Michael- The MUSIC. The STAR. The JAAFAR.

Freshly home from my “milestone birthday voyage” to India (and no, I didn’t ride any elephants, they saw me as their equal), I made it back just in time for my first-born son’s 22nd orbit around the sun. Coincidentally, the new Michael Jackson biopic had just hit the big screen. So of course, it was lights, camera…JACKSON for the fam! Though it’s one of the most anticipated biopics of recent years, is it the first for the “magnificent moonwalker”? Not quite. Not even second. However, this glitter gloved stroll down memory lane was well waited for because it hits different. If you remember the one starring Flex Alexander (bless his heart, he tried), you will know that the difference was well needed! The difference was clearly the cast and Fuqua’s fresh cinematography and scope on the star’s unique story. However, the limelight, stage lights, porch lights AND head lights…shined FIERCELY on the talent of MJ’s very own nephew, Mr. Jaafar Jackson. Honey…and he deserved every single wattage! Let’s dissect.

Michael Joseph Jackson. The 7th Jackson kid (in place of Brandon, (Marlon’s twin) who died shortly after birth.) with a voice of velvet and a soul for stardom. A sweet twinkled eyed whimsical child with the weight of family, music, and independence on his shoulders. From the humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana as the young lead of Jackson 5, to the solo powerhouse of pop music history, “Michael” follows the lows and rises of one of music’s most influential artists of all time.

Storyline (3/5)

The “attention grab” of the story is definitely a mix between “it’s MICHAEL JACKSON” and “what really happened?”. So therefore, you will automatically be drawn into the saga by curiosity AND fandom. However, I gave it a 3 out of 5 because I felt as if it was “missing some parts.” I greatly understand that there’s NO way to fit every happening into shyly over 2 hours of screenplay and the fact that this is only PART 1 of a biopic film series, but as a fan and coming from a generation that REMEMBERS key moments that COULD have been squeezed into the first film, I have to stay true to the feeling of a few courses missing on the plate. For example, I was WAITING to see Jaafar perform “Rock With You” in his uncle’s rhinestone flooded regalia.

Screenplay (4/5)

Smooth sailing on screen. Straight forward walk through of MJ’s early journey. However, …I feel that may have been an issue. I was feeling as if the writers were being ‘too careful” with the king of pop’s image and integrity, that some of the dramatic scenes sort of bled in the wrong places. For example, his heated encounters with his domineering father felt “toned down”. Perhaps for the PG-13 rating. Based on the late musician’s own commentary on his life with Joe Jackson, we can all imagine that those moments were a LOT of bit more intense.

Characters (5/5)

The famous glove that Mike wore MUST have been used to perfectly fit this cast together! Child actor Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael embodied his tenderness and potential for the crown. One of my forever crushes, Larenz Tate (Love Jones) cast as music mogul Berry Gordy was a sweet gem. Seeing him in a more mature role was perfect for his seasoned new age. Nia Long (Boyz in The Hood, The Best Man) and Colman Domingo (Euphoria, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) cast as Katherine and Joseph Jackson was the perfect yin and yang that sums up just how extreme AND delicate it was growing up as a Jackson kid. Long’s presence gave healing and understanding…while Domingo EMBODIED the no-nonsense timed cannon that was Joe, or as his own children called him, Joseph. Just Colman’s facial acting was enough to put you on edge. Mike Myers (Shrek, The Cat in the Hat) as a cameo was a surprising and comically needed delight. KeiLyn Durrel Jones as MJ’s security and right-hand man Bill Bray did a phenomenal job as well. JANET was missing and I’m hot about it…but I respect it lol.

Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his iconic late uncle was done with such excellence, integrity, and passion beyond scripts and cameras. It was personal. It was ancestral. It was HONOR. You can tell from his very first scene that his mind, body, and soul was committed to channeling the greatness of his uncle, his family, and the legacy as a whole. The moves, mannerisms, and dedication to accuracy was enough for Jaafar’s talent and performance to reach the room of the Academy Award’s most critical judges.

Graphics & Cinematography (5/5)

Top tier coloring, angling and special effects. Vibrant, quick and sharp on the music scenes, especially “Bad”. Moody and contrast on the intense scenes (mostly with Joe Jackson), making his appearance sinister…love it lol.

“Michael” is a GREAT family film for fans who were THERE, and new fans in need of education on the history and impact that Michael and the entire Jackson family has imprinted on the world forever. Definitely worthy of a second and even third watch. It was the perfect way to celebrate MJ, music, family, and my big boy’s birthday. His 22nd was for the books…and the blog lol. We love you Khalil! -Ngozi The Blessed