- MICHAEL (2026)
- Starring: Jafar Jackson, Nia Long and Colman Domingo
- Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
- Rated:” PG 13
- Running time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Lionsgate/Universal
Our score: 4 out of 5
September 21, 1984. RFK Stadium, Washington D.C. That night my then girlfriend, myself and 89,998 other people waited anxiously. The show, referred to as “The Victory Tour,” featured the Jackson brothers from Gary, Indiana. But the one person everyone was there to see was the man who had taken the music world by storm. His name was Michael.
A well-crafted, but sanitized look at the King of Pop, “Michael” tells the familiar tale of a young man touched by talent and the people that would take advantage of it. Even if you’re just a casual fan, you know a lot of what the film tells you. Father Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo in an award worthy performance, is a bastard. Tough and seemingly uncaring, Joe groomed his boys to become the musical stars they became, discipling them with a whipping when they did not please him. Mother Katherine was a saint…the voice of reason and compassion in the family. And then you have sister LaToya and the brothers: Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie. Unexplainedly missing: daughters Janet and Rebe and little brother Randy. And then there’s Michael!
The nephew of the late star (he’s the son of Jermaine), Jafar Jackson becomes Michael Jackson before our eyes. He not only has the look but the voice and the moves as well. An amazing breakout performance. The supporting cast is also strong, including Miles Tenner as Michael’s promoter, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy and Mike Meyers, who has found a second career playing pushy record company executives. Special shout-out as well to young Juliano Valdi, who plays Michael as a child.
The film was produced in association with Jackson’s brothers and children, so it’s more like a musical love letter then an in-dept look at his life. We get the familiar: Michael never really being able to be a child, his love for animals and their friendship and, of course, his music. Several major parts of his life are recreated, including the shooting of the “Beat It” and “Thriller” videos as well as the 25th Anniversary Motown Special. And here is where the movie excels. If you’re a fan of the music, you will not be disappointed here.
On a scale of zero to five, “Michael” receives ★★★★