Michael will give audiences an in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson's most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer's artistic process and personal life. MICHAEL JACKSON's legacy and global reach as a recording artist, musician, and dancer is indisputable. He is the biggest-selling artist of all time, the most awarded entertainer of all time, and the artist behind the biggest-selling album of all time. Today, in 2024, his music still remains as relevant as it ever was.

Why Antoine Fuqua's "MICHAEL" is a Pure Rush of Nostalgia for True Fans

The cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known is finally here. MICHAEL, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, tells the story of Michael Jackson's life beyond the music. It traces his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson 5, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.  

The Critics vs. The Fans

If you read the professional reviews online, you might get mixed signals. Some critics call it a "chronological plod" or a sanitized version of history that stops the narrative in the mid-1980s before his most contentious public battles. They point out how the film wraps Michael in a sweet, saintly innocence, leaving viewers to wonder how this gentle soul wrote an urgent, paranoid track like Billie Jean.

But as someone who lived through the height of MJ’s popularity—blasting his Pop/Rock anthems through my late teens and university years—I look at this movie a bit differently.

For fans who just want to experience the magic of his music, his legendary dance moves, and the energy that defined a generation, MICHAEL absolutely delivers. It isn't trying to be a hard-hitting investigative documentary; it's a massive, spectacular celebration of the art that shaped our youth.

3 Fun Facts From Behind the Scenes

To truly appreciate what went into making this film, here are a few incredible pieces of trivia that prove just how dedicated the crew was to getting the details right:

• A True Family Affair: The man himself is played by his own 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson (son of Jermaine Jackson). While critics argued over his dramatic range, there is no denying his physical resemblance and vocal mimicry. On set, his transformation was so accurate that crew members and original Jackson family friends were routinely moved to tears during his performances.  
• The 15-Pound Jacket: The costume design team didn't take shortcuts. Legendary pieces—like the jacket Michael wore to the Grammys—were completely handmade and weighed an incredible 15 pounds due to the heavy, authentic beadwork and detailing.  
• Recreating "Thriller" on Location: Director Antoine Fuqua insisted on filming the Thriller music video segments on the exact Los Angeles locations where the original 1983 video was shot, bringing in Michael's original choreographers, Rich and Tone, to train the dancers.  

The Verdict: If you are looking for a gritty, tell-all exposé, you might agree with the skeptics. But if you want to be transported back to a time when music videos were global events and everyone was trying to master the moonwalk, MICHAEL is a warm rush of pure entertainment.