Film Review: Michael (2026)
Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, tells the life story of Michael Jackson, portrayed by Jaafar Jackson. This biopic explores the pressures he faced, particularly from his father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo. The film features many of Jackson’s iconic songs, which adds a lively touch to its otherwise standard narrative.
Jaafar Jackson brings sincerity to his role, especially notable in scenes where he portrays Michael giving motivational speeches to his team before concerts. Meanwhile, Domingo’s performance as Joe highlights the demanding relationship between father and son. He effectively captures Joe’s controlling nature, making viewers feel the strain it placed on Michael and his siblings.
Nia Long shines as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother. Despite her quiet demeanor, she embodies inner strength, providing emotional support to her family. In contrast, Miles Teller, who plays Michael’s lawyer John Branca, feels like an underused character with limited depth.
The film covers Michael’s rise to fame up to the release of “Bad,” but many significant events from later in his life are missing, leaving the narrative feeling incomplete. While the performances are strong, particularly in musical numbers like “Billie Jean,” the storytelling doesn’t introduce anything particularly new or unique about Michael’s life.
Historically, Michael Jackson’s influence on pop music and culture is profound. He became a superstar in the 1980s, known for his groundbreaking music videos and performances. His legacy is still felt today; according to a recent Spotify report, he remains one of the platform’s most-streamed artists, with billions of listens globally.
In summary, while Michael captures some of the best moments of his career, it doesn’t delve deeply enough into the complexities of his life and struggles. The film may satisfy fans looking for nostalgia but could leave others wanting more substance.
Rating: 6.5/10
