The movie Michael is a biopic following the life and early career of musical icon, Michael Jackson. Written by Last Samurai’s John Logan and directed by Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles mainly the first half of Michael’s life from his time in the Jackson 5 to his solo career, without revealing too much. With a star-studded cast of Colman Domingo and Nia Long, as well as the eponymous character being played by Michael’s own nephew, this film has something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of Michael Jackson or not (which we doubt), you will walk away from this movie having learned something.
Beginning in 1966, in Gary, Indiana, the film shows us the Jackson family before fame. We see Joseph and Katherine Jackson as they nurture Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie, and Michael for stardom. Outside of entertainment, the movie offers a look at Michael’s close relationships, particularly the tumult he endured with his father. There are other notable characters featured as well, such as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, composer Quincy Jones, promoter Don King, and Coming to America director John Landis, among others. It immerses the viewer in Michael’s stardom, and the soundtrack will ensure you don’t remain quiet.
As a bit of a spoiler, the movie doesn’t cover Michael’s entire life. It ends at the 1988 BAD tour, with an ending card showing that Michael’s story continues. Each actor does a fantastic job portraying their characters. At certain points in the film, Jaafar Jackson is the splitting image of his uncle Michael; he disappears into the role. The creative team also plays incredible attention to historical detail, from outfits to locations and more. Of course, the movie includes Michael’s love for animals, with an adorable cameo from a certain chimpanzee.
Altogether, this movie is entirely worth the watch. There is something for everyone to learn from his story. For example, he was the first Black artist to be played on MTV. Michael worked hard for other people from all walks of life, and this movie makes light of that fact. And viewers needn’t be saddened by the relatively short time the movie covers. Jaafar himself told Entertainment Tonight that a sequel film is “in the early development right now.” Additionally, there was a lot of material that had to be stricken from the third act for legal reasons, that may make their way into a sequel. Though nothing is set in stone, you will be praying vehemently for a sequel after experiencing this story. It exemplifies the unique phenomenon that was Michael Joseph Jackson.
