Michael Jackson has been a rare talent and a beloved global star since he was part of the Jackson 5, a family band with four of his older brothers, at just 10 years old in 1968 in Gary, Indiana. From an early age, Jackson worked to perfect his craft and set out to become one of the greats, a goal he ultimately achieved.
The biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s real-life nephew, in the lead role. The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Miles Teller as music executive John Branca. The film begins by portraying the pressures and struggles Jackson faced under his father and manager, Joe Jackson, and how he navigated their complicated relationship. In interviews throughout his life, Jackson spoke about enduring abuse from his father, a theme the film does not shy away from. As he grows older, the story follows his pursuit of independence, both in the music industry and in his personal life, which becomes one of the film’s most pivotal arcs.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its soundtrack. It features Jackson’s biggest hits and includes a segment highlighting the creation of his iconic album “Thriller.” Watching the film in IMAX elevated the experience; the sound made it feel immersive, as if the audience was inside the music itself. The film also recreates the “Thriller” music video and offers a look behind the scenes, showing where Jackson drew inspiration and what fueled his artistry. His message of promoting peace and love while discouraging hate is woven throughout, especially in songs like “Beat It.”
After watching, it felt like I saw a side of Jackson that went beyond the dancing and singing. He came across not as an untouchable superstar, but as a human being driven by passion, discipline and determination. “It made me realize how much he went through and how hard he worked for everything,” says Alec Toledo (11).
The only downside was the ending. It felt abrupt, leaving me thinking, “That’s it?” There seemed to be much more of his story left to tell. Still, that may be inevitable when trying to capture such a complex life in a single film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there are already discussions of a sequel. “We absolutely have more story to tell,” Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson says. “We have prepared for that moment, and if the audience is ready for more, we’re prepared to deliver.”
Even 16 years after his death, Jackson remains a constant presence in music and pop culture. His songs are still played worldwide, whether through headphones or in productions like “MJ The Musical” at the Straz Center in Tampa. While there have been many documentaries about Jackson, “Michael” stands out as the first major biopic focused on the rise of his solo career after separating from the Jackson 5.
Critics have given the film a low score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences strongly disagree, with a 97% rating on the Popcornmeter. Across social media, fans have shared overwhelmingly positive reactions from early screenings and premieres. Some have even turned attending the movie into a trend by dressing like Jackson.
Set for release April 24, the film feels long-awaited for fans like me. I first discovered Jackson when I was 8 years old, and his music has stayed with me ever since. His influence continues to reach new generations, proving that the King of Pop still lives on through his timeless work.