Fans get one more chance to be thrilled by Michael Jackson

Jaafar Jackson gives an astonishing performance in this biopic that captures the magic of the King of Pop but only half of his story. Digital editor Dan Jensen shares his thoughts on the new Michael Jackson biopic, which you can now watch at home.

There was no doubt that a movie was about this topic. michael jackson It would be one of the most anticipated music biopics ever made.

The director’s challenge Antoine Fuqua It was equally clear. How do you compress the life of arguably the most famous entertainer in modern history into a feature-length film while delighting both devoted fans and casual moviegoers?

It turns out that the answer is to focus on the uptrend.

MichaelThe first part of the planned two-part biopic tells Jackson’s journey, starting from a talented child growing up under his father’s iron fist. joe jacksonon her way to becoming the biggest pop star in the world. It’s slick, fun, and often visually spectacular. But for a film about one of the 20th century’s most influential and complex cultural figures, it ultimately feels surprisingly light.

The biggest strength of the movie is undoubtedly Jafar Jacksonsurprisingly in his first film role.

Portraying such an instantly recognizable figure as Michael Jackson was always going to be a daunting task, but Jackson delivers an outstanding performance. The physical resemblance is uncanny, and Jackson’s command of his voice, mannerisms, and stage presence are uncanny. There are moments when he first speaks where it really feels like Michael himself has stepped back into the room.

By the end of the film, viewers may find themselves forgetting that they are watching an actor.

This is a remarkable achievement and one that sustains the entire production.

Colman Domingo He’s as impressive as Joe Jackson. His portrayal captures the frightening, controlling presence that looms over Michael’s childhood without turning into a caricature. Domingo brings a simmering menace to the role, helping to establish the emotional conflict that drives much of the film’s narrative.

The supporting cast is equally strong, and Fuqua’s direction keeps the story moving quickly. Musical performances are recreated with energy and precision, while the production design successfully transports audiences to different periods of Jackson’s career.

Where Michael begins to stumble is in his reluctance to dig beneath the surface.

The film presents the broad outlines of Jackson’s life competently enough, but rarely stops to explore what made him such a unique artistic force. We see him create music and develop performances, but the audience gets little insight into how he conceives his songs, develops his lyrics, or turns his ideas into cultural phenomena.

For an artist whose creativity has reshaped popular music, this feels like a significant omission.

The result is a film that celebrates Jackson’s achievements without fully examining the creative mind behind them.

However, the biggest problem of the movie emerges in the last act.

Reports on the production revealed that the original third act was set to address the 1993 child abuse allegations that would fundamentally change Jackson’s public image. However, legal issues reportedly led to extensive rewrites and reshoots costing millions of dollars.

Whether or not viewers are aware of this behind-the-scenes history, the results are visible on screen.

Michael it doesn’t feel like it has a full third act.

The narrative gains momentum and then comes to an abrupt end; This gives the viewer the feeling that an important part of the story is missing. Major events are mocked but not investigated. Issues are introduced without any meaningful resolution. Even famous 1984 Pepsi commercial accidentThe incident, which left Jackson with severe burns and later led him to become addicted to pain medication, is largely included as an isolated incident without examining its long-term impact.

The film ends on a triumphant note in 1988, effectively presenting Jackson’s escape from his abusive father and his rise to solo superstardom. A beautiful ending.

Maybe too neat.

Given Jackson’s immense cultural significance and the complexities of his life, Michael feels cleansed most of the time. He avoids many of the tough questions that have determined public perception of the singer for decades. Although this situation satisfies some fans, it also prevents the film’s subject from reaching the depth it arguably deserves.

However, this is only half the story.

A sequel is already on the way, and it’s entirely possible Michael Both films will be viewed differently when they can be appreciated as a complete work. The missing pieces that caused this first section to remain incomplete can eventually be completed in the second section.

now Michael It remains a fun but frustrating experience. It has a surprising central performance, strong direction, and enough musical numbers to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

But for a movie about the King of Pop, it rarely goes beyond the greatest hits.

Fans will undoubtedly embrace this. Others may finish the book wishing that a life as extraordinary as Michael Jackson’s had been explored with a little more curiosity, complexity, and courage.

Michael is now available to purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video and is still playing in theaters across the country.

You can follow digital editor Dan Jensen on Bluesky @danjensen.bsky.social or check out his podcast, Dan and Frankie Go to Hollywood. To follow Independent Australia on Bluesky @independentaus.bsky.social and on Facebook HERE.

Support independent journalism Subscribe to IA.