Michael is the ultimate ode to the King of Pop

🎥 Just days into its theatrical release, Michael sparked controversy — we weren’t surprised. The film faced a scathing attack from critics, which was met by the rising voices of fans shouting, “ don’t let the critics fool you, see Michael for yourselves,” viewing the backlash as part of a campaign to tarnish the legacy of the King of Pop. Produced by Graham King (of Bohemian Rhapsody) and directed by Antoine Fuqua (famous for Training Day), the film didn’t take long to break records, earning USD 217 mn during its opening weekend.

Production-wise, the film excels. Jaafar Jackson — Michael Jackson’s nephew — kicks off his cinematic career with a bang, portraying his late uncle with such finesse that for a moment, we thought we were watching MJ himself. From the voice to the body language and dance moves, it was clear Jaafar had done his homework. Every casting choice was spot on, specifically the father, Joe Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo with brilliance.

A life that cannot be contained in a single film: Michael Jackson’s story, with its complexities and details, is larger and deeper than a two-hour film can hold, which is perfectly understandable. The only weakness of the film is the dialogue, which seemed overly direct, but the choice to focus on the first chapter of his life and his toxic relationship with his father and distorted childhood remains logical. It provided us with a powerful, poignant, and enjoyable musical biopic, telling the iconic rise of one of the most — if not the most — famous talents of the modern era.

Too childlike? One of the most prominent points echoed by the film’s critics is that it portrays Michael as more of a child in an attempt to polish his image for new generations. We see this as untrue; Michael’s difficult upbringing, his love for animals, his constant search for his lost childhood, as well as his famous charitable works, are all facts known by heart to almost all his fans. All the filmmakers did was translate that onto the cinema screen in a dramatic adaptation.

Our verdict: This is a film that speaks to Michael Jackson lovers and those who grew up on his music. Although it didn’t present aspects unknown to any true fan, seeing songs like Billie Jean at the Motown concert or the behind-the-scenes filming of the Thriller video on the big screen was a refreshing and enjoyable experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. We can’t wait for part two.

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WHERE TO WATCH- Michael is screening at Vox Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria. You can also catch the film at City Stars Cinema, D5 and CFCM’s Scene Cinema, and Cima Arkan. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 2:17).