The first reviews for Michael, the much-awaited biopic on the King of Pop Michael Jackson, are out and the response is far from glowing.
Starring Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late icon, the film traces Jackson’s journey from his early days with The Jackson 5 to his rise as a global superstar.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film features a strong cast, including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.
However, despite the scale and nostalgia factor, critics are divided — leaning negative.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Michael has opened with a poor 26% critics’ score based on early reviews, signaling a disappointing start.
Some critics have praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance, noting his resemblance, dance moves, and screen presence. A few also felt the film works as a nostalgic tribute for fans of Michael Jackson’s music.
But the major criticism is hard to ignore.
Many reviewers have called the film overly sanitized, avoiding the darker and more controversial aspects of Jackson’s life. Critics argue that the biopic feels more like a carefully controlled tribute than an honest portrayal.
Several reviews described it as a “safe” and “surface-level” film, lacking depth and emotional complexity. Others went a step further, calling it a glorified playlist rather than a compelling story.
In short, while Michael may appeal to die-hard fans for its music and moments, it struggles to convince critics looking for a deeper, more balanced narrative.
The film is now set for a wide theatrical release, but early reviews suggest it may face a tough road ahead.
