6/7 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩
Michael healed something in me. Hearing so many of my favorite songs from childhood in a theater with great sound was an incredible experience. I found myself dancing in my seat alongside the people around me, and I honestly do not think I have ever had a moviegoing experience quite like that. Jam after jam, it started to feel less like a film and more like a concert.
That said, I do not want to approach this review lightly. The film intentionally ends decades before Michael Jackson’s tragic death, and while I loved experiencing the story of his early life, his sacrifices, and the lead-up to his first major solo success, I do not want my positive reaction to overshadow the darker and more complicated parts of his adult life. His legacy is not simple, and the joy of this film does not erase the serious conversations that surround him.
Visually, the movie is mostly charming and beautifully textured. I will say the CGI animals were a bit cartoonish and, at times, startling. But when I thought about the film through Michael’s perspective, the fantasy-like lightheartedness made more sense. It felt less concerned with strict realism and more interested in capturing the wonder, imagination, and world he seemed to live in.
The soundtrack? Perfect. Amazing. No notes. Just WOW!
The performances were also a huge highlight. Jaafar Jackson gives a stunning performance as his uncle, bringing so much heart, presence, and care to the role. I imagine Michael would have been proud. Juliano Krue Valdi was also terrific and brought so much life to young Michael. All of the supporting cast did a fantastic job as well.
One personal connection I did not expect was the scene where Michael’s hair caught on fire and he nearly died. I had no idea how intense that accident was, and as someone who has been through an accident where another person almost killed me, I deeply related to the weight of that recovery. The film’s message about pain, survival, and finding purpose after trauma really struck a chord with me.
Overall, Michael is a moving, complicated, and deeply entertaining film that I can absolutely see myself watching a few more times in theaters. Go see it on the biggest screen you can!
Emotion: 7/7
Editing & Story: 5/7
Visuals: 5/7
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