This past Friday, April 24th, 2026, the greatest biopic of all time about the greatest musician of all time was released. If you are alive, you already know what I’m talking about: Michael. Lifelong fans of Michael Jackson, such as myself and my younger brother, have been looking forward to this film since it was first announced in February of 2022. Michael is about roughly the first 30 years of the famous musician’s life from 1966-1988, including his troubled childhood riddled with abuse and poverty, The Jackson 5 era, his struggles with self-image, his first solo album, and the famous Bad Tour. The movie starts in the Jacksons’ tiny home in Gary, Indiana, where he and his brothers practiced day in and day out under the direction of their father, Joseph Jackson. This hard work would eventually lead to the boys being recognized and brought to a record label, where their rise to fame would skyrocket with the release of original music before Michael would take control over his future and break off to pursue his own passions, which is ultimately what the movie chronicles. Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, stars Michael Jackson’s own nephew Jaafar Jackson, and as a child, Juliano Krue Valdi as the title character. The Lionsgate company movie is star-studded with supporting actors like Nia Long (Katherine Jackson-Mother), Miles Teller (John Branca-Personal Lawyer), and Colman Domingo (Joseph Jackson-Father). With just this information alone, it was clear Michael would be a hit long before its opening weekend.
Now that a brief description of the film has been established, it is time to discuss the impact it has made. Just like the man, the myth, the legend MJ himself, the biopic is already making history and breaking records. During opening weekend alone, Michael made $218.8 million globally, blowing past its expected number of $60 million and dominating Oppenheimer’s previous record of $82.4 million at the box office. There is a stark difference present in these numbers, though, and this is due to critics’ reportedly low ratings, a 39% on Rotten Tomatoes “tomatometer,” and expectations for the movie. Many thought of it as a shallow cash-grab and had negative things to say. Meanwhile, audiences loved it, earning the film a 97% on the “Popcornmeter.” Fans loved the film and were thrilled it brought some life back into the world’s most beloved and misunderstood celebrity. Michael’s own family had wonderful things to say about the film; many cried on the red carpet as they were brought to tears by Jaafar’s impeccable performance, which made their deceased loved one feel so close to them again.
Now, all that being said, it is time for my own honest and definitely unbiased review. As I said, my brother and I went to watch the film during its opening weekend on Sunday, April 26th. We listened to Michael Jackson’s music the whole way to the theater in preparation for the moment we had been waiting for. We both believe the film deserves an infinity out of 10 rating. The acting, singing, dancing, costuming, and production made us feel as though our dream of seeing our idol in concert came true. Michael left a gaping sadness in our hearts when it was over, and the illusion of being up close and personal with Michael Jackson faded. This is ultimately a good thing, though, as this is proof that the movie did what it sought out to: revive a man’s legacy.
Overall, whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying Michael Jackson’s clear artistic and creative talent that led him to have the biggest global fan base of all time. He didn’t win 13 (8 in one night, which is a standing record) out of his 38 Grammy Nominations, plus 2 special ‘lifetime awards’ for nothing. The impact Michael Jackson had on music will be felt forever. No one will ever be comparable to the King of Pop.
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