Michael’s Biggest Misstep Squanders Jaafar Jackson’s Breakout Performance

If you were hoping for a deep, unflinching look at Michael Jackson with this new biopic, let me stop you right there. Michael — that heavily-promoted movie directed by Antoine Fuqua and now in US theaters — sticks to the chart-toppers and the crowd-pleasers, and leaves the uncomfortable chapters closed.

What Michael Gives You (And What It Really Doesn’t)

The movie’s big draw is Jaafar Jackson. Yes, he’s actually Michael’s nephew, and, yes, he does a pretty uncanny job on-screen. If you want to see someone nail the moves, the voice, and the stage presence, you’ll get that here. But when it comes to anything approaching nuance, controversy, or honestly, much substance at all — the script throws in the towel.

Here’s the official line: the film 'tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.' Basically, you get a backstage pass and plenty of performance recreations, charting more or less from his Motown days up through the late 80s. But don’t blink for any of the more infamous chapters. The movie flat-out stops in 1988 — well before things turned messy.

The Gaps Are Pretty Glaring

Here’s the awkward part: it avoids all the later allegations and scandals. Nothing remotely controversial gets a mention. No 1990s. No court cases. There might be reasons (lawyers, estate control, who knows), but the end result is the life of Michael Jackson with a big 'no trespassing' sign over the toughest terrain.

And in case you were hoping to see Janet Jackson — or more about the rest of the family, really — well, they’re basically missing, too. Instead, what you get is a highlight reel of Michael’s rise, without much space for anything, or anyone, that doesn’t fit the image.

The Cast: Who’s Who

• Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson (yes, the real nephew)
• Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson (the stern father)
• Nia Long as Katherine Scruse-Jackson (the matriarch)
• Miles Teller as John Branca (Jackson’s business manager)
• KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray (longtime security chief)

Is There an Actual Arc?

Sort of, but it’s not exactly gripping. Michael pushes back against his father’s control, finds his confidence, gets superstardom — yada yada. It’s very 'Greatest Hits' storytelling, without taking any risks or seriously digging under the surface. The message, if you want to call it that, is basically: Michael Jackson was spectacular and made really catchy music.

There is a quote that kind of sums up the movie’s approach:

Michael Jackson, good music, good guy.

That’s the takeaway you get, and the script never really tests that version of the story.

Honestly, Who Is This For?

If you love Michael’s hits and just want to relive his big moments (and the movie is loaded with music), you’ll probably have a fine time. It’s sharp-looking, loud, and does the job as an MJ jukebox. Just don’t come in expecting any revelations, or even much of a story — because the film seems awfully worried about messing up the legend.

The final verdict? Jaafar does what he can, but the script just refuses to let him (or Michael) become anything more than a brand in a shiny box.