Michael (2026) Review: A Musical Tribute, But Lacks Depth

**Simon** (0:00)
Hello, and welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Let's talk about Michael from 2026 Antoine Fuqua's Michael is a biographical film that attempts to capture the life of the legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson, from his early days with The Jackson Five to his rise as a solo artist with the groundbreaking album Thriller. The film, written by John Logan, is a drama, history and biography that spans from 1966 to 1988, focusing on Michael's journey through a challenging childhood under the strict and often abusive guidance of his father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, to his emergence as a global icon.
The film's narrative is structured chronologically, which, while providing a clear timeline of events, often results in a choppy and rushed storytelling style. This approach leaves little room for deep exploration of Michael's personal struggles and complexities. Instead, the film leans heavily on Michael's music as its primary asset, showcasing extended performances of iconic songs like Thriller and Bad. These musical sequences are undoubtedly the film's highlight, capturing the energy and charisma that made Michael Jackson a superstar.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael's real-life nephew, takes on the challenging role of portraying his uncle. His performance is commendable, capturing Michael's stage presence and vocal nuances with impressive accuracy. However, the film's portrayal of Michael is somewhat one-dimensional, presenting him as a saintly figure with few flaws beyond his inability to stand up to his father. This sanitized depiction glosses over the more controversial aspects of Michael's life, focusing instead on his musical achievements and his quest for artistic independence.
The supporting cast, including Nia Long as Michael's mother Catherine and Kaylin Durrell-Jones as his bodyguard Bill Bray, provide glimpses into Michael's support system. However, their characters are not fully developed, and the film does not delve deeply into their relationships with Michael. The absence of Janet Jackson and the lack of exploration of Michael's relationships with his siblings further contribute to the film's narrow focus. Michael is visually captivating, with Fuqua's experience as a music video director evident in the dynamic camera work and editing. The film's IMAX presentation enhances the concert-like experience, immersing viewers in the spectacle of Michael's performances. However, this emphasis on style over substance means that the film often feels more like a highlight reel than a comprehensive biopic.
While Michael succeeds in celebrating the musical legacy of Michael Jackson, it falls short of providing a nuanced and insightful exploration of his life. The film's reluctance to address the more controversial aspects of Michael's story, such as the allegations of abuse that emerged in the 1990s, leaves it feeling incomplete. As a result, Michael serves as an entertaining yet superficial tribute to the King of Pop, leaving audiences with a sense of nostalgia but little new understanding of the man behind the music. Well, that's my review of Michael, and I'm giving it 3 stars out of 5 stars. Thank you for listening. If you've liked this review, please like, subscribe, and I hope to see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.