‘Michael’ biopic draws huge crowds despite mixed critic reviews

Lionsgate’s biographical film on Michael Jackson, ‘Michael’, has taken the North American box office by storm, raking in $97 million during its opening weekend. The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua, delves into the King of Pop’s life beyond the stage, showcasing both his personal struggles and some of his most legendary early solo performances. Globally, the film has amassed an estimated $217.4 million, including $120.4 million from international markets. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 38%, audiences have responded enthusiastically, giving it a 97% positive rating. The film has faced criticism from Humane World for Animals due to its portrayal of Jackson’s pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, which they warn could encourage the exotic pet trade. Nevertheless, public interest remains high. Meanwhile, Universal and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ slipped to second place in its fourth weekend, grossing $21.2 million domestically, while Amazon MGM’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ continues to attract sci-fi fans, earning $13.2 million in its sixth weekend.