Ticketworthy! - Michael

Calling the life of legendary pop star Michael Jackson controversial might be a massive understatement. However, regardless of anyone’s opinion of the man, there are two things about him that are simply undeniable. First, he was a unique talent that captured the world’s attention in a way that may never be replicated. Second, he was a deeply complicated individual. Taking on such a role is no small task. Thankfully, director Antoine Fuqua found the perfect person within Jackson’s own family: his nephew, Jaafar. Make no mistake, Michael lives and dies by its lead performance, and Jaafar is more than up to the task.

The story told by Fuqua and Jackson is a familiar one, chronicling Michael’s early years and rise to superstardom. Given how public most aspects of the performer’s life were, there’s very little about the narrative that people don’t already know. Michael starts as a prodigious musical talent and singer for his family’s band, The Jackson 5. He suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his relentlessly overbearing father, Joseph (Colman Domingo), only to eventually strike out on his own and build one of the most successful musical careers in history.

What stands out isn’t the retelling of events we already know about. Rather, it’s the way that Jaafar Jackson portrays his uncle in those moments. There is a depth and sensitivity to his performance that conveys Michael’s inner turmoil without him even needing to say a word. He gives us a peek into the mind of a man torn between love for his family and ambition that pushes him above them. He wears Michael’s trauma and drive on his face in every scene. Jackson is going to get a lot of deserved praise for how well he handles the dancing and performances in this movie, but his acting is even more outstanding.

Unfortunately, it seems like Fuqua thought that Jackson’s performance was enough to carry the movie by itself. There’s nothing creative or interesting happening with the cinematography or storytelling. The film’s pacing is atrocious, alternatively spending entirely too much time on unimportant nostalgia while also rushing through vital moments that could have elevated the mediocre script. The choreography and set design are certainly excellent, but the film stops far too often to flaunt them in unnecessary music video sequences. There might be a really compelling story in there somewhere, but Fuqua never finds it. He’s too busy showing off how talented his star is and hoping that will suffice. It will not.

For anyone looking for a great movie that gives them insight into one of the most polarizing figures in modern history, I’m afraid that Michael is going to disappoint you. It has nothing new to say and nothing to add to the story of Michael Jackson. That said, Jaafar Jackson is so incredible in the role that it’s hard to not suggest seeing it. What he accomplishes here should absolutely be witnessed. So, if you are a fan of the King of Pop and want to see him brought to life again, or just a fan of stellar performances, I think there might be something in this one for you. Otherwise, I’m sad to say that Michael has something in common with one of its lead character’s albums – it’s Bad.