WNN Monday Movie Review: Michael

The music had me tapping my toes, and the film's choreography was great.”

Rusty Wise - WNN

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Michael movie, released this past Friday, April 24th, 2026, is a hit with fans, bringing in over $ 217 million worldwide in its opening weekend. The PG-13 film is a biopic based on the early years of Michael Jackson's life with the Jackson Five. Filmgoers are raving about the film; however, critics say it misses the mark.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael

Courtesy of Lionsgate

Cast

Jaafar Jackson plays Michael Jackson, who is the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of Michael. Jaafar, in his acting debut, is strikingly similar to Michael in both his voice and his dancing. According to director Antoine Fuqua, Jaafer practiced for two years before filming began. Other actors are Nia Long, who plays Katherine Jackson (Michael's mother), and Juliano Valdi, who plays a young Michael.

Director Antoine Fuqua and Juliano Valdi as Young Michael on the set of Michael

Glen Wilson for Lionsgate

Plot

The film starts with the Jackson 5 Band (Michael and his brothers) forming in Gary, Indiana, in 1964, when Michael was approximately 5 years old. Joseph Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, was the father of his five boys (the Jackson 5) and is credited with starting the band. However, it was under very strict, and some would say, abusive tactics that Michael and his sons were forced to perform. As the film develops, you can see why Michael never really grew up. Michael loves toys, animals, and even has a chimpanzee named Bubbles, a llama, a giraffe, and many other animals. The film continues the journey of Michael and the Jackson 5 until 1988, when Michael goes out on his own.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the movie Michael

Glen Wilson for Lionsgate

The Lion's Gate Studios movie runs 2 hours and 7 minutes and is part biography, part concert, part music video, and more. It also dives into the music video era of MTV and the social issues that accompanied it. Michael's fire issue with the 1980's Pepsi commercial is also highlighted in the movie.

Judah Edwards as Young Tito, Jaylen Hunter as Young Marlon, Juliano Valdi as Young MJ, Nathaniel McIntyre as Young Jackie, and Jayden Harville as Young Jermaine

Courtesy of Lionsgate

Fun Facts

-Lady Gaga donated some of Michael's original wardrobe for the film.

-Jaafer Jackson - actually sings in his own voice in the acapella scenes, and mixing was done with Michael's original singing in the other scenes.

-$155 Million to produce Michael 

Michael Movie Poster (2026)

Lionsgate Studios

The Verdict - 4 out of 5 Hoots

I saw the movie Michael in a Dolby Cinema for the full effects. The music had me tapping my toes, and the film's choreography was great. I know the critics didn't like that the film didn't delve into Michael's later life issues. For this film and the timeline, it was fine. If you like Michael Jackson and his music, you will like it too.   I'll give Michael a 4 out of 5 Hoots. 

Owl Hoot Scale Graphic

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