‘Michael’: A Biopic That Focuses on Hits Over Depth

The Lionsgate film ‘Michael’ is a biopic of Michael Jackson produced with close family involvement, including his siblings and nephew Jaafar Jackson, who portrays the pop icon. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, the movie covers Jackson’s early years and career highlights from 1966 to the ‘Bad’ tour in 1988. While the film showcases his famous hits and iconic moments, such as the ‘Thriller’ video and the Pepsi commercial accident, it avoids delving into deeper controversies or Jackson’s personal struggles. Jaafar Jackson delivers a competent impersonation but the movie lacks emotional depth, making it feel more like a music infomercial than a cinematic experience. Despite a strong cast including Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Mike Myers, the film prioritizes showcasing Jackson’s music over developing a nuanced narrative. The movie ultimately serves as a promotional tool for Jackson’s estate, appealing primarily to superfans rather than general audiences seeking a complex portrayal of the King of Pop.