Michael: Movie Review

When it comes to making a biopic movie about a famous figure, it’s hard to think of a bigger name to make it about than Michael Jackson. Everyone's eyes were on this movie, months before it was even released, and now that it's finally here, it's being dissected and discussed more than any other movie has this year. From die-hard Michael Jackson fans absolutely loving it, to people criticising it for not addressing the allegations against Michael, it’s been hard to get a clear sense of how good the movie actually is from an unbiased perspective.

As somebody who is not the biggest fan of music biopics, but who is in fact a big fan of Michael Jackson's music, I greatly enjoyed this movie.

Story-wise, there’s nothing especially groundbreaking about Michael. It follows a pretty straightforward, linear look at Michael Jackson’s life, starting with him as a young boy performing with his brothers and leading all the way up to him becoming the most famous person on the planet. Since this is only Part 1 (something not everyone seemed to realise going into it) the story wraps up in 1988. And if you’re already familiar with the biggest moments from Michael Jackson’s career and personal life, there probably won’t be much here that feels new.

But there is so much to admire and appreciate about this movie.

Firstly, all of the musical numbers are incredible.

We get to see some of both Michael’s and The Jackson 5’s most iconic songs being performed, and it feels almost as special as watching them live. The film takes us through the brothers performing together on the Triumph Tour, while Michael’s solo career is rapidly taking off at the same time. We also get a recreation of Michael’s legendary 1983 Motown 25 performance of Billie Jean, where he debuted the iconic moonwalk for the very first time. One of the movie’s best musical moments comes during the Victory Tour scenes, where Michael performs Human Nature with his brothers before they launch into a group performance of Working Day and Night. The film eventually ends with Michael on his first solo tour, performing Bad at Wembley Stadium in London to a sold-out and ecstatic crowd.

For those of us who never got the chance to see Michael Jackson live, these musical moments feel like the closest thing we’ll ever get to experiencing it.

Secondly, there are a couple of outstanding performances in this movie.

Colman Domingo plays Joseph Jackson, Michael’s deeply controlling and abusive father, and he completely disappears into the role. It’s a type of performance we haven’t really seen from him before, which makes it even more impressive. His and Michael's difficult relationship is at the forefront of the film, just as it was a defining part of Michael’s life, and it offers us a small glimpse into what it might have been like to grow up in his shoes.

One actor I haven't seen receive enough praise or appreciation for his role in this movie is KeiLyn Durrel Jones who plays Bill Bray, Michael's life-long bodyguard and close friend, but I thought he was a great choice for this role and really brough attention to a person in Michael's life that maybe not many people were familiar with.

With that being said, all other performances pale in comparison to Jaafar Jackson's.

To say that Jaafar had big shoes to fill might be the biggest understatement of all time. Not only did he have to portray and bring to life the man known as the King of Pop and one of the most famous people who has ever existed, but that man also happens to be his uncle. His performance was always going to be the thing to either make or break the movie.

So ... did he rise up to the expectations?

He didn't. He absolutely exceeded them.

Jaafar Jackson doesn't just play Michael in this movie. He is Michael. From getting Michael’s speaking voice completely perfect, down to the cadence and intonations, to capturing his subtle mannerisms and physical traits, there are moments in this movie where you find yourself wondering if you’re actually watching the real Michael Jackson on screen. The final scene is especially uncanny, and if you’ve seen the film, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. There is a moment before Michael enters the stage to perform Bad, where he turns around and looks behind him, and in that instant you could hear my entire cinema audience gasp at how closely Jaafar resembles and embodies Michael.

The most impressive part of it all? This is Jaafar Jackson's first ever acting role.

The movie ends very simply, with a title card that reads: His story continues. And, following a massive success at the box office, his story shall indeed continue, with a sequel already green-lit and in early development.

Until then, we have this movie and an entire catalogue of the best music ever made to get us through the wait.