Hey Mofos!
I went to see a movie after my own heart, I caught a screening of Michael.
Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson 5 to the visionary artist whose ambition fueled his pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
Now let's get into what you came here for: my review!
As a huge Michael Jackson fan, I was locked in from the moment it started. And yes, I showed up dressed for it, glove, loafers and all.
I enjoyed it. I really did.
This film gives us MJ beyond the performances. We see the pressure, the family dynamics, and what it looked like for him trying to become the biggest entertainer in the world. What I appreciated most is that we got to see Michael the human. Not just the child star, but the adult who cries, feels, and is torn between family and his own goals.
Jaafar Jackson stepped into this role in a way that made me forget at times I was not watching Michael himself. The dancing does not flow exactly like MJ, but that is a high bar. Vocally, he gets close enough. I was like okay, close enough… give us a tour!
Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson scared me a little. The focus on those green and grey eyes gave him this jealous, angry energy that felt like a monster at times. You could feel the control every time he was on screen. RUN HIM HIS AWARDS FOR THIS ROLE THO! I met Joseph Jackson and had a couple of interactions with him years ago, and in his 80s, he still had that commanding presence that had me nervous being around him.
One thing I did like was seeing the fear versus the businessman side of Michael. I don't know about you, but I can relate to having all these goals, and then being afraid to push the buttons and scoot people out of the way to get there. Bill Bray stood out too. He brought that brotherly, fatherly, friendly guidance that helped push Michael to step out on his own without being completely tied to Joseph or even his brothers.
Now I will say this.
It felt like something was missing when it came to the siblings. We did not really get those interactions. It felt more like Michael, Joseph, Katherine, played by Nia Long, the animals, and his inner circle. The absence of a true interaction beyond music with his brothers was noticeable. And the focus on LaToya felt a little random, especially since she had more lines than the brothers in J5.
The soundtrack was top tier, but I mean it is the Jackson 5 and MJ. Of course it is. And being the music head that I am, I noticed when the J5 sang "Never Can Say Goodbye" in the 1960s in the film, but the song wasn't written until the 1970 by Clifton Davis and it wasn't released by J5 until 1971. I had to push that noise out of my head and focus on the power of the story.
I did hear some folks in the theater whispering about allegations and I am like chile, this is a movie, not a documentary. It is telling a version of his story.
For me, this does not replace The Jacksons: An American Dream as some folks on Threads liked to say. That one is still more comprehensive. This one feels more like a highlight reel that zooms in on the family dynamic between a superstar and a money driven father who hides under the guise of making sure the brothers are taking care of and that Michael keeps being the money maker for all of them.
One other thing that I loved, I was reminded that affirmations and speaking life into our dreams is key. If we don't believe in us, who will???
Overall, I loved the film. Jafaar did that! I would not be mad at a part two because there is still a lot more story to tell.
My verdict-- go see it! Dance a little bit. Loosen up. Put that 9 to 5 up on the shelf and just enjoy yourself.
Michael is in theaters on April 24, 2026.
~Meik
