Does ‘Michael’ Do Justice To Michael Jackson’s Life..?

Movie: Michael

Release Date: 24-04-2026

Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Krue, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jamal R. Henderson, Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, Joseph David-Jones, Jessica Sula and others

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Producers: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain

Banner: Lionsgate Films & GK Films

Music Director: Lior Rosner

Story:
The film portrays a phase from the life of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson. Set between 1966 and 1988, the story mainly focuses on Michael’s troubled relationship with his father Joseph Jackson, his rise in music, family struggles, and emotional loneliness. While his father wants him to remain a part of the family band, Michael dreams of creating his own musical identity. The film revolves around this father-son conflict and Michael’s journey as an artist.

Plus Points:
The film succeeds in portraying a few emotional aspects of Michael Jackson’s life effectively. The scenes showing his bond with his pets are heart-touching. Sequences dealing with racism and the struggles faced by black artists are impactful. The dialogues are well written and memorable. Jaafar Jackson delivers an impressive performance and recreates Michael Jackson’s mannerisms and dance moves brilliantly. The music, songs, and dance performances look visually grand on the big screen.

Minus Points:
The biggest drawback is that the film does not explore Michael Jackson’s complete life story. Since it focuses only on a limited phase of his life, the audience may not get the satisfaction of watching a full-fledged biopic. The narration lacks emotional depth in several scenes. The makers also avoid touching controversial aspects of Michael’s life, making the film feel incomplete at times.

Technical Department:
Director Antoine Fuqua presents the story in a stylish manner. The cinematography is visually impressive. Music and background score elevate the emotional moments effectively. Editing is decent, and the production values are rich and grand.

Verdict:
Overall, ‘Michael’ is a partly engaging biographical drama that captures some emotional and musical moments from Michael Jackson’s life. Though it does not offer a complete picture of the pop legend’s journey, fans of Michael Jackson may still find it worth watching for its performances and musical sequences.

Rating: 2.5/5