A nostalgic tribute that celebrates the King of Pop

Michael is truly a fantastic film, regardless of what the critics may say.

If you are a Michael Jackson fan, then I think you are going to love this movie. It is a love letter to Michael, his music, and his stories. I know the film avoids most of the uncomfortable parts of the artist’s life, and that could have added more depth to the story. I think the filmmakers were more focused on the music, and in this case, that is not a bad thing.

Michael is a biographical film made for Michael Jackson’s fans. It is a story about his music and stage persona. Jaafar Jackson does an incredibly good job bringing the pop star to the silver screen, while also shining when the story tackles the sadder moments. I wish they had shown more of Jackson’s childhood, because there is so much to explore.

Emotional tribute

The film may play out like a concert, but there is so much emotion in all the songs. I think the emotional moments the film addresses are handled effectively. It shows Michael’s relationship with his parents and how each of them shaped who he became.

I could not help but laugh and cry with him during those moments. Juliano Krue Valdi, who plays young Michael, is an absolute standout. Besides the two actors who portray Michael, I also think Colman Domingo, who plays Michael’s father Joseph Jackson, is phenomenal. The rest of the cast is also wonderful, even if they do not appear that much.

The production design was incredible as well. The film recreated some of Michael’s most iconic moments in the most amazing ways. The first time he did the moonwalk was recreated shot for shot, and that is exactly what makes this film so special. It brought some of the most incredible moments to the big screen.

The songs

What can I say about the music, except that I sang along for most of the film? I even tried to do the Thriller dance. Billie Jean is one of my favourite songs, and the way it was used in the film and its marketing made me want to listen to it over and over again. Michael Jackson was a musical genius, and the film shows that well.

A lot of the singer’s story was left out, since the film ends in 1988. There is no doubt that he is an icon, and I think that may be the most important thing missing from this film. I hope we get a second film, and I hope it focuses on his life in the 1990s.

My parents played Michael’s music for us from a young age, so I have a real connection to his music, and that is probably why I am a little biased when it comes to this film. It is not a perfect film, but I would gladly watch it again. I think for the music alone, this movie deserves 4 out of 5 stars.