Michael Jackson is biblical in my family.
My earliest memories are of sliding around the kitchen in my socks trying to be him. I have two brothers named after him; one has the first name Michael, another has the middle name Jackson. My son dressed as him for Halloween. When my daughter was little, our bedtime routine often included watching Michael’s videos back-to-back-to-back.
There is something about Michael Jackson that connects with people across every generation. He was, and always will be, magic.
I left the Michael movie feeling like it captured exactly that: the magic of Michael Jackson.
For many of us, this film isn’t going to teach us anything new. We’ve seen every documentary. We’ve watched every interview. Many of us grew up on the classic The Jacksons: An American Dream. Even with all of that, a big part of Michael Jackson remains mysterious and unknowable.
He existed before social media, when celebrities felt larger than life. Mythical.
That elusiveness comes through in the film, and some people will criticize it. People always wanna be startin’ somethin’. But mystery and carefully curated disclosure were very Michael Jackson. Viewed through that lens, the movie feels authentic to who he was and how he existed in our collective imagination.
My daughter absolutely loved the film. What struck me most was how much she learned about his life. It reminded me that for her generation, this movie may do what An American Dream did for mine. It serves as a history lesson for them.
For me, it was a celebration. The performances were incredible. Jaafar Jackson was his uncle. It couldn’t be more obvious that he immersed himself completely in the role. The voice, mannerisms, and performances were so accurate that it felt surreal at times.
And let’s be honest: messing up Michael Jackson would have people talking about you forever. Just ask Flex Alexander.
Jaafar portrayed his uncle masterfully, especially considering this is his first feature film. What a story.
The entire cast delivered. Colman Domingo gives an awards-worthy performance. Nia Long captures the warmth and grace many associate with Katherine Jackson. And 12-year-old Juliano Valdi steps into enormous shoes as young Michael and absolutely delivers. Many of us consider Jason Weaver iconic in that role, and Valdi more than holds his own.
Do I have criticisms of the film? Sure.
None of them are significant enough to diminish what this movie accomplishes.
I thought it was great.
It’s an event. Just like Michael was.
As I write this, the film has already posted one of the biggest openings ever for a music biopic. The numbers speak for themselves.
Legends don’t fade.
Michael is still as loud as ever.