The release of Michael, the anticipated biographical movie about Michael Jackson, has brought up many debates for critics and audiences. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film tells the story of one of the most influential pop entertainers in music history. While many fans have praised the movie for its performances and musical sequences, critics have questioned whether or not the movie accurately portrays a complete picture of Jackson’s life.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle. The trailer showcases his ability to recreate Michael Jackson’s iconic dance moves, vocal style, and stage presence. The film promises to celebrate Jackson’s musical career and his impact on popular culture, giving audiences a deep dive into the life of the King of Pop.

Audience reactions have largely been positive. When asked how they would describe the movie to someone who had not seen it, junior Gabriella Cusmano said, “It is very entertaining and captivating. It contained a lot of realistic material that allowed viewers to get a look into what Michael Jackson’s early life was like.”

Junior Kendall Loweth simply described it as “amazing“ while junior Mackenzie King explained that it was “a movie about Michael’s life from his childhood to the peak of his career.“

These responses have brought up the fact that the film successfully depicts what Jackson’s life as a musician was and how his younger years led him to his greatest achievements.

Despite the storytelling about Jackson’s life, the emotional connection created by Jaafar Jackson’s performance gives the viewers more enjoyment. Cusmano explained that the movie alone was interesting as it describes Jackson’s life, but “having Michael Jackson’s nephew play him was really cool, as it felt like Jaafar was really able to connect to his uncle and tell his story.“ 

Not only was Jaafar Jackson’s performance incredible, but the music featured in the movie consisted of songs that everyone knows and loves. King stated, “I loved the Michael movie because I could sing along.“ This created a more engaging and nostalgic experience for moviegoers.

However, some felt that the movie did not go far enough in telling Jackson’s complete story. Loweth and King agreed saying they would have changed the film by “going more into his adulthood“ or showing “more about the actual progression of his career.“

Cusmano added that the movie should have included “a lot more about the second half of Michael’s life,“ believing it would have helped audiences better understand the challenges he faced later in his career.

These audience critiques align to the criticisms from professional reviewers. According to Rotten Tomatoes’ critics consensus, Michael is “a musical biopic that mostly plays like a ‘greatest hits’ album,” bringing up the idea that the film focuses closer on Jackson’s achievements and his successful career rather than fully examining his life like a documentary. Although the movie can be seen as a well-made tribute to the King of Pop, some audiences may be left wanting to know more about what Jackson went through and the controversies that arose later in his career.

Ultimately, Michael succeeds as a tribute to one of music’s most influential performers. The film captures the energy, talent, and cultural impact that made Michael Jackson a global icon through his nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Whether viewed as a celebration of life or a missed opportunity, Michael reminds audiences of Jackson’s lasting impact on the music and entertainment industry while continuing to reignite conversations about how history can revive the legacies of icons we’d like to reminisce about.