‘Michael’ Review: Great Music, Great Performances — But Where’s the Full Story?

Synopsis: The story of the famous musician Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Stars: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Larenz Tate

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Even the term ‘Icon’ doesn’t do him justice. As such, a movie capturing his life can not be an easy undertaking. His time on earth would be best captured by a limited series. But with a little over two hours, Training Day director Antoine Fuqua has his hands full.

Working off a script from John Logan, Fuqua brings the life of Michael to the big screen in a film that is certain to trigger nostalgia.

We are introduced to the Jackson brothers, aka The Jackson Five, back when they were living in Gary, Indiana. Youngest brother Michael (played by Juliano Valdi) stands out early for his vocal talent and range. Their father and manager Joe (though in the house he is referred to as Joseph) is a no-nonsense kind of guy. He wants his boys to be successful at all costs.

There is no doubt the group is talented. Joe has gotten them gigs, and they are crowd pleasers. After one performance, they come back to their modest home, tired and in need of sleep to be ready for school the next day, only to be told that they need to practice immediately until ‘they get it right!’ When Michael resists his father’s demands, he is introduced to his belt. The rest of the family, including mother, Katherine, stand by helplessly. They are all at the mercy of Joe.

As Michael becomes a young adult, he is played by Jafaar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew. His talent is still undeniable, and his family now lives in a mansion in Encino, California. And because it’s Michael, we have some animals around, including a llama, a giraffe and of course, his bestie Bubbles (his famed pet monkey). We are reminded that Michael doesn’t have many friends and doesn’t seem to relate to his brothers, who are going to parties and on dates. Michael is content hanging out with the animals or watching TV and eating ice cream with his mother.

The film does a great job of capturing the rise of his stardom and the challenges that came with it, including seclusion due to the fear of being mobbed. Jackson is also portrayed as someone who loved children and loved doing charitable work.

And then of course there is the music. A huge reason to see this film in IMAX is the incredible Jackson hits soundtrack, amplified by the best sound at a movie theatre.

Reliving songs from Off the Wall and Thriller, the highest-selling album of all time, was a treat.

The acting performances are also very good. It was nice seeing an unofficial Love Jones reunion with Nia Long playing Katherine and Larenz Tate playing Motown head, Berry Gordy.

The two standout performances come from Colman Domingo—the man doesn’t miss!—who recaptures some of the essence that made him a terrifying villain in Zola. In this film he is the patriarch of the Jackson family. Jermiane’s son, Jafaar Jackson, is incredible as Michael in this movie and does his uncle proud.

Considering the film was produced by many of the Jackson siblings, they ensured Michael was not portrayed in a negative light. Conspicuous by her absence on and off screen was Janet. This film conjures up feelings of Bob Marley: One Love. Not only did its producers include members of the Marley family, but it also played it very safe.

Having a director like Antoine Fuqua is a great addition to any film, but he seems to have been handcuffed in his exploration of Jackson’s life.

As I left the theatre, there were two words that came to my mind: safe and incomplete. There were many things the film didn’t delve into. The allegations, the quirks, oh, I don’t know . . . dangling his kid outside a balcony.

I don’t deny that Jackson is one of the greatest and to this day has artists copying him . . . looking at you Justin Timberlake, but the film strayed away from any controversy.

That doesn’t make the film bad, but somewhat watered down.

It wasn’t lost on me as the credits were rolling, people were dancing, leaving the theatre. Something you don’t see every day. And while the end credits say ‘His story continues’, I don’t see this as a Marvel film where I expect sequels. I am looking at it as a stand-alone film and to that end it is safe and incomplete.

The last 20-30 minutes is a concert film. Due to lawsuits, the ending needed to be changed. It feels like Bohemian Rhapsody, which makes sense since a producer from that film is involved with this one.

If the approach was that there has been enough negativity towards Jackson and let’s just move on, I can appreciate the family feeling that way, but it doesn’t change the fact that many will leave this film scratching their heads thinking, ‘that’s it?’ Likewise, I am sure many will also leave the theatre dancing.

While I am very critical of IMAX as I usually see it as a money grab, I have no issue recommending this film and the IMAX format is probably preferred.

In full disclosure, when I came home, I didn’t jump online to look at anything controversial related to Jackson . . . I listened to Thriller.

Grade: C+

Watch the movie trailer: