A few days ago, I went to see the new Michael film with my daughter, my son, and his girlfriend. Michael Jackson was one of my favorite artists during my youth, and I knew almost all of his songs and music videos by heart. Even though he faced child abuse allegations later in his life, those accusations were never fully proven, and there are many people who try to make money from famous names. While the topic has always made me uncomfortable, I personally prefer to remember him for his artistry and musical talent.
The film is not just a music biopic. It is also an emotional story that tries to show the loneliness of a huge star, the pressure he grew up under, and the fragile side hidden behind the stage lights. Throughout the movie, I felt both nostalgia and sadness. The concert scenes and musical performances were especially impressive. Hearing Michael Jackson songs on the big screen creates a completely different experience. At times, I genuinely felt as if I were watching the real Michael Jackson.
People around my age will probably remember how sensational the Thriller video was back then. I bought it on CD and must have watched it thousands of times. My friends and I even tried to copy the dance routines :)
The Story of the Film
The movie follows Michael Jackson’s life from his childhood years to his rise as the “King of Pop.” It focuses on the Jackson 5 era, his transition into a solo career, the pressure he experienced within his family, his success on stage, and the loneliness that came with fame.
The story especially highlights Michael’s perfectionism on stage and his emotional vulnerability in private life.
Although the movie touches only lightly on some controversial periods of his life, it still manages to create a powerful emotional atmosphere. His difficult relationship with his father was portrayed in a particularly striking way. I had previously read about the violence he experienced from his father, but seeing it on screen was genuinely heartbreaking.
The Cast
Michael Jackson is portrayed by Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson and a real member of the Jackson family. His appearance, facial expressions, and dance performances were surprisingly convincing. In some scenes, it truly felt like watching Michael Jackson himself. Of course, the fact that he naturally resembles his uncle during his younger years, combined with excellent makeup work, played a major role in that impression.
The film also stars:
• Colman Domingo
• Nia Long
• Miles Teller
The acting performances, especially in the family scenes, were very strong.
The Strongest Parts of the Film
The most successful aspect of the movie is definitely the music and stage performances. The costumes, choreography, and concert atmosphere were beautifully recreated. Iconic moments connected to songs like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and one of my personal favorites, “Human Nature,” take the audience on a nostalgic journey.
The film also tries to show that Michael Jackson was not only a global superstar but also a very sensitive person who grew up under enormous pressure.
Criticism of the Film
The movie received mixed reactions from critics. Some people believe it does not address the controversial parts of Michael Jackson’s life deeply enough. In particular, the allegations against him are barely mentioned, which became a point of criticism.
However, the film reportedly only covers the story up until the Bad album era, and there are already discussions about a second movie. Because of that, I personally did not fully understand those criticisms.
Some viewers also felt that the movie played things too safely and avoided showing Michael Jackson’s darker side. Nevertheless, fans generally loved the music scenes and Jaafar Jackson’s performance.
As a Michael Jackson fan myself, I mostly enjoyed revisiting the creation of his career and listening to his music again. If the movie had focused too much on true-crime elements, I honestly think I would have felt uncomfortable watching it.
Why Was Janet Jackson Missing?
One thing many viewers noticed was the absence of Janet Jackson from the film. According to reports, Janet Jackson politely declined to participate in the project, and the filmmakers respected her decision.
Some rumors suggest that she may have considered the movie too “polished” and therefore chose to stay away from it. Officially, however, the explanation was simply that she did not want to be involved.
There may also have been family disagreements behind the scenes. In my opinion, many family members benefited greatly from Michael’s fame and money both during his lifetime and after his death, so conflicts of interest are certainly possible. Of course, that is only my personal opinion.
Final Thoughts
If you are a Michael Jackson fan, the film is definitely worth watching. The music and stage energy are especially impressive in the cinema. Viewers looking for a more neutral and deeply investigative biography may still feel that something is missing.
Even so, seeing the life story of such an important figure in music history on the big screen is a powerful experience. I personally thought Jaafar Jackson did an excellent job, and I would love to see him return for the second film. Of course, we shouldn't forget the success of Juliano Krue Valdi, who played Michael in his younger years.
As a small side note, the songs in the movie use Michael Jackson’s original vocals, which made the experience even more emotional and authentic.
No matter what rumors or controversies surround him, there is no denying that Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented artist who left a permanent mark on pop music. A biopic about his life almost feels necessary because of the impact he had on music and popular culture.