Michael Jackson or MJ as he was lovingly called by the legion of fans cutting across geopolitical boundaries, countries, castes and creed, he was an enigma to many and this is what this movie tries to unravel. This MJ biopic would surely be music to his Gen X and millennial fans who grew up going into frenzy listening to his songs, it will equally appeal to the current Gen Z and Alphas. Though he had gained popularity with Jackson Five and his first solo album Off the Wall, his phenomenon was tasted by this world when Thriller was released which busted all records for anything to do with music. One can write pages as his life was for everyone to see.
The movie starts with him getting ready for the Bad concert, then it flips back into his childhood and picks up the pieces from age 8. One could see that he not only had a spark in him, he was gifted with extraordinary vocals and had the dance moves from very early on. His over bearing father Joseph wanted to start ‘Jackson 5’ a band with five of his sons at the time, while MJ was different from the rest, not just a dreamer, he was his own man too.
Father infuses discipline in the young Michael
As a child, MJ would usually not follow his father’s instructions and was quite often beaten brutally by him, this left a scar in his mind. The movie also puts on view his angst for going solo, to be the biggest and the best of all times, to break free from his father ‘s clutches and also get back on him. It depicts his genius not only in his music, vocals and moves but also his business acumen and the masterstroke he played on his father.
MJ here is on display from his own eyes and not a third person view, tries to convey his sensitivity, love for animals and his connect with children, love for family particularly his mother and his philanthropic streak. The movie thankfully sidesteps from quelling any rumour or scandals which were associated with him. Fans will feel let down as it ends abruptly where it began- the ‘Bad’ tour. However that leaves us with the hope of another installment and chance to see the making of ‘Neverland’ which has been referenced here as his utopia from childhood.
MJ’s visits to children’s hospitals, not having friends as a school kid and hence adopting pets depict the loneliness in the rock star. The movie is easy on the viewer’s eyes and mind.
It’s Jaafar Jackson – Michael’s real life nephew
Jaafar Jackson who is Michael’s real life nephew (Jermaine’s son) plays him and does a commendable job. He has imbibed Michael, his mannerisms, his moves and voice, see MJ’s original recordings on YouTube for proof. Coleman Domingo who has played Joseph is menacingly good. Nia Long as his mother Katherine plays the subjugated wife and loving mother to perfection. Of course the music is good with some original tracks and some original scores created for this film by Lior Rosner. Bill Bray, MJ’s long-time head of security is played by KeiLyn Durrel Jones who deserves a special mention.
A high five for the production team who have taken pains in detailing. This billion dollar blockbuster is absolutely worth a watch especially for those who saw MJ as their hero. The movie is now streaming on Hotstar with a run length of 2.07 hours.
– Review by PAWAN GUPTA
Cast of Michael:
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson
Juliano Valdi as young Michael
Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson (Michael’s father)
Nia Long as Katherine Scruse-Jackson (Michael’s mother)
Miles Teller as John Branca (Michael’s attorney)
KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray (Michael’s bodyguard)
Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe (creative assistant to Berry Gordy at Motown)
Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson (Michael’s older brother)
Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson (Michael’s older brother)
Jamal R. Henderson as Jermaine Jackson (Michael’s older brother)
Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson (Michael’s older brother)
Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson (Michael’s older sister)
Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff (President of CBS Records)
Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones (a co-producer for three of Michael’s solo albums)
Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy (music producer and president of Motown)
Liv Symone as Gladys Knight (singer and actress)
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Credits of Michael:
Production companies – Lionsgate Films, GK Films
Produced by Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Written by John Logan
Cinematography – Dion Beebe
Edited by John Ottman, Harry Yoon, Conrad Buff IV, Tom Cross
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