Michael Movie May Be Fair BUT Jaafar Jackson is a STAR!

Having seen this film twice, I can tell you every audience member  will dance with hearts full of nostalgia for one of the greatest entertainers to ever walk the earth – Michael Jackson.  The question remains, is that enough to justify seeing this film? In my opinion the answer is two-fold.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is a multi-generational movie going experience. There will people who have lived long enough to experience every decade from the late 60’s through 1988, where the film ends, as the artist embarks upon his BAD tour. There will be others, who will learn details for the first time as they would not have been born yet.  Regardless of age, this film reaches into the Jackson genius depth pool sharing processes into songwriting and music video/short film creation, as well as, brief insight into famous collaborations with the late Quincy Jones, among others.

From “ABC” to “BAD,” the music and performances will never let you down. Nia Long perfectly encapsulates the stoic graceful elegance of the Jackson matriarch.  Her sweet, understated, yet stern demeanor is admirable and she shines best in those intimate scenes with Joe and/or Micheal.

While the make-up on Colman Domingo was a little distracting for me at times, Domingo leans into the essence of this Black man who was proud of getting his family out of the midwest. But, that same pride oftentimes is misread as cruel and manipulative.  No doubt, Joe Jackson was a complicated and flawed human being, but he was still a Black father in White America just trying to get his family out of a two bedroom house in Gary to have a better life than what had been afforded to him and his wife. Domingo will terrify you with this portrayal, but anyone who has had a strong Black father from a certain generation will understand this in spades and my dude never disappoints in any characterization he takes on.

One of the many surprises was learning about the close ties to security employee Bill Bray.  Although Bray passed in 2005, his presence in this family, particularly for Michael, illustrated what happens when someone shows you how to advocate and believe in yourself despite the consequences. KeiLyn Durrel Jones’ portrayal was a masterclass in what quiet fire looks like.  Last, and definitely not least, Jaafar Jackson IS Michael.  From every dance move, spoken word and iconic recreation of Michael’s performances, he is mesmerizingly magical.

Having said that, there are numerous flaws with the character development of many people  (Suzanne DePasse, Berry Gordy, the Jackson brothers, LaToya, lack of other siblings, etc…) leaving them to appear as nothing more than glorified extras. The script isn’t as strong as hoped, which is why the film most likely leans into the iconic performances instead.  Produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman),  consistently cutting to crowd scene footage was overkill in many instances.  Now, I understand they may have been going for some authenticity of the original concert and performance footage, but it became distracting and annoying at some point.

Having said all of this, the totality of this film isn’t as flushed out as the the 90’s mini-series, “The Jacksons: An American Dream” produced by Suzanne DePasse in the late 90’s early 2000’s, but it serves its purpose.  Of course, this mini-series focuses on the entire Jackson family and not solely on Michael. Yet, I’m left feeling this film is providing an opportunity for MJ fans to relive their favorite moments.  However, it does beg the question – can’t we already do that on You Tube? Did we need a whole, somewhat glossed over feature? In my humble opinion, he deserved better. And yet this a million times better than another made for television movie “Man In The Mirror” where producers literally had an actor is whiteface for the now scrapped project “Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon” (2004) in which Joseph Fiennes was cast as Michael.

Most of film plays through a warpspeed time capsule glossing over major details and decades  just to get to a performance or two, So, as I previously stated, conversations, opinions and how the masses will respond  is multi-generational.  Some lean into the fandom of it all and others will be annoyed it ends with 1988 and not address more controversial moments in the singers life and career.  Rumor has it, to rectify this clunky ending, another film may be in the works addressing his life up through his untimely death in 2009.

I walked away from Michael realizing this was a life cut all too short for all the wrong reasons.  Seemingly manipulated into  the Victory Tour, it was during a promotional shoot he suffered serious burns resulting in the pain medication addiction that dimmed his light one last time.  He would never shine again and one can’t help but wonder, if he’d never done that tour, or shot that soft drink spot or get addicted to any medication from his burn injuries – would he still be here for us to fawn over?  One never knows. What we do know is that not even death can extinguish a star or presence as bright as Michael Jackson.

For a man who yearned for his artistry to be a baton of peace and love, it is indeed unfortunate, Michael has been afforded everything but peace for himself and his loved ones. Many have debated whether the film is good or not.  Fans are popping off on critics and critics are fiercely defending their point of view as just that…an opinion. Here’s hoping that when the dust settles, we can all agree on one thing – his music, performances and Jaafar are the stars of this film through the energy and spirit of Michael…period.  Judge for yourself as the film hits theatres this weekend.