The Sway of A Legend: Review of ‘Michael’

 

When Michael Jackson performs the moonwalk on stage for the very first time, the film cuts to a man in the audience breaking down in tears, overwhelmed. That single moment encapsulates my entire experience watching this movie. Having listened to Jackson throughout my teens and witnessed an entire generation attempt to mimic his moves, I can attest that he held a sway over us like no one else. Ever. Everything about him was larger than life: his music, his choreography, his obsessions, his tragic demise, and the devastating allegations that shadowed his later years.

The film is a two-hour journey of pure nostalgia, balancing profound heartache with immense joy; almost every scene manages to evoke a tear and a smile simultaneously. His childhood trauma, a mother trapped in helplessness despite witnessing the abuse, his profound isolation, and his eternal state as a man-child are all beautifully rendered on screen. Then, of course, there are the musical numbers - staged with breathtaking authenticity. Jaafar Jackson doesn't just play Michael; he embodies him. I have rarely seen an actor completely dissolve into a persona so effortlessly, supported by an equally stellar cast. Ultimately, Michael is a cinematic experience that should not be missed, whether you grew up with his music or are discovering him for the first time.

If I have to nitpick - as I always do - the film is not without its flaws. Jackson’s brothers are unfortunately reduced to cardboard cutouts, treated almost as footnotes in his life. The narrative also occasionally glosses over the rawest depths of his trauma. Furthermore, I found myself wishing the script had highlighted his monumental collaborative charity track, 'We Are the World,' or dug deeper into his more emotionally raw ballads. Yet, barring these omissions, the film remains a tour de force. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor: step out and grab a ticket.