Michael
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I’m a child of the 80s and back then you couldn’t help but be exposed to (and in my case, be in awe of) Michael Jackson. The man was a global superstar. To put that into context, I grew up on a rock in the middle of the ocean and even without American media, I knew his songs. Look, I wanted to hate this movie, but I just couldn’t. Is Michael a perfect movie? No. Does it have unintentionally hilarious moments? Yes. Does it paint his life in brooooaaaaad strokes? Of course it does. But this movie is still gripping and full of momentum.
Michael Jackson has had an eventful life, to say the least, and Michael covers his beginnings in Gary Indiana up to 1988. There’s a lot to cover there, so the film’s dynamic pacing does it huge favors by skipping to the fun parts. It’s a very entertaining watch. Also, I have to admit, I still love Michael’s music, and seeing the songs in full display or in a deconstructed way was a lot of fun. Most of all, the performances here are wonderful. Colman Domingo is an imposing and captivating figure, and Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson gives such an incredible performance that sometimes you forget you’re not watching the real man. His mannerisms and dance moves are just perfect. All of this just sucks you in as you experience this early part of Jackson’s life.
But of course, since this is a Jackson-sponsored movie, it’s going to be very sugar-coated and a total service to the man. Michael Jackson is the primary focus and hero of this biopic. If you’re ever distracted by the music, the instrumental tracks will fade down to where you mostly just hear vocals to remind you who you should be focusing on. Everything we see, the moves, the music, the presentations, all come from him and it’s all intentional (he wants to make the #1 record in the world, so he does). He only needs people who help him facilitate his vision. Michael Jackson is presented as a visionary with a kind, respectful, benevolent aura that can persuade anyone, including LA gangs. The only person he can’t persuade is his father, who is the clear villain in this movie. He is cold, uncaring, and selfish, and serves as a person who stifles Michael’s path. It’s the only obstacle in his path.
Everything is pretty squeaky clean and by the book, to the point where we don’t really learn much about the man. It’s less of an exploration of Michael Jackson and more of a spectacle. If you don’t mind that, I think you’ll have a great time with this movie. I’m both shocked and impressed.
