“Michael” Reviews Praise Jaafar Jackson’s Performance as ‘Perfection,’ Call Movie ‘By-the-Musical-Numbers Biopic’

A long-awaited biopic on the life of Michael Jackson, simply titled *Michael*, is set to hit UK cinemas on April 24. The film has garnered a mix of reviews from critics, with initial ratings suggesting some polarisation regarding its portrayal of the late pop icon’s life.

The movie had its major premiere with Jaafar Jackson, the 29-year-old son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of Michael, taking on the leading role. Colman Domingo, known for his compelling performances, portrays Michael’s father, Joseph Jackson, adding depth to the ensemble cast. Initial reactions from film critics are centred around Jaafar’s debut performance, which has received commendation, whereas the film’s narrative approach faced scrutiny.

As of April 21, Rotten Tomatoes reported a mere 25% positive reviews from the first 40 critics, setting a challenging stage for the film’s reception. Critics noted Jaafar Jackson’s ability to embody his uncle’s distinctive charisma and dance moves, triumphantly capturing the essence of Michael. USA Today’s Melissa Ruggieri stated, “Jaafar may share his late uncle’s megawatt smile…and soft-spoken cadence are studied to perfection,” though she pointed out that the film falls short in addressing the many controversies that surrounded Jackson during his life.

Pete Hammond from Deadline also acknowledged Jaafar’s performance, alongside that of child actor Juliano Valdi, who portrays the young Jackson during his time with The Jackson 5. However, Hammond likened the film to a “by-the-numbers biopic,” critiquing its lack of depth. He noted that while Jaafar’s casting could have raised questions about nepotism, his performance convincingly channels Michael Jackson’s iconic persona.

In a more critical assessment, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian rated the film only two out of five stars, labelling it as a montage filled with clichés. He expressed concern about the film ignoring pivotal aspects of Jackson’s life, suggesting it lacks authenticity. Although he praised Jaafar’s dance and singing ability, he highlighted Domingo’s portrayal of Joseph Jackson as the standout performance, describing it as “fierce and watchable.”

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman commented on the film’s accessibility, referring to it as a “middle-of-the-road biopic” that still manages to resonate thanks to its performances and visuals. He acknowledged Jaafar Jackson’s interpretation of Michael, commenting on how his “earthbound cuteness” gave insight into his uncle’s vulnerability.

On the other hand, IndieWire’s Kate Erbland gave *Michael* a C- rating, emphasising the challenges Jaafar faced in his role. She pointed out that the family ties and restrictions on the narrative hindered the film from exploring deeper or more scandalous events in Jackson’s life. Despite the film’s limitations, she acknowledged Jaafar’s performance as admirable.

As the release date draws closer, it remains to be seen how audiences will receive this interpretation of the life of one of the music industry’s most enigmatic figures. The mixture of praise and critique offers potential viewers an opportunity to consider whether this biopic resonates with the legacy of Michael Jackson or fails to deliver a comprehensive exploration of his complex story.

With *Michael* slated for release in theatres, fans of Jackson and biographical films alike will have the opportunity to form their own opinions on how the film portrays the life and times of the King of Pop. Given the mixed critical responses, the film is bound to spark conversation and reflection on both Jackson’s enduring musical influence and the controversies that have marked his legacy.