The film Michael, opening in theaters today , is an amazing adventure in the life of Michael Jackson the king of pop. It guides you through the years with his family, and his time to the final tour. Everything is exposed including the turmoil between Michael and his father and how Michael pushes back to eventually become on his own. This magnificent film blends his music with a true life story that drives it home.
Beginning with Michael and the Jackson Five’s and moving through the years where they eventually played their last concert together, should entertain all audiences. The marvelous musicians of the five pleased everyone and brought wild crowds that loved them very much throughout their careers. It also made Michael’s life secluded and private to the point where he never had friends of his own.
At a young age Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) was forced to practice with his brothers every day. Sometimes it would go on even right after they had a gig and it’s when their father Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo) would insist on perfection. This was not fun for Michael nor his older brothers Jermaine (Jayden Harville), Marlon (Jaylen Lyndon Hunter), Tito (Judah Edwards), and Jackie (Nathaniel Logan McIntyre) who were also not thrilled about it either. In their house a Jackson looked out for a Jackson and that is what their father was demanding of them. Michael’s childhood ended very quickly because music was everything for the five and the family’s only way out of Gary, Indiana. The performing work did not allow Michael, the youngest of the Jacksons, to have a chance to be a child and this worried his mother Katherine Jackson (Nia Long). His biggest dream was to have real friends that appreciated him and not for his talent, but with his fame this became impossible.
As time went on Michael’s (Jaafar Jackson) fame pushed him farther away from the Jackson Five that still included the others, Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie (Joseph David-Jones). It even affected his older sister LaToya (Jessica Sula) as well. His new friends were now the music business and that included, John Branca (Miles Teller), an entertainment lawyer and manager, Bill Bray (KeiLyn Durrel Jones) Michael’s bodyguard, Walter Yetnikoff (Mike Myers), head of CBS records, record producers, Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson), Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate), and Suzanne de Passe (Laura Harrier).
Developing an Oscar winning production is a lot of work but director Antoine Fuqua might have a shot in a few categories with this film. Antoine blended in outstanding music, sound, and performance with astounding special effects and make-up, to bring this epic narrative alive. All details that were included, helped lead us to the final conclusion, allowing everyone to see what this icon actually went through. Lastly, Fuqua arranged a fantastic cast that assembled a believable storyline that eventually left me in awe.
This wonderful presentation on the life of Michael is worth watching at your local theater, especially in the Dolby or IMAX format. The music will bring you back to a time when everyone loved to hear what he was going to bring us and how it was going to make us feel.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the breathtaking storyline, sensational make-up and special effects, exceptional interpretation by the actors, and of course the greatest music we all loved.
Stars 4.25 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, and Music.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some thematic material, language, and smoking.
Running Time: 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Release Date: April 24, 2026
Distributed By: Lionsgate
Release In: IMAX, 4K, Dolby Digital, and Standard.
