'Michael' Review: Distinctly Safe and Crowd Pleasing Biopic
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
By Jack Ransom - April 30, 2026
Quite possibly *the* most anticipated music biopic of all time. Michael tells the story of pop superstar Michael Jackson (Jaafar Jackson) -- from his extraordinary early days in the Jackson 5 to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuels a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Really, there should be a disclaimer that this is very much only half of the King of Pop’s story, as this project has of course been heavily overseen by the Jackson estate and notoriously was subjected to a myriad of reshoots and cuts (one of which supposedly saw sirens and lights heading to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch as he looked out the window). This is a distinctly safe, crowd-pleasing biopic that’s clearly connecting with audiences — it’s already smashed the opening weekend record for the genre — and even managed to draw a crowd in the double figures at my local cinema, which feels like an achievement in itself.
When it comes to my relationship with Jackson’s music I really only am familiar with the big hits (found myself watching a few of his music videos or ‘short films’ as he called them, in the lead up to this), however I haven’t delved further into his catalogue, but there is no denying the man was a musical genius and the soundtrack to this film is chock full of wall-to-wall classics that I really had to restrain myself from foot-tapping and singing along to.
Seeing his nephew take the stage and recreate these iconic songs, dance moves and performances is genuinely electric and at times genuinely indistinguishable from the real thing. The Thriller sequence, Billie Jean at Motown 25, the one-two of Human Nature & Workin’ Day and Night and closing with Bad at Wembley Stadium all look and sound fantastic. The detail of the costumes, the myriad of sets and nailing the rabid fan excitement are all well presented and add to the exterior authenticity of the material. However, one of the disappointments is the lack of musical process. There are a couple of recording studio moments (most notably Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough), but these are swiftly montaged and he nails the takes first time every time.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the rest of the film’s story and structuring the issues raised their head quite swiftly. This is quite possibly the most cliché and by the numbers biopic that it almost borders on being on autopilot, and is littered with cheesy, self-grandiosity with a repeated emphasis on Michael visiting hospitals, solving gang violence with Beat It and aspects of his persona that would later become more troubling, being played off as playfully quirky. The core of the story boils down to Michael’s desire to be free on his own path from his father’s grasp which is a powerful centrepiece to have, but here is a rinse-repeat series of encounters with Joseph that should have more impact than it does.
Jaafar Jackson is electric here and perfectly captures the mannerisms, body language and voice of his Uncle with simultaneous meticulous precision and natural family talent. Coupled with the effective makeup and prosthetic work for his face as Michael had plastic surgery, it’s wholly convincing. Juliano Valdi does a great job as young Michael, Colman Domingo hams up the sinister side of Joseph Jackson to almost Bond villain levels. Cigar-chomping, money hungry and with a vicious temper, he does occasionally feel like he’s in a different film. Lastly, Nia Long and Miles Teller unfortunately are underutilised here in their support roles.
Michael is unfortunately a mediocre and incredibly generic biopic that plays it very safe and feels like the filmmakers are doing everything in their power to make its subject the personification of perfection. The music is of course stellar, Jaafar Jackson steps into his uncle’s shoes with skill and passion and the production, props and sets are very impressive.
'Michael' is out now in cinemas.
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