Michael (2026) Movie Review: Are You a Michael Jackson Fan? 

Jaafar Jackson channels the King of Pop in a crowd-pleasing biopic that celebrates Michael’s music and memories

The sudden, untimely death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, left fans around the world wanting more of the legendary performer. In Antoine Fuqua’s musical biopic, Michael, the fans get exactly that. Giving the people what they want is a sure-shot formula for success, and this movie solidifies that.

Michael covers the first 30 years of Jackson’s life, focusing on his musical career, which begins when his father, Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo), informs the family that if they wish to break the shackles of a blue-collar existence, they must work hard to become a successful musical group. Thus, the Jackson 5 were born. 

Image Source : “Michael” 2026 via © Lionsgate Films

Michael shows rare early talent, taking the place of the band’s lead singer at the age of 7. The movie shows Michael throwing himself into the world of song and dance, hitting every note and move, with irresistible joy. The few times that he does make a mistake or let the child in him take over, Joseph punishes him with a leather belt. Like a fairy-tale hero, the young Michael endures the punishment.

And this fairy-tale-esque presentation continues for the rest of the movie, as Joseph looms over it like an evil presence waiting to thwart Michael’s flight to singular greatness, every opportunity he gets. The fear of his father’s wrath softens the kid and leads him towards timidity. He fills his lonely hours reading Peter Pan stories and watching classic comedies by Charlie Chaplin and The Three Stooges. 

Image Source : “Michael” 2026 via © Lionsgate Films

Little Michael’s talent is soon recognised by the famed record company, Motown, which leads the Jackson 5 to nationwide stardom. Every hit record is accompanied by an organized tour by Joseph in an effort to maximize their financial output. It is these tours and endless performances that helped Michael become one of the greatest showmen who ever lived. Young Michael is portrayed by Juliano Krue Valdi, who richly succeeds in making him not only relatable but also adorable.

When Jaafar Jackson steps into Michael’s role, he is a young adult who decides to write a solo album. The movie effectively describes his conflict with his father, who prefers the ‘Jackson brand’ to continue uninterrupted. Michael’s first solo album’s success shuts down Joseph for good and gives birth to Thriller, one of the most influential music albums of all time. 

The movie hits its crescendo here, as we see Michael put together Thriller, working meticulously on the music, lyrics and the music videos that forever changed world music. In one sequence, where Michael is seen choreographing the moves from “Beat It”, the sheer, inimitable joy of watching Jaafar as Michael is something that every MJ fan will relish. The movie celebrates Michael’s work ethic and vision as it reveals the secret sauce that made the musician truly unique.

Michael Jackson is still fresh in our memories, and while Jaafar isn’t an exact look-alike of the star, he comes damn close. He captures the essence of the artist, nowhere more prominently than when he brings to life the artist’s memorable performances. The role presents a gigantic challenge that even the finest actors would fail to deliver simply because of the sheer craft involved. The performance is beyond impersonation. When playing Michael offstage, Jaafar offers remarkable specificity in his voice, mannerisms and posture. A better portrayal of Michael, as we knew him, is hard to imagine.

Image Source : “Michael” 2026 via © Lionsgate Films

Director Antoine Fuqua, known for action dramas, changed course to delve into the musical-drama genre, but stays on the formulaic track. The movie refrains from going deep for the purposes of mass appeal, but that doesn’t discount the entertainment and joy it delivers. The final act, however, is an exhilarating experience that activates the nostalgic sense in the best of us. It is a crowd-pleaser with a blast of entertainment packaged to spread cheer.

Michael is made to delight fans of the enigmatic superstar, and if you are one, you must find the biggest screen in your neighbourhood, watch it with other fans and let the music take over you. Like a pop song with a rocking beat but weak lyrics, the movie delivers ephemeral thrills, the kind that offer a grand time at the movies. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Image Source : Michael 2026 ‘Beat it’ Poster via © Lionsgate Films