Early Reactions: Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson Biopic Dazzles—But the Ending Divides

Well, it looks like people are about to dust off their single white gloves and brush up on moonwalking, because Antoine Fuqua's Michael—yes, the Michael Jackson biopic—is almost here, landing in theaters April 24. The hype? Let's just say it's high enough that some fans would probably attempt a zero-gravity lean just to get advance word. Luckily, some audiences have already caught early screenings, and the first reactions are trickling out online. So what's the word on this much-anticipated film? Let's break it down.

First Takes: From Moonwalking to Mixed Feelings

For something that's been in the works this long (and with a subject like Michael Jackson), reactions were always going to be all over the place. The performance getting everybody's attention? That would be Jaafar Jackson—Michael's own nephew—who's apparently convincing enough to make long-time fans blink twice. One early viewer even called him 'dazzling and mesmerizing.' People also can't stop talking about Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael's... let's just call him 'complex' father.

• Early screenings have critics and select fans buzzing about the musical sequences—expect note-for-note recreations of classics like 'Thriller' and 'Beat It,' which apparently make it almost impossible to sit still.
• Jaafar Jackson gets a lot of praise for not just imitating MJ, but somehow channeling him—think 'the spirit, the ambition, the physicality,' all there, according to another reaction.
• Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson is described as 'monstrous' and, on the flip side, 'spectacular.' Early Oscar noise? Maybe.
• One recurring nitpick: the ending. If you know Jackson's story, you might already be bracing for it, but folks are saying the final act feels a bit sanitized—specifically, scenes about the abuse allegations were reshot or trimmed. Some call it a letdown, others are just relieved the movie sticks the landing emotionally.
• How fired up are people? At the Berlin premiere, apparently the crowd couldn't help belting out the songs during the credits. One attendee compared the big-screen experience to having 'stars in my eyes.' That's not an everyday thing.

What Exactly is Michael Covering?

In case you're fuzzy on the scope, Fuqua's film aims to cover the basics—Jackson's beginnings with the Jackson Five, his stratospheric rise, and the weird, often uncomfortable, reality behind being one of the most famous (and controversial) artists ever. Expect a mix of iconic stage moments and some off-stage drama, but don't expect a deep dive into the darkest chapters—those apparently got glossed over for the final cut.

Fuqua: Why MJ Matters to Him

If you're wondering why Antoine Fuqua took this gig, here's a bit of what he had to say in a recent behind-the-scenes featurette (and it's actually worth noting):

"It's a very spiritual journey, making a movie about someone like Michael. Michael was a big influence on my career as a director. Seeing how he refused to be boxed in as a 'black' artist only... it made me believe there was no ceiling. Now, I'm not a Jackson. I can't do Michael. But that inspiration -- it stuck with me."
He also explained how, in his early days, he was getting $50,000 video budgets while others were handed a million. Somehow seeing Michael break through gave him the push to keep fighting those boxes. So, yeah, there's a personal angle here for Fuqua.

Am I Lining Up for This?

So, where does this leave us? The first batch of reactions is heavy on the superlatives (at least when it comes to music and the cast), with a little side order of disappointment for those hoping for a more complete look at Jackson's life. As for me, I'm still finding MJ's music hard to top, even if I outgrew the fan phase long ago. I probably won't be first in line—and, let's be honest, I'll wait for the digital release—but it sounds like this is going to be a must-see for anyone even slightly invested in pop history. Whether you moonwalk in out of nostalgia or curiosity, there's going to be a lot to talk about after the credits roll.