A Night with Michael: My Take on the New Biopic
Last night I went to see the new Michael Jackson film, and it got me thinking about how long Michael Jackson has been a presence in my life. I was born in 1975, so I didn’t grow up with the early Jackson 5 years in real time, but I came up right as he exploded as a solo artist in the 1980s. That Thriller era wasn’t just popular—it was global, unavoidable, and unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve checked in on just about everything tied to him: This Is It, Moonwalker, even the video game. When I finally had money, I bought some of the albums. He’s never been the center of my world, but he’s always been there—a constant. So when I heard about this film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring a family member in the lead role, I was immediately interested.
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Going in, I already knew the critics weren’t impressed. The RottenTomatoes score was low, while audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. That contrast alone made me curious. And after watching it, I can see exactly why there’s such a divide. From a pure viewing experience, this movie really works. The actor playing Michael Jackson (Jafar Jackson) is the centerpiece—when he dances, performs, or channels that energy, it’s captivating. I found myself getting chills multiple times, even a little emotional. The younger version of Michael, played by a child actor (Juliano Krue Valdi), was just as effective. Whether or not they’re actually singing like him doesn’t even matter—the presentation sells it. I saw the film in a Dolby theater in Times Square, and the sound elevated everything. I was tapping my foot, singing along, completely immersed.
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| Image courtesy of Deadline.com |
The film follows Michael’s journey from his early days under his father, Joe Jackson, through to the Bad tour. Joe is positioned as the primary antagonist—strict, demanding, and at times harsh. The movie leans heavily into that dynamic, showing the pressure and discipline that shaped Michael’s career. But it doesn’t paint Joe as purely evil. There are moments that suggest his actions, while extreme, were driven by a desire to provide for and elevate the family. That complexity is there, even if it’s not deeply explored. What stood out to me, though, is that the film builds toward a confrontation between Michael and his father that never fully happens. It’s teased, discussed, and anticipated—but never delivered in a satisfying way.
That’s where a lot of the criticism comes in. Structurally, the movie feels less like a complete narrative and more like a curated highlights reel. It touches on major moments without always digging into them. Even Paris Jackson has commented that the film feels like a “fantasy” version of his life, and that’s a fair assessment. This isn’t a deep, unflinching biographical study. It’s a polished, emotionally driven celebration. It focuses on Michael Jackson's music, performances, and myth rather than on the full complexity of the man.
Still, there are smaller details that really worked for me. The film captures his isolation—the idea that he never truly experienced a normal life. Instead of friendships, you see him surrounded by animals, by controlled environments, by fame that separates him from everyone else. It also touches on moments like the Pepsi commercial accident, hinting at the beginning of his reliance on pain medication, though it doesn’t go too far into that territory. Even his skin condition is portrayed in a subtle, matter-of-fact way, without turning it into a spectacle. These touches add texture, even if the film as a whole stays on the safer side.
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| Image courtesy of Collider.com |
In the end, how you feel about this movie really depends on what you expect from it. If you’re looking for a deeply analytical, complete biopic, you might walk away disappointed. But if you’re looking for an engaging, emotional experience that celebrates one of the most iconic entertainers of all time, it absolutely delivers. I originally had it at a 7, but the more I think about how it made me feel while watching, the more I’m comfortable giving it an 8 out of 10. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful where it counts.
And with a sequel already on the way, there’s still room for the story to go deeper. For now, this first part stands as a visually impressive, emotionally resonant tribute—one that reminds you just how impactful Michael Jackson really was.
Hear the audio version of this review on my latest podcast here.
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