The biopic Michael tells the story of one of the most influential entertainers in history, Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, the movie has gained attention from fans and critics around the world. While audiences have praised the performances and music, critics have been much more divided about the film’s storytelling and its handling of Michael Jackson’s controversial life.
One of the strongest parts of the movie is Jaafar Jackson’s performance. From the dancing to the voice and stage presence, he closely resembles Michael Jackson in a way that feels natural instead of forced. The concert scenes stand out the most because they recreate the energy and excitement of Michael Jackson’s performances. Jennifer Kao from The State Press praised Jaafar Jackson during the “Beat It” dance number, saying he captured “his uncle’s soulful artistry.” Even critics who disliked the movie still acknowledged the strength of his performance.
The film opens with the song “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” which perfectly introduces the story of Michael Jackson’s rise to fame. The movie follows his journey from the Jackson 5 to becoming a worldwide superstar with albums like Thriller and Bad. It also highlights his impact on fashion, music videos, and pop culture. The costumes, choreography, and soundtrack create a nostalgic feeling for longtime fans. Ben Miller from The Film Experience wrote, “You will learn absolutely nothing about Michael Jackson the man, but you will get every hit song with loud and vibrant performances.” His review reflects how the film focuses heavily on the music rather than on deeper personal details.
At the same time, many critics argued that the movie avoids the most controversial parts of Michael Jackson’s life. Nicholas Barber from the BBC gave the film one star and criticized it for stopping in the mid-1980s, before Jackson faced allegations of child abuse. Barber argued that the movie removed “everything that might be deemed contentious or dramatic.” Jennifer Kao also described the film as “mediocre” because it rushed through important moments and avoided difficult topics.
Despite the criticism, audiences have reacted very positively to the movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, Michael currently has a 39% critic score based on 284 reviews, meaning many professional critics gave it negative reviews. However, the audience score is much higher at 97%, based on over 10,000 verified ratings. This major difference shows that viewers enjoyed the movie far more than critics did.
Interviews with viewers support this divide. Kate Zavalis said she was “super excited” before watching the movie and enjoyed it so much that she saw it twice. She also said Jaafar Jackson “looked and sounded nearly identical to Michael.” Another viewer, Tom Muldoon, rated the film an 8 out of 10 and believed that including more controversy “would have changed the vibe of the movie.”
Overall, Michael may not satisfy every critic, but it succeeds in celebrating Michael Jackson’s music and legacy. Whether audiences view it as a tribute or a flawed portrayal, the film succeeds in reminding audiences of the lasting impact Michael Jackson had on music and pop culture.
