As of Tuesday morning, the Lionsgate biopic Michael holds a 26% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews, signaling a sharp divide between audiences expecting a definitive portrait and critics finding the film overly sanitized.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, traces Michael Jackson’s journey from the Jackson 5’s rise in Gary, Indiana, through his early solo years, with Jaafar Jackson portraying the adult Michael and Juliano Krue Valdi as the child version. While the movie avoids the singer’s legal controversies and complex personal struggles, it leans heavily on musical recreations, with critics noting the performances feel technically precise but emotionally detached.
Supporters of the film highlight the authenticity of the central performances. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called it a “warm rush of transporting pleasure” for fans nostalgic for Jackson’s peak era. Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today praised Jaafar Jackson’s dance moves and vocal mimicry, noting he “studied to perfection” his uncle’s mannerisms. Pete Hammond of Deadline echoed this, saying the actor “channels Uncle Michael in uncanny ways” and delivers a performance that makes the King of Pop feel present again.
Yet detractors argue the film’s strength in imitation becomes its weakness in interpretation. Derek Smith of Slant Magazine dismissed it as reducing a “tragic, deeply complicated life” into a “sanitized popcorn film.” Owen Gleiberman of Variety acknowledged the film’s craftsmanship but noted it avoids Jackson’s darker chapters, calling it an “engrossing middle-of-the-road biopic” that feels safe rather than revealing. The Film Verdict went further, describing the movie as emotionally hollow despite its technical skill, accusing the filmmakers of being constrained by family involvement — noting Jackson’s manager is a producer and several siblings are executive producers, which likely limited creative freedom.
For more on this story, see Michael Jackson Biopic: Estate’s Campaign to Rehabilitate His Legacy.
The absence of key figures like Janet Jackson and Rebbie Jackson, who did not participate as producers, stands out in the narrative. The film never references them, nor does it engage with the allegations that shaped Jackson’s later years. Instead, it presents a simplified arc: a strict father, a gifted son, and adoring fans — a framing critics say serves the family’s legacy more than historical complexity.
Musically, the film relies on archival vocals attributed to Michael Jackson himself, though some observers note the audio sounds slightly altered, possibly due to posthumous editing. The choreography and costume work draw strong praise, particularly in sequences reenacting “Beat It” and “Thriller,” where the younger and older Michaels are shown performing with precision. These moments are frequently cited as the film’s most alive, standing in contrast to the otherwise flat interpersonal drama.
With a wide release set for Friday, the film’s box office prospects remain strong due to built-in fan loyalty, but its critical reception suggests it may struggle to transcend nostalgia. The current score places it among the lower-ranked music biopics on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a broader skepticism toward posthumous projects shaped by estate oversight. Whether audiences will embrace it as a tribute or reject it as a missed opportunity will depend on how much they value emotional truth over technical fidelity.
This follows our earlier report, New Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Set for Global Box Office Success.
Why did the film avoid Michael Jackson’s legal controversies?
The film’s producers include Jackson’s manager and several of his siblings, creating a conflict of interest that likely discouraged exploration of contested aspects of his life, according to multiple critics.
How accurate are the musical performances in the film?
The vocals are credited to Michael Jackson himself, possibly using archival or alternate takes, while Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi lip-sync and replicate the dance moves with close attention to detail.
