, nailing the voice, the moves, and that special magic that made Michael so captivating both on stage and off. But as great as his performance was, I have to say, Juliano Valdi, who played Michael at age 10, completely stole the spotlight. He’s an absolute scene-stealer, and you can tell he’s going to be a star.

Colman Domingo takes on the complex role of Joseph Jackson, Michael’s father, whose controversial reputation as a strict and demanding “stage dad” still sparks conversation today. Domingo doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker aspects of Joseph’s parenting; his performance is both unsettling and deeply nuanced. Through his powerful presence, viewers get a real sense of the tension and fear Joseph created at home, as well as a glimpse into how that control shaped Michael’s drive, discipline, and relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s a portrayal that adds real depth and empathy to the story, helping us understand not only why Michael feared his father, but also how those difficult experiences influenced the artist he became.

Let’s be honest. Most biopics tend to follow the same formula, and Michael is no exception. But there’s just something special about a good rise-to-stardom story, and this movie definitely delivers on that front. The recreations of Michael’s performances and music videos really take you back, and if you’re a fan, you’ll probably find yourself tapping your toes or even dancing in your seat. Still, it feels like the film only skims the surface of his life, playing it safe instead of diving into the tougher topics. That might be because of all the reshoots and legal battles over what could and couldn’t be shown. We never really get to see what drove Joseph to become such a demanding “stage dad,” or that pivotal moment when Michael decided to break away from the Jackson 5, beyond a quick mention of wanting a new sound. The movie barely addresses his plastic surgery, which was such a big part of his story, and aside from one quick line about Michael’s nose, it skips over the emotional struggles he faced because of his upbringing.

Michael is an enjoyable, easy crowd-pleaser with little exploration of who the “King of Pop” was. It steers clear of controversy while still capturing Michael Jackson’s whimsy. It’s a film packed with powerful performances that are sure to catapult the careers of these talented young stars. While the experience hits a high note, the film ends flat with a cheesy title card (that looks like something from a Marvel movie) promising the continuation of Michael’s story. Hopefully, part 2 will dive deeper. It is worth experiencing Michael in theaters surrounded by fans. The audience reaction is what makes this movie fun. Michael’s music is a universal language of love. We never can say goodbye to the man who makes us feel like we’re not alone.