‘Michael’ barely scratches surface of enigmatic pop star

Published 10:28 am Friday, April 24, 2026

This image released by Lionsgate shows Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in a scene from “Michael.” (Glen Wilson/Lionsgate via AP)

Michael Jackson is arguably one of the most influential pop music artist of all time, so it goes without saying that a film based on his life is highly anticipated.

Unfortunately, “Michael” fails to live up to the lofty standards set by its iconic subject matter. Despite some really impressive recreations of some of his biggest musical moments and solid work from lead Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew), this is a film that plays the greatest hits and offers little if any insight into the man behind the music.

Writer by John Logan (who penned both “Gladiator” and “Aviator”) and directed by Antoine Fuqua (who is best known for “Training Day” and the “Equalizer” films), “Michael” begins in 1966 in Gary, Indiana with Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo) the abusive patriarch served as the manager for the Jackson 5.

We see the abuse early on that a young Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi, who really shined in the role) endured, but like most of the screenplay, there is no real insight into the behavior – it’s just sort of there.

“Michael” then flash forwards to the late 70s, when Jackson starts to breakaway with his “Off the Wall” album and later covers the making of “Thriller” (though not as much as I am sure some fans are hoping for).

There is a lot to cover – even for a film that has now been divided into two parts – however, there is a lot left on the cutting room floor that could have made this much more compelling. There is no mention of “The Wiz” or his lifelong friendship with mentor Diana Ross, with most of the film focused on his relationship with his demanding father.

A few moments do click though. Watching Jackson work through the choreography of music videos “Beat It” and “Thriller” are highlights and Jaafar Jackson has a magnificent screen presence when the film is on stage and focused on the music.

If you want to see more of the creative process, the posthumous concert film “This is It” does a better job of that.

The film also avoids some of the low lights – including allegations of sexual abuse of children for which he was acquitted – are left out (which is understandable given the Jackson family estate serves as producers for the film).

I wasn’t expecting “Michael” to be some tabloid fodder, but I would have appreciated it to have more substance than a Wikipedia entry. The lack of any substance just serves as an injustice to this immensely talented and complicated person.

Jackson, and his fans, deserved better.

Grade: C-

About Micheal Compton

I am a sports reporter and movie critic for the Bowling Green Daily News.

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