“Michael,” The long-awaited biopic of popstar legend Michael Jackson, attempts to capture both the spectacle and solitude behind one of the most iconic figures of music. The movie displayed milestones of Jackson’s life, beginning with his childhood and ending in his early twenties. The talented actors and actresses astonished the audience with a blast from the past and a personal new look into the life of the King of Pop.
Overall, the movie Michael showcased Jackson’s strained, coerced childhood, including his difficult relationship with his father and the pressure he faced from a young age. The movie also showed his immense talents in singing, dancing and the journey Jackson took to become more independent and confident on stage and with his personality. As Jackson steers away from the Jackson 5, the pop band composed of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson, to create his own music, he learns the struggle of forming a new identity on his own.
“I love how they showed every bit of his life and the work that he did and the effort he put in to make others happy. The movie also highlighted how he never really got the chance to grow up, and so even in his adult years, he was still a child on the inside,” said Los Alamitos High School junior Sophie Long.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, nephew of Michael Jackson. Jaafar Jackson’s casting for the portrayal of his uncle carries emotional weight, as this is one of the most challenging roles imaginable. He spent years studying Michael Jackson’s distinctive choreography and characteristics, working with esteemed choreographers to replicate his unique aptitude. Jaafar Jackson delivers the most honorable depiction filled with sincerity and restraint, saluting the late luminary with a performance that is respectful and heartfelt.
“I started to absorb all of Michael’s tours, and collected a library of any video I could find of him dancing. I really started studying it on a daily basis, and practicing in the mirror for hours and hours every day. It took a couple of years until I felt confident with the dance moves,” said Jaafar Jackson in a Vogue Interview.
The film goes through recognizable songs from Jackson’s discography that are reflected in pivotal and emotional moments. The use of his performances becomes storytelling from his perspective instead of a concert scene that is just to be recreated. Through these sequences, audiences are seeing behind the scenes of the most influential eras in pop culture and music history.
Ultimately, “Michael” is a dazzling tribute that succeeds in transporting you back to the magic of the King of Pop. With Jaafar Jackson’s transcendent performance channeling his uncle’s sweetness and genius, this is an absolute must-see theatrical experience for fans and music lovers alike.
This film excels visually by recreating monumental moments in Jackson’s career, perfectly setting the scene flawlessly for the story to unfold. From dazzling stage lights and dark backstage moments to the resplendent costumes and dreamlike concert sequences, these scenes easily immerse you in the energy and emotion of the world of Michael Jackson.
