featuring @michaelmovie @warnerbrosau @JaafarJackson @michaeljackson @kingofbingo
The new biopic Michael is exactly what I hoped it would be — a celebration of the life, talent, and magic of Michael Jackson. Walking out of the cinema, I felt the same rush I used to feel listening to his music as a kid. This isn’t a film designed to tear down an icon — it’s one that reminds audiences why he became the King of Pop in the first place.
What struck me immediately was how unapologetically the film focuses on Michael’s rise and artistry rather than controversy. Some reviewers have criticised the movie for not covering certain allegations, but that misses the point of what this film is actually about. The story stops before the Bad era, meaning the later controversies hadn’t even occurred yet in the timeline being told. In that sense, the film feels true to its chosen period — it’s about the making of a legend, not the unraveling of one.
For longtime fans, the movie feels like reliving history through a cinematic lens. It takes audiences from the early days of the Jackson 5 through Michael’s growth into a global superstar. The music sequences are the heart of the film, and they capture the energy, style, and cultural impact that made Michael Jackson such a once-in-a-generation performer. The sound design and choreography alone make it worth seeing on the big screen.
The standout element — and truly the soul of the film — is the performance from Jaafar Jackson. For someone with no prior acting experience, his transformation into Michael is nothing short of phenomenal. You can tell he spent years preparing, studying every detail — the dancing, the voice, the mannerisms, the posture, even the smallest inflections. Reports note he trained extensively for years to master his uncle’s style, and it absolutely shows on screen.
There are moments where Jaafar doesn’t just resemble Michael — he becomes him. Whether it’s the glide across the stage or the quiet vulnerability behind the spotlight, he captures the essence of a performer who lived and breathed music. It’s the kind of performance that makes you forget you’re watching an actor and instead feel like you’re witnessing history unfold again.
Another important point worth mentioning is the behind-the-scenes reality that shaped the film. Due to legal constraints tied to past settlements, certain elements reportedly had to be removed or rewritten, leading to costly reshoots. Knowing this makes it easier to understand why the film focuses so strongly on Michael’s artistry rather than courtroom drama — because this was always meant to be a tribute, not a legal retelling.
Personally, this film hit me on a nostalgic level. Growing up, my brothers were the ones who first introduced me to music, but it was Michael Jackson who truly made me fall in love with it. Especially pop music. Watching Michael brought those early memories flooding back — sitting by the stereo, watching music videos, and being completely mesmerised by his creativity and style.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the film is how it reminds audiences just how influential Michael Jackson was. From fashion to choreography to music production, his fingerprints are everywhere in modern pop culture. The film highlights those achievements in a way that feels celebratory rather than preachy, making it a love letter to his legacy and his fans.
While critics may be divided, I genuinely believe this movie was made with fans in mind. If you go in expecting a full exposé of every controversy, you might leave disappointed. But if you go in wanting to celebrate one of the greatest entertainers of all time, you’ll likely walk out smiling, tapping your foot, and humming the songs that defined generations.
In the end, Michael is not about scandal — it’s about legacy, music, and the joy that Michael Jackson brought to millions around the world. For fans like me, it’s an emotional reminder of why his music mattered so much and still does today. If you love Michael Jackson, this film isn’t just worth watching — it’s worth celebrating.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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