I am a diehard Michael Jackson fan, and I knew as soon as I saw the biopic’s trailer that I would have to see it as soon as it came out. I saw an early screening of “Michael,” arriving 20 minutes early for the first showing, shaking with anticipation. 

I thought that this movie would have a lot of hype surrounding it, as the world is incredibly fond of Jackson, even 16 years after his untimely death–but critics had a lot to say about the film as a whole. 

The critics focused on various aspects of the film, from its portrayal of Jackson’s life to the casting choice. Despite their mixed reviews, the movie captures the essence of his artistry and legacy. For fans, it offers a heartfelt glimpse into his world, making it a must-see experience. 

For those expecting a tremendous amount of detail about Jackson’s life, keep in mind that his career spanned over four decades. It is incredibly difficult to fit that amount of material into a single film. Instead, the movie focuses on key moments that highlight his impact and influence. This approach allows viewers to appreciate his journey without feeling overwhelmed by an exhaustive timeline. It serves as a celebration rather than a comprehensive biography.

The movie starts at the beginning of Jackson’s career with his brothers, the Jackson 5 and showcases their unbelievable growth as a group. Juliano Krue Valdi, the actor for Jackson as a young boy, left me speechless–he captured Jackson’s mannerisms to a tee. 

Valdi studied Jackson’s movements, studied interviews for mannerisms and underwent intensive dance training with choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega. Valdi practiced for months, honing his skills to emulate Jackson’s energy and iconic style, having already been dancing to Jackson’s music for 5 years.

Jaafar Jackson took the stage at the beginning of Jackson’s solo career. However, he had never acted before–he spent months preparing for the role even before auditioning. For two years, he worked with an acting coach and put in long hours practicing his uncle’s iconic choreography. 

“It’s the type of experience that reshapes who you are for the better. To be able to live in those shoes, feel some of what he was feeling, see life through fresh eyes the way Michael did–it was important to feel all those things so that I could come from a place of truth, rather than trying to imitate or copy the shape of the moves. I wanted to learn the meaning behind the move, the essence of it,” stated Jackson in an interview with Interview Magazine.

The two actors taking on the role of Jackson gave their all–they both captured Jackson’s vulnerability, exhaustion, happiness and his frustration that made him a fantastic performer. It is also important to point out that the movie humanized and respected Jackson, highlighting his charitable nature and slightly naive qualities. The film also depicted how conscientious he was about his work–he wanted to be the best performer of all time and he worked tirelessly to perfect every detail of his performances.

This dedication not only showcases his immense talent but also emphasizes his deep passion for music and dance, which the film captures beautifully. It portrays him as a multifaceted artist driven by both ambition and a genuine desire to inspire people worldwide.

So… have you been thinking about watching the “Michael” movie but conflicted by the mixed reviews you’ve seen on Rotten Tomatoes? I say go and see it. It is a terrific film designed for the FANS to enjoy–not designed for the media to tear apart and criticize. Whether you are a diehard fan or a casual fan, this film is a must-watch. 

“Michael” officially releases in theatres on April 24, 2026.