Historically, music biopics have been a mixed bag of good and bad. An artist being talented in music doesn’t necessarily make them or their journey interesting. The main challenge is finding a healthy balance of music, life outside of music, and authenticity/accuracy. 

One of the most anticipated biopics is Michael. Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) delivers a 127-minute look at the rise of Michael Jackson. The music spans from his early life in 1960’s Gary Indiana to the Bad tour in 1988. The heart of the story covers his rise to superstardom and ends with his independence from Joe Jackson and The Jackson 5.  

The film isn’t a comprehensive look at Michael’s life. It dances through Michael’s moments showing the audience his early days in the Jackson Five, his contentious relationship with Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo), his emergence as a solo act, and the birth of a mega star with the release of Thriller. Like 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael ends with a shot-for-shot recreation of his sold-out show at Wembley Stadium.  

If you’re hoping to learn more about Michael Jackson, you may leave disappointed. If you’re hoping to see some good performances, you’ve come to the right place.  

To no surprise, the performances are the highlight of the film. Jaafar Jackson delivers an astonishing performance as Michael. He’s got it all from dancing to the distinct way Michael talked. He embodies Michael in the best way possible. For people who missed seeing Michael perform live, Fuqua and Jaafar transport the audience and recreate some iconic moments. It feels like you’re going through a time machine and watching Michael live.  From Michael’s performing Billie Jean at Motown 25 to the Jackson 5 Victory Tour, it feels like you’re really watching Michael perform. 

The surprise performance is Juliano Valdi as Young Michael. He has two of the film’s best scenes – a conversation with his mom (played by Nia Long) when he explains why he doesn’t have friends, and his first recording session with Barry Gordy (Larenz Tate) and he records Who’s Loving You. 

It’s no surprise Colman Domingo steals the show as Joe Jackson. Colman is given the best dialogue to chew on, even if he feels like a cartoonish villain at times. He delivers his lines with a level of intensity and shrewdness that makes you believe every syllable leaving his mouth. It’s easily one of the best performances of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colman on the short list by the time award season comes around.  

What’s disappointing is that the film doesn’t give the audience more about who Michael was. Because of how fast the story moves through Michael’s life, the film never sits with Michael or a situation long enough to discuss why Michael is doing something or even prepare us for the next phase of his life. The film jumps from Micheal as kid to him as a young man to him wanting to be an independent artist without explaining why. Before the film can settle into a phase of Michael’s life, it’s quickly on to the next thing. It would be nice to see why he’s the King of Pop. Not just the chart-topping hits, but how he transformed how people made music videos, his influence in fashion, and being the standard for modern pop stars. Michael did things that change pop music forever. The film could’ve spent a little time showing that side of his stardom.

Despite the film feeling shallow, it’s wildly entertaining. Michael is a good time at the movies. If you go in knowing you’re seeing a cliche heavy commercial film about a pop star, you’ll enjoy this.  If you’re a fan of Michael’s music, this is the film for you. It is MJ’s greatest hits for 2 hours and some change.  

Michael is an experience more than a biopic. As a piece of entertainment, it is fantastic and an enjoyable time at the movies. Moviegoers’ relationship to Michael, his music, and his legacy may impact how much they enjoy the film. As a biopic, it struggles to tell an interesting story.  Fuqua couldn’t find the right balance and settled on hitting all the highs and telling that story. The film struggles to showcase his life outside of music. However, they absolutely nailed all the music and performances. Honestly, that might be what most fans want to see.  

Grade:B-