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⏱ 2 min read
💡 TLDR
Jaafar Jackson nails MJ’s magic, but the film leaves big questions about Michael’s legacy and Joe Jackson’s abuse. It’s a wild, incomplete look at a complicated icon.
Okay, but why isn’t this movie getting the hype? Michael Jackson’s biopic is wildly entertaining but also weirdly incomplete. You’ll sing along to “Beat It” and feel the moonwalk, but the story? It’s like a highlight reel of a life that never stopped being complicated. Jaafar Jackson, who plays MJ, is so good—his swagger, his moves, his vibe? It’s like watching a hologram of the real thing. But the film’s biggest question isn’t about the dance routines. It’s about why we’re still obsessed with Michael’s story 20 years after he died.
The Jackson Family’s Dark Truths
The movie opens with the Jackson 5, and it’s uncomfortably real. Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, is a controlling, abusive father who pushes his kids to stardom. You see Michael as a kid, scared of his dad, forced to perform while his family starves. It’s not new info, but seeing it through MJ’s eyes feels fresh and gut-punching. Domingo explains Joe’s love was “discipline and survival”—a mindset that feels familiar for Black families in Gary, Indiana. Nia Long, who plays Katherine Jackson, adds depth: she’s not a villain, she’s a lifeline. “What she contributed was safety,” Long says. “Knowing no matter what, you have your mother.” But the film’s biggest flaw? It never answers the question: Why did Joe abuse Michael?
💫 Michael feels more like a carefully curated highlight reel than an honest portrait.
Michael’s World of Whimsy and Wounds
As Michael grows, he builds a fantasy world—animals, literature, spirituality—to escape his reality. Antoine Fuqua, the director, calls it “deeply spiritual.” Michael sits in a tree at Neverland, writes music, and talks to God. It’s poetic, but the film also shows him alone, lonely, and trapped. Jaafar Jackson’s performance is everything—his physicality, his voice, his presence. But the movie’s final act leaves a gaping hole: Where’s Janet? Her absence feels like a punch to the gut. LaToya Jackson said she declined to be in the film, and it’s a missed opportunity. Janet was part of Michael’s story, and her absence makes the film feel like a partial portrait.
Michael feels more like a carefully curated highlight reel than an honest portrait. So, is this movie enough? It’s compelling, but does it deserve a sequel? Or should we let Michael rest? What’s your take?
❓ People Also Ask
Why isn't Michael Jackson's biopic getting the hype?
The film is entertaining but feels incomplete, focusing more on highlights than a full narrative. It captures MJ’s magic through Jaafar Jackson’s performance but leaves big questions about Michael’s complex legacy and the reasons for his enduring fascination.
How does the movie portray Joe Jackson's relationship with Michael?
The film shows Joe Jackson as a controlling and abusive father, pushing Michael to stardom while neglecting his family. Colman Domingo’s portrayal highlights the tension between discipline and survival, offering a raw look at Michael’s early trauma.
What role does Janet Jackson play in the film?
Janet Jackson is notably absent from the film, which critics see as a missed opportunity. Her absence highlights the incomplete nature of the story, as she was a significant part of Michael’s life and legacy.
How does the film depict Michael's fantasy world?
The film portrays Michael’s fantasy world as a mix of whimsy and escape, where he interacts with animals, literature, and spirituality. This is shown through his time at Neverland, where he writes music and talks to God, reflecting both his creativity and inner loneliness.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Refinery29