Jaafar Jackson, what a star.
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How does one tackle condensing the life of one of the most famous people in the world into a filmworthy two hour long(ish) biopic? You just can’t. John Logan and Antoine Fuqua – writer and director of the biographical film Michael – attempt the next best thing: a film that focuses on the earlier days of Michael Jackson’s fame (with an unsubtle hope for a chance of a sequel to tell the rest of the story).
For anyone who’s not lived under a rock since the 60s to early noughties, Michael Jackson's life story is a well-known one in almost every household whether we’d like to admit it or not. We’ve seen the music charts and award shows laud him like a king while the public and media viciously scrutinise and tear him apart. What else is left for us to know?
The musical biopic starts off in 1966, with Michael joining his brothers to form the Jackson 5 at the behest of their father, Joseph Jackson. He is an immediate standout, stealing the hearts of many with his young age and talent. Here we see a child who didn’t get a proper childhood growing up, as if serving an explanation of his eccentricity, childlikeness, and the (alleged) affinity for children in the later part of his years.
Fast forward a decade and two later, the film tracks the success of Michael’s solo career post-Motown, supplemented with career highs that give the film a much needed bump. Everything’s all peachy in Michael’s life except for Joseph’s domineering presence, an energy that antagonises the patriarchal figure for the entirety of the film. Colman Domingo gives his best King Richard-esque performance as Joseph but there’s only so much he can do with such a two-dimensional character when the Jackson Estate is not here in the business of redemption for the man.
The film barely reveals anything fresh that hasn’t already been public news or recreated in prior adaptations. But to its credit, the recreations of Michael’s key musical moments – the “Thriller” music video, and the first public moonwalk during a performance of “Billie Jean” – are when the film truly shines. Those scenes are simply shining, shimmering, splendid!
The other real star of the show is of course, Michael himself, played to immense precision by the late King of Pop’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson. The young talent deftly embodied his uncle’s skills and mannerisms in such a seamless way, it’s almost as if Michael was really in the room with us.
For the generation(s) raised by Michael Jackson, there will be plenty a moment you’ll find yourself at a lost for words. Because what a treat it is to see his legacy relived and honoured once again, even if the uninspired film struggles to find the right momentum in its mixed bag of hits.
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