The curtain finally went up on Antoine Fuqua's long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, and the fallout is exactly what you’d expect from a movie about the most polarizing figure in music history. It officially hits U.S. theaters this Friday, April 24, but the early reviews from its Berlin premiere and advance screenings have already sparked a civil war between critics and fans.
We’re looking at a massive divide. On one side, you’ve got critics calling it a "sanitized hagiography" that skips over the most uncomfortable parts of Jackson's life. On the other, you have early viewers—and even some music legends like Questlove—praising it as a "masterclass" in humanizing a myth. Currently sitting with a shaky 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film isn't the slam dunk Lionsgate hoped for, but it’s far from a total disaster. Here’s what you need to know before you drop $20 on an IMAX ticket.
The Star Power is Undeniable
If there’s one thing every single person agrees on, it’s Jaafar Jackson. Playing your uncle when he happens to be the King of Pop is a thankless task, but Jaafar apparently pulls off the impossible. He doesn't just mimic the dance moves; critics are saying he captures the "electrostatic" energy of Michael’s stage presence.
The vocals and the physical performance are terrifyingly accurate. Owen Gleiberman from Variety noted that Jaafar nails the specific "mix of delicacy and steel" that Michael possessed. It’s not just a high-budget impersonation. There’s real soul in how he handles the transition from the innocent Motown era to the isolated, high-pressure world of the Thriller and Bad years. Colman Domingo also puts in heavy work as the family patriarch, Joe Jackson. He’s played as a "domestic Svengali," a man whose ambition was as brutal as his discipline. If you’re going for the acting alone, you probably won't feel cheated.
Why the Critics are Fuming
The primary reason for the low scores isn't the production value—it’s the script. Written by John Logan, the movie covers the Jackson 5 era through the peak of Michael's solo fame. But here’s the kicker: it stops right when things get truly messy.
Critics are slamming the film for "bowdlerizing" Jackson's history. By avoiding any real engagement with the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations or the later trials, the movie creates what some are calling a "hollow center." SlashFilm was particularly blunt, labeling it the "opposite of a warts-and-all biography."
- The "Estate Problem": Since the movie is approved by the Jackson estate, many feel it's more of a corporate PR exercise than a piece of cinema.
- Narrative Clichés: Expect the standard biopic tropes—the moment of inspiration in the studio, the montage of chart-topping hits, and the over-the-top corporate villains who don't "get" his vision.
- The Length: At three and a half hours, it’s a marathon. Some reviewers feel it’s just a "filmed playlist" that doesn't actually tell us anything new about the man behind the mask.
Is It Worth Your Friday Night?
Despite the critics' thrashing, the "Michael" trailer broke records with over 116 million views in 24 hours. There’s a massive audience that doesn't care about a Rotten Tomatoes score. They want to see the moonwalk on a 60-foot screen.
Questlove recently took to social media to defend the film, arguing that it successfully humanizes Michael in a way that’s never been done. For many fans, seeing the "elephant in the room" (the allegations) isn't the point of a $150 million celebration of his music. They’re coming for the recreation of the "Thriller" video and the Super Bowl halftime show, both of which are reportedly stunning.
The movie deals heavily with Michael’s loneliness and the trauma of his stolen childhood. It portrays him as a victim of his father’s abuse, which helps explain—even if it doesn't excuse—the eccentricities that defined his later years. If you want a deep, unbiased investigation into Jackson’s legal troubles, you’re better off watching a documentary. If you want a high-octane, visually spectacular tribute to his creative genius, this is it.
Your Best Move
Don't let the 30% score scare you off if you're a fan of the music. Biopics about icons—think Bohemian Rhapsody or Elvis—often get lukewarm reviews from critics while being adored by the public.
If you’re planning to go, book the IMAX sessions. The musical numbers are the clear highlights, and the sound design is reportedly built for the biggest speakers possible. Just be prepared for a long sit. You're looking at a runtime that rivals Oppenheimer, but with more glitter and better socks. Check your local listings for the Friday morning slots; those are usually the first to fill up with the die-hards who want to see if Jaafar really is the second coming of his uncle.
