Before walking into the movie “Michael,” if you had asked me who fans called “The King of Pop,” I probably would have guessed Bruno Mars. Now, two weeks after walking out of Regal Cinemas, I could probably list a hundred reasons why Michael Jackson is the only answer.
I’ll admit it: before seeing the “Michael” biopic, my understanding of Jackson was pieced together from passing comments from my parents and the occasional song on the radio. I knew the name, of course, but not the impact of his music, the extent of his fame, or the level of talent that made him one of the most influential performers of all time.
The biopic covers Jackson’s life from his time performing with his brothers in The Jackson Five, starting when he was just 5 years old, to his “Bad,” era, beginning when he was 29.
Jafaar Jackson stars in an electrifying performance as his uncle. His energy, charisma, and eerily accurate dance moves felt less like acting and more like watching Michael himself.
The film includes several full, realistic Michael Jackson performances that almost brought me to one of his concerts at times. “Michael” truly captures the extent of Jackson’s fame, depicting several fans passing out at concerts and entire streets coming to a stop when Jackson was nearby.
Although I can’t say enough about “Michael;” many disagree. The movie has created a sharp divide between critics and audiences, with some pointing out that “Michael” leaves out significant details in Jackson’s life, arguing that it feels more like an MJ concert than a traditional biopic. Honestly, I get that. If you are a diehard, lifelong fan expecting a comprehensive portrayal, the movie may feel incomplete. It doesn’t deeply explore every aspect of Jackson’s life, and there are moments when the performances overshadow the storytelling.
However, as someone coming in with limited knowledge, that exact quality is what made the movie so captivating (and the reason I’m now on my third watch). Instead of trying to cram every detail of Jackson’s life into one film, “Michael” focuses on the music, emotion, and spectacle that made Jackson unforgettable. Ironically, by not
explaining every single detail, I found myself spending hours researching Jackson’s life story, listening to his music on repeat, and understanding his impact on pop culture.
What critics saw as a weakness actually became one of the film’s biggest strengths for viewers like me. Rather than leaving the theater feeling unsatisfied, I left wanting to know more.
Therefore, I urge everyone to go see “Michael,” especially if, like I once was, you’re unaware of the impact Jackson had on the world. It’s a movie that doesn’t just introduce you to his legacy, it brings you into it, then want to learn everything behind it. And, if you’re like my friends and I and decide your new mission in life is to learn to dance like Jackson after seeing the movie, please see me for lessons.
