MICHAEL Review: Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo Deliver Award-Worthy Performances

MICHAEL is an unforgettable big-screen celebration of a music icon.

Watching MICHAEL in IMAX was like witnessing musical history unfold on the grandest stage. I saw the film with my Mom, who I previously took to see Elvis, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert. These artists have always bonded us, and she declared MICHAEL her favorite of all. I completely understand why.

From the start, the film offers an emotional, immersive look at one of history’s most influential entertainers. MICHAEL goes beyond the music, tracing Michael Jackson’s rise from leading the Jackson 5 to his solo stardom. By exploring his personal life and early solo performances, the film delivers an intimate, cinematic, and grand perspective.

IMAX enhances every moment, especially the musical sequences, where sound and visuals fully immerse you. The film’s scale, energy, and emotion honor Michael Jackson’s legacy.

A Monumental Story Told With Grand Ambition

Antoine Fuqua, known for powerful films across multiple genres including Training Day, The Equalizer, and Southpaw, shows a tremendous understanding of scale and character-driven storytelling with MICHAEL.

While many of his past projects lean into crime dramas and action thrillers, Fuqua proves here that his visual eye and narrative instincts translate beautifully to a music biopic. He directs the film with confidence and emotional clarity, guiding the story in a way that always serves both the audience and the legacy of Michael Jackson.

MICHAEL isn’t just a biopic—it’s a cinematic event. Massive in scope, it captures the magic, pain, and genius that defined Jackson’s rise to fame, and feels destined as a legendary music film.

Starting before the Jackson 5 and ending with Bad, the film smartly divides Jackson’s immense story. This structure leaves you wanting more and sets up the potential for an exciting second chapter, building anticipation like Infinity War.

The film balances spectacle and emotion, giving a front-row look at a legend who changed music and pop culture.

Jaafar Jackson Delivers a Transformational Performance

Jaafar Jackson gives a performance that goes beyond imitation, naturally capturing Michael’s movement, expression, and presence. As the film progresses, his resemblance deepens, especially as he embodies the era audiences know best.

Jaafar’s fully committed performance gives the film an authentic heartbeat. If awards season embraces MICHAEL, he absolutely belongs in the conversation.

Colman Domingo transforms into Joe Jackson, bringing complexity and intensity without shying from difficult truths. The hair and makeup elevate the believability, making his transformation feel seamless.

Hair, Makeup, and Fashion Deserve Major Recognition

Hair and makeup work across multiple eras is phenomenal, and the prosthetic work deserves just as much praise. The transformations feel seamless and believable, helping the cast fully embody real-life figures in a way that keeps the film grounded in authenticity. It stands as one of the film’s strongest technical achievements and absolutely deserves awards recognition.

Fashion also shines throughout the film, reinforcing that Michael Jackson was not only a music icon but also a true fashion icon. His bold and instantly recognizable style became part of his artistic identity, and the film does an excellent job highlighting how influential his wardrobe choices were to pop culture and his legacy.

IMAX Makes the Music Hit Even Harder

IMAX elevates MICHAEL’s story. The musical numbers are so immersive and emotionally charged that the theater experience becomes crucial to the film’s impact.

This is a movie that understands how important performance was to Michael Jackson’s legacy. It lets those moments breathe, explode, and connect with the audience in a way that feels thrilling from start to finish.

Verdict

MICHAEL is electrifying, immersive, and moving. It brings the King of Pop’s story to life with the heart, emotion, and spectacle his legacy deserves, reminding us how deeply he changed music and culture.

With Jaafar Jackson’s star performance, Colman Domingo’s dramatic weight, and ambitious filmmaking, MICHAEL stands tall as one of the most unforgettable music biopics.

This is not just a movie. It is an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait to see the story continue. Also, thank you for including Bubbles, Michael Jackson’s beloved pet chimpanzee, whose presence adds even more heart and authenticity to the film.

Film Details

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writer: John Logan
Producers: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo

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