Title: Michael
MPA Rating: PG-13
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Jafar Jackson, Nia Long,  Colman Domingo
Runtime: 2 hr 7 mins

What It Is: Chronicling the rise of former Jackson 5 member Michael Jackson (Jackson) from a talented child to the undisputed King of Pop. All the things in between that lead him to where we end this film. On the back end of the 1980s with Jackson firmly in control of the pop charts, even if his personal relationships are unwinding in front of him. From a modest beginning in Gary, Indiana to a monstrous rise with back to back legendary records in Thriller and Bad. We witness the start of the man simply known as Michael.

What We Think: Is this a good movie? No, not even a little bit. What it is though is a showstopping musical biopic. To tell the tale of Michael Jackson you need his music and this has that. Because of this there’s a kinetic energy that most biopics can only hope to have. It isn’t a well-made or well-written biopic and it glosses over anything negative about the late King of Pop. It does give us insight into his abnormal childhood. Fuqua’s direction is unfocused and far too flashy. He looks like he’s trying to make a music video instead of a fully formed film.

Our Grade: C-, This’ll please the crowds much like any music biopic might. It’s a lot better than say Bohemian Rhapsody even if it’ll never top any list of the best of this genre it does things competently enough. Fuqua has lost a little of his magic and that’s really evident here. He and the man that was Michael Jackson swap magic. Jackson’s always had a magic in his music and that’s very clear here. If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson you’ll probably love this! If you’re a cinephile like we are, it’s probably not for you. Still, nice job Lionsgate.