Creating a biopic that captures Michael Jackson’s life and legacy is a challenging task. Still, director Antoine Fuqua and his team, especially the casting team, succeeded in bringing his story to life by casting Jafaar Jackson, Jermaine Jackson’s son, to portray his uncle Michael, making it a must-watch for fans and music lovers.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into an advance screening courtesy of Lionsgate. Of course, I knew singing and dancing were involved, but the magnitude of watching Michael’s aura, mannerisms, voice, and spirit flow so effortlessly across the IMAX screen is truly uncanny and mesmerizing to say the least. There were moments when we would see Jafaar from a side angle in a scene, and I would say to myself, “Wow, he looks just like Michael Jackson!”
I fondly remember witnessing Michael’s solo career expand, particularly through his MTV era, and it was a sight to see. Knowing the history of how Michael paved the way for Black Americans to be featured on a network that highlighted majority-white rock artists and rarely showcased Black talent was monumental.
It is no easy feat to encapsulate a man who meant so much to millions of people around the world. His legacy became more than just music; it became a revolutionary visualization of the man behind the youthful charisma, giddy curiosity, philanthropy, and a deep love for his family, regardless of how they treated one another.
The film spans Michael’s career from the early 1960s in Gary, Indiana, to the late 1980s in London, England, providing a strategic background perspective on Michael’s core foundation and a valuable historical lesson for those who don’t know who Michael Jackson is beyond his music. This comprehensive view encourages curiosity and appreciation for his life story.
Some standouts in the film are actor Juliano Valdi, who portrayed Michael at 10, and his siblings, who sang their hearts out as the Jackson 5. Valdi’s pint-sized demeanor truly encapsulates Michael’s youthful innocence and phenomenal voice, whom Barry Gordy’s executive assistant at Motown, Suzanne de Passe, describes as having a perfect pitch. Therefore, Suzanne marked a pivotal moment in Joe Jackson’s trajectory, leading his sons to the stage and capturing the attention of Motown Records, Gladys Knight, and others who could see Michael’s light glowing so bright.
Relationships also tie into this biopic poetically, with familial bonds, business partnerships, and social-emotional bonds among animals also taking center stage in his life as an individual. Seeing Michael’s beloved pet monkey, “Bubbles,” make his film debut via a real animal and a simulated model is significant too for true fans.
Joseph “Joe” Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo, really does a fascinating job of making a viewer feel disdain at the conscious and subconscious control he exercises as a father over his children. Now, more than ever, we see how the love of books and reading truly helped Michael escape the reality of his father’s upbringing, which wasn’t all ice cream and sprinkles. Pun intended. And Colman did his thing with this character.
Yet Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson (Nia Long), became a saving grace, tethering him to safety when Joseph was unkind. This focus on family bonds creates a sense of warmth and connection, helping viewers feel the importance of love and support in Michael’s life. Nia Long as Katherine Jackson brought about a quiet essence and delicate sternness as a Black woman doing the best she can with a man who possesses the traits of a narcissistic man.
One aspect of the film that I hope we get to see more of in the next film continuation, once given the green light, is Michael’s baby sister, Janet Jackson. A glimpse of her role in the entertainment world, mirroring her brother’s, could create a magical spark for fans if Janet agrees to participate. The sisterly emphasis of this biopic highlights La Toya, who is right there by her brother’s side helping him along the way.
Overall, I am pleased with the production of this film. Viewers were left with a cliffhanger to signal that more is in store for the remainder of this biopic. So, if you weren’t moving your body in your seat or found yourself singing along to Michael’s classic hits, then music may not be your universal language, and that’s okay. Now, if you felt some pep in your step and couldn’t wait to get back in your car and reminisce over Michael’s catalog after viewing this film, well, this biopic is just for you! I highly recommend that viewers see MICHAEL in theaters on April 24, 2026.
ABOUT THE FILM:
MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
