When I first heard that there was a Michael Jackson film coming out, I was sceptical. A lot of that came down to the fact it was being produced by the Michael Jackson Estate, and that his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, was going to play him. It felt like it might be a bit too controlled, and not fully honest.
The film takes us through Jackson’s life, from the early days of the Jackson Five under a bullying father, to his rise as a global superstar on his own terms. It builds towards the Wembley Stadium concert in 1988, when he was just 30 years old. The structure is straightforward, but it covers the key moments most people would expect.
For someone who hasn’t properly acted before, Jaafar Jackson deserves real credit. He does a convincing job portraying his uncle, and at times the resemblance is almost uncanny. His performance feels most natural in the earlier parts of the film, but it’s on stage where he really comes alive. The dancing is sharp, full of energy and flair, and easily one of the standout elements of the film.
Colman Domingo is excellent as Joseph Jackson. He brings a real intensity to the role, making it clear just how controlling and demanding he was. The film shows glimpses of how he exploited his children, both emotionally and financially, but it still feels like it holds back from fully exploring that side of the story.
The supporting cast, while not given a huge amount of screen time, still adds to the overall picture of Michael’s world. Katherine Jackson brings a quiet emotional grounding to the story, even in the background. The rest of the Jackson family Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and La Toya are mostly kept in supporting roles, but they help reinforce the sense of a tight-knit, demanding family environment. Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones doesn’t get as much to work with as you might expect, though his presence still adds weight to key moments in Michael’s career. Interestingly, the film gives a bit more focus to figures like his bodyguard Bill Bray, played by KeiLyn Durrel Jones, which offers a different perspective on Michael’s personal life. Meanwhile, Miles Teller as John Branca has a more noticeable role, helping to show the business side of Michael’s career. While some of these characters could have been explored further, they still contribute to building a fuller picture of the world around him.
That sense of holding back becomes more obvious towards the end. A flash on screen before the credits reads “The story continues.” Since the film’s release, it’s been said that the original ending was changed, with only 22 days to reshoot it and you can tell. The ending feels rushed and slightly unfinished, lacking the emotional weight it should have had.
It also raises bigger questions about what’s missing. The film avoids much of the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson’s later life, and while that might be intentional, it leaves the story feeling incomplete.
That’s ultimately the film’s biggest weakness. It focuses on the magic rather than the man and while that makes it an entertaining watch, it stops it from being a truly great one. You’re left impressed by the spectacle, but still wanting a deeper, more honest portrayal.
If a second film does happen and it certainly feels like that’s being set up it might benefit from a different approach. A slightly darker tone, a more fearless script, and a willingness to explore the more complicated parts of his life could elevate it to something much more powerful.
Overall, I did enjoy it. It held my attention throughout, and despite its flaws, I would still recommend seeing it at the cinema.
If nothing else, it’s the kind of film that gets people talking and sometimes, that’s just as important as getting everything right.