Michael, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, had a nearly impossible job from the start. Jackson wasn’t just famous — he was everywhere — and his life was full of incredible highs and extremely messy lows. So the movie had to juggle the music, the pressure, the talent, and at least some of the controversy without turning into either a puff piece or a hit job.

Antoine Fuqua, who directed The Magnificent Seven, gives the film a big, polished feel. There’s a lot happening, but he keeps it moving. Some scenes almost slip into documentary territory, especially the recreations of major moments in Jackson’s career, but overall it still plays like a drama that’s trying to get at who he was behind the “King of Pop” image.

One of the trickiest parts is what the movie doesn’t show. There were reports that certain scenes had to be changed or cut because of legal issues around Jackson’s later years. You can feel that in the final version — it leans heavily into his rise to fame and his musical legacy, and it sidesteps some of the harder questions. It’s understandable, but it also makes the movie feel a little cautious, like it’s holding back.

The standout here is Jaafar Jackson. Being Michael’s nephew obviously helps, but he goes way beyond just looking the part. His movement, his voice, the way he carries himself onstage — it’s honestly impressive. The Motown 25 sequence is probably the highlight of the whole film; for a moment, it really does feel like watching Michael himself.

And of course, the music is a huge advantage. When you’ve got a catalog like Michael Jackson’s, the movie basically has built‑in electricity. The concert scenes especially remind you why he became such a phenomenon in the first place.

Compared to other recent music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, or Elvis, this one doesn’t feel quite as complete. Those movies were more willing to dig into the messy parts of their subjects’ lives. Michael plays it safer. But as a tribute to his talent and influence, it definitely lands.

In the end, Michael isn’t a perfect movie, but it’s an entertaining one. Fans will probably enjoy it the most, especially for the music and Jaafar Jackson’s performance. Even with some pieces missing, the film makes a solid case for why Michael Jackson’s legacy still matters. And with the final line hinting that “His Story Continues,” it seems like this might only be the beginning.

MPAA Rating: PG
Score: 4 out of 5 stars