Movie Review: MICHAEL starring Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller

There are biopics that aim to explain a life, and there are those that simply invite audiences to feel it. Michael, the long-anticipated film chronicling the life and career of Michael Jackson, leans firmly into the latter, offering a visually stunning, musically rich experience anchored by a breakout performance from Jaafar Jackson.

From the opening moments, the film immerses viewers in the rhythm and spectacle that defined Jackson’s rise. Director Antoine Fuqua crafts a narrative that moves briskly through key chapters of the pop icon’s life, favoring emotional resonance and performance over deep introspection. While the film doesn’t attempt to break new ground in exploring the more controversial aspects of Jackson’s legacy, it remains a compelling and often exhilarating tribute to his artistry.

At the center of it all is Jaafar Jackson, who delivers a performance that feels less like an imitation and more like a transformation. He captures not only the unmistakable voice and physicality of his famous uncle, but also the quieter, more vulnerable moments that shaped the man behind the music. It’s a confident, layered debut that signals the arrival of a major new talent.

The film’s soundtrack, unsurprisingly, is one of its greatest strengths. Featuring many of Jackson’s most iconic hits, the music serves as both a narrative engine and an emotional backbone. Each song is woven seamlessly into the story, reminding audiences why Jackson earned the title “King of Pop” in the first place.

Where Michael truly soars, however, is in its recreation of the legendary live performances. From the gravity-defying choreography to the meticulous attention to stage design, these sequences are nothing short of breathtaking. They don’t just replicate history, they reanimate it. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic thrill; for newcomers, it’s an introduction to the sheer magnitude of Jackson’s cultural impact.

To be sure, the film sidesteps deeper examination of the controversies that have long surrounded Jackson’s legacy. For some viewers, that absence may feel like a missed opportunity. But Michael never sets out to be a definitive account. Instead, it positions itself as a celebration, one that prioritizes the music, the movement, and the moments that made Michael Jackson a global phenomenon.

In the end, Michael may not answer every question, but it delivers where it matters most. With a star-making performance from Jaafar Jackson and unforgettable recreations of some of the most iconic moments in music history, the film is well worth the price of admission.

Michael gets a B+.