The King of Pop Returns! ‘Michael’ Captivates With Legendary Hits [Cinema Preview]

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers for the movie.

“Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” the moonwalk, and the best-selling album of all time… the footprint Michael Jackson left on pop music history is simply massive. That’s why “King of Pop” remains the only title that truly defines him.

Now, Michael Jackson’s life has been brought to the big screen. The movie ‘Michael’ captures the journey of a natural musical genius who shocked the world, following his rise to become the King of Pop through legendary music and electrifying performances that shook the century.

Set to open domestically on the 13th, ‘Michael’ (directed by Anton Fuqua) highlights the golden age of Michael Jackson, from his start with the Jackson 5 to the release of the masterpiece ‘Thriller’ (1982) and the ‘Bad’ (1987) world tour. The film involves Graham King, the producer behind the syndrome-inducing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and features Michael’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role.

The movie begins with a young Michael Jackson (played by Jaafar Jackson) showcasing his extraordinary musical talent, debuting as the vocalist for the Jackson 5 at just 10 years old. However, his father, Joe Jackson (played by Colman Domingo), strictly controlled the children and used violence to ensure their success. After gaining recognition performing at local shows and bars without a proper school education, they caught the eye of the legendary Black music label Motown and signed a contract. After topping the Billboard Hot 100 with hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” the Jackson 5 amassed great wealth, and Michael, showing unrivaled talent, dreamed of independence as a solo artist to escape his abusive father.

Later, Michael teamed up with legendary producer Quincy Jones to release a string of mega-hits: ‘Off the Wall’ (1979), ‘Thriller’ (1982), and ‘Bad’ (1987), becoming a global superstar. However, Joe Jackson unilaterally signed the Jackson 5 to tours and advertising contracts behind Michael’s back. Out of a sense of responsibility toward his family, Michael accepted this, but suffered a major accident during a commercial shoot that left him with burns and scalp damage. Even then, Joe Jackson seemed more concerned about the tour than his son’s health, leading Michael to finally declare that he would forge his own path.

The film portrays Michael’s agony—wanting to drop the name “Jackson” due to conflicts with his father, yet unable to detach himself from his family. It explores not only his musical achievements and perfectionism but also his private side, including the “Peter Pan Syndrome” stemming from childhood abuse, his obsession with Neverland, and his eccentric animal breeding and toy collecting. However, some may feel these narratives are fragmented rather than organically connected, feeling like a rough stitching together of the past. The process of struggling over a new album is overly simplified, and the portrayal of his father as a one-dimensional villain may hinder the exploration of Michael’s inner depth.

This approach seems influenced by the controversies that surrounded Michael during his lifetime. Early versions of the film included the period when he was indicted on charges of child sexual abuse, but those segments were completely edited out following the confirmation of a past agreement not to mention such content in film or TV.

While opinions on the filmmaking may vary, the sheer power of the legendary songs that defined an era drives ‘Michael’ forward. The film maximizes immersion by recreating iconic performances on screen, including the Jackson 5’s “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “Never Can Say Goodbye,” as well as solo hits like “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Human Nature,” and “Bad.” It enchantingly depicts Michael’s journey from a cramped house to standing on the stage of London’s Wembley Stadium, making the audience want to dance along.

The symbolic objects associated with Michael Jackson are also perfectly captured. Sparkling white socks, the red jacket from the “Thriller” music video, and flashy outfits like loafers and military uniforms naturally evoke memories of Michael. The key element completing this is undoubtedly his nephew, Jaafar. Looking just like his uncle, Jaafar Jackson doesn’t simply mimic him; after two years of rigorous practice, he mastered Michael’s signature “toe stand,” falsetto, and vocalization, capturing the audience’s attention.

It is never easy to authentically capture the life of a world-famous pop star while simultaneously incorporating their symbolic music. While ‘Michael’ may have had limits in catching both rabbits, it certainly caught the one called “the power of music.” This is the true strength of the great music Michael Jackson left behind. Runtime: 127 minutes.