#Michael delivers outstanding performances that elevate a weak script.

Every year, there is a movie with middling reviews that ends up in awards contention. It’s early in 2026, but this year’s might be Michael, the biopic of Michael Jackson starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film follows the start of Michael’s journey from Gary, IN, through to a performance in London in 1988. This is one part of the writing that the movie got right. It did not try to encapsulate Michael’s entire life and career into one 2-hour movie.

To give a fair review, I must separate the script from the performances and the production. If you are of a certain age, the movie’s narrative is what we already know about Michael’s life, especially if you watched The Jacksons: An American Dream, a 1992 ABC miniseries that was constantly running on VH-1. We knew about his relationship with his parents, his struggle to break away from the group, his love for Peter Pan and Neverland, and the inspiration he found in Hollywood musicals for his performances. The issue is that the writing makes no attempt to go deeper into Michael as a person or his relationship with his siblings. The business and relationship issues surrounding the Victory tour were fertile ground for harvesting that was left behind.

The major critique from other professional critics and moviegoers is that it doesn’t address the molestation allegations against Michael. This critique is disingenuous; the film stops in 1988. The allegations were not made and investigated until 1993. The actions may have occurred during the film’s timeframe; however, rumors suggest there may be legal limitations on what can be portrayed on film. Furthermore, exactly how would this be depicted without crossing a line into showing child abuse? I have issues with the script, but I agree with the writing here.

That said, the production design is stellar. The film benefits from Michael Jackson’s fame, which made him ever-present for decades, as well as from the family’s involvement. The set designs of the homes in Gary, IN, and the Hayvenhurst Estate in Encino are authentic. The hair, makeup, and costume team paid attention to detail; the recreation of the Thriller music video was unbelievable. Recreating the costumes and makeup so precisely took immense talent and is not to be taken for granted.

What really stands out in this film is the acting. Everyone involved embodied their assigned character. Colman Domingo’s Joseph was terrifying; I wouldn’t have wanted to disappoint or cross him.

Two actors are tasked with bringing Michael to the screen. As a child, Juliano Valdi took on the role and was delightful. He captured the nervousness, his fear of his father, and how a young talent is groomed to become a star.

Jaafar Jackson naturally resembles his uncle; the hair and makeup completed the visual transformation. It’s also clear he studied his uncle, making his performance more than just an impression; he became Michael. The shoes he had to fill were huge, and he wears them well.

While I could go on for paragraphs about Jaafar’s performance, there isn’t enough discussion of Nia Long’s portrayal of Katherine Jackson. She was perfect!! I spent the entire movie asking, “Who is that’ and didn’t get an answer until the credits rolled. If no one else is in awards contention, it should be her.

One last casting note: Larenz Tate did a wonderful job as Berry Gordy.

When the trailer dropped last year, we wanted the movie to be great but the movie is disappointing in some areas, watchable but disappointing. on’t let the unremarkable plot overshadow the fantastic performances; moonwalk down memory lane with Michael’s music.

2.5 out of 5

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