Michael Jackson Movie Review (2026): A Crowd-Pleasing Biopic That Plays It Safe

Hello everyone, let’s talk about Michael, the long-awaited biopic about Michael Jackson. This is easily one of the most talked-about releases of the season, and with a creative team like this, expectations were always going to be sky-high.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (best known for Training Day and The Equalizer) and written by John Logan (Skyfall, Gladiator), the film also has Graham King, the producer behind Bohemian Rhapsody, on board. That comparison? Yeah, it’s going to come up a lot.

But before we even get into the quality of the movie, let’s set expectations, because that matters here more than usual.

What This Movie Is (and What It Isn’t)

With multiple members of Jackson’s family and estate involved in production, Michael isn’t trying to dig deep or challenge the legacy. It’s not here to question, reinterpret, or provoke.

This is a celebration. A highlight reel.

The film is laser-focused on presenting Michael Jackson as a global icon, charting his rise, his dominance, and his transformation into the King of Pop. Anything controversial? Completely absent.

That creates two conversations:

• Is Michael a good movie?
• And should a movie like this even exist in this form?

We’ll get to both, but first, let’s talk about the film itself.

Jafar Jackson Steps Into an Impossible Role

Playing someone as globally recognized as Michael Jackson is already a massive challenge.

Now add this:

• It’s your first acting role
• You’re playing your own uncle
• The entire world is watching

That’s the situation Jaafar Jackson walked into, and honestly, he handles it better than expected.

He doesn’t deliver a once-in-a-generation transformation like Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody or Taron Egerton in Rocketman, but he does make the role believable.

• The dance moves? Nailed.
• The presence? Convincing.
• The acting? Solid, and improves as the film goes on.

If he didn’t work, the entire movie would collapse. Thankfully, he does.

A Biopic That Feels… Familiar

Here’s where things start to feel a little too safe.

The script plays like it came straight off the “biopic template” assembly line:

• Start near the peak
• Flash back to childhood
• Show the struggle
• Hit the major milestones
• Roll credits

We go from the Jackson 5 era to solo superstardom at lightning speed, barely stopping to breathe.

Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson as a strict, controlling father, while Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson as the supportive counterbalance, but both characters feel underdeveloped.

And that’s kind of the theme of the entire film.

The “Thriller” Era Deserved Its Own Movie

The most frustrating part? The film rushes through what could have been its strongest material.

The making of Thriller, arguably the most iconic pop album of all time, is reduced to:

• A quick studio scene
• A compressed dance rehearsal moment
• A recreation of the music video
• A “hey, it’s a huge success” wrap-up

That’s it.

This era alone could have carried an entire movie. It had:

• Creative breakthroughs
• Industry barriers (like MTV’s resistance)
• Personal conflict and independence

Instead, we’re told he’s a genius… more than we’re shown it.

Fast First Half, Uneven Finish

For most of its runtime, Michael moves at breakneck speed, jumping from moment to moment without much depth.

Then suddenly, the third act slows way down:

• Family tensions resurface
• The Pepsi commercial accident is explored
• The film transitions into a concert-style finale

The ending feels less like a natural conclusion and more like the filmmakers just needed a stopping point.

And that’s not far from the truth.

The Missing Chapter Everyone Knows About

Originally, the film was supposed to go into the 1993 allegations against Michael Jackson.

But due to legal restrictions, that entire section was removed and the movie was restructured.

So instead, it ends before that chapter even begins.

This avoids controversy, but also leaves the story feeling incomplete.

Performances and Standout Moments

Outside of Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo, most performances are solid but don’t get enough screen time to shine.

There are a few memorable supporting roles, plus one very strange casting choice that might leave you scratching your head.

No spoilers, but you’ll know it when you see it.

The Bigger Question: Celebration or Whitewashing?

This is where things get interesting.

If you still admire Michael Jackson as an artist, this movie will likely work for you. It’s a nostalgic, energetic tribute filled with iconic music and moments.

But if you see his legacy as more complicated, this film might feel like it’s deliberately avoiding uncomfortable truths.

It doesn’t lie, it just… doesn’t go there.

And whether that’s acceptable depends entirely on you.

Final Verdict: Entertaining, But Surface-Level

As a movie, Michael is:

• Well-directed
• Energetic
• Powered by incredible music
• Carried by a strong central performance

But it also:

• Plays things very safe
• Lacks depth
• Follows a predictable formula

It’s engaging, no doubt, but it never quite becomes something special.

Final Rating: It’s Fine (borderline Good)

Will There Be a Sequel?

The film teases more to come, but that raises a serious question:

What would a sequel even cover?

If the same team returns and continues to avoid the more controversial parts of Jackson’s life, it risks feeling incomplete, or worse, biased.

A story that complex needs a clear-eyed, balanced perspective.

And it’s not clear this version of Michael is interested in that.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying the impact of Michael Jackson. For many people, he wasn’t just a star, he defined an era.

This movie captures that energy. It celebrates the music, the fame, and the legend.

But for a figure who changed the game by doing things no one had ever seen before…

…it’s a little ironic that the movie about him plays it so safe.