The king of pop himself, Michael Jackson finally gets a biopic releasing in just a few weeks. Critics have seen the movie which means we’re starting to get reviews for how the movie is. What are they saying? Let’s talk about it!
The Reviews
- “Michael is one of the best musical biopics I’ve ever seen! Jaafar Jackson is dazzling and mesmerizing and truly embodies Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo is spectacular and shows why he’s one of the greats. Incredible musical sequences and performances makes this a must watch.” - Junior Felix
- “Michael features two absolutely smashing performances, Jaafar Jackson is electric in his role, while Colman Domingo is monstrous as Joe Jackson. The need leaves a bit to be desired, but the journey there is fascinating and fitting of the greatest entertainer of our time.” - Hunter Bolding
- “Michael is why we go to the movies. Thriller, Beat It, etc recreated to perfection, genuinely couldn’t resist a head bump and finger tap at any moment. Makes you smile where it wants to, wince where it needs to. Colman is your earliest supporting actor candidate. Some pacing woes, but strong stuff all around. Can’t wait to see this one with a crowd.” - Liam T. Crowley
- “Michael delivers a visually striking and emotionally charged look at the King of Pop, powered by an uncanny, breakout performance from Jaafar Jackson that truly captures the essence, movement, and spirit of Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo brings intensity and depth as Joe Jackson, though the film leaves you wanting more exploration of their complicated father-son dynamics. The film takes a measured approach to controversy but still lands as an engaging, crowd-pleasing tribute to this legacy.” - Entertainment Affair
General Excitement for Michael: This is a film that I’ve been very curious and nervous about ever since it was announced for all of the obvious reasons. Michael Jackson is a very complicated figure that had a troubled childhood and then all sorts of allegations in the later part of his life. I wasn’t sure how you’d showcase and celebrate the high points of his life while also having to discuss the troubled parts of it. But, as soon as we started getting marketing for the film I knew this film was going to get Oscar nominations and it could be very good. I know a lot of people have this as one of their most anticipated films of the year. I’ve never had that level of excitement going into this film. Given the production troubles of them having to reshoot the third act for legal purposes I was very curious and skeptical about this film.
My Thoughts on The Reviews: Now, that we have the early reactions to Michael, how does that change my excitement for the film? Honestly, I don’t feel like these reactions have changed my excitement. The thing about these reviews that everybody is praising are the performances, Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo. Which is something that I expected before even seeing these reviews. I was feeling that Jaafar Jackson could get some awards love, maybe an Oscar nomination. All of the reviews basically solidify the fact that he’s great in the film and captures the spirit of Michael Jackson so well. Ever since we got that first look of Colman Domingo playing Michael’s father, Joe Jackson in one of the trailers I figured he was going to be great. When has Colman Domingo ever failed to deliver a great performance? He hasn’t, he’s one of the great actors working today and one of my personal favorites. He’s never won an Oscar and if he delivers a transformative performance as Joe Jackson, maybe this will be his time to win an Oscar. The reactions are also commenting on the fact that it’s a real crowd pleaser and the musical numbers are great and make you want to start dancing. All of that stuff is sort of what I expected to be praised about this film. What the reviews aren’t praising as much is the overall story and flow of the film. I think some of that is due to the film’s troubled production and them having to do $15 million worth of reshoots. People aren’t labeling that as a negative for the film, but they also aren’t praising that about the film. Take that as you will, maybe I’m over thinking these reviews but it is something to point out.
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