Marcus C., 7, poses for a photo dressed as superstar Michael Jackson in a parking lot outside of the Pflugerville Cinemark movie theater in Austin, Texas, April 2026. Marcus was not living while Jackson was alive, which speaks to the enduring memory of Jackson and his music. Photo credit: Katrina L. Spencer

by Katrina L. Spencer

Katrina L. Spencer began writing for Vinegar Hill Magazine in 2022 when she lived in Charlottesville. She left Virginia to pursue a master’s degree in journalism and media. Having completed her program, she now resides in Austin, Texas, and recruits freelancers to contribute to the publication.

Spoiler alert: If you want to build your own, unbiased opinion, stop reading here! I give everything away below.

“Iconic… iconic… iconic” was what I kept whispering to myself when I went to see director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael last week in theaters.

I wasn’t responding to the screenplay’s writing, per se, but rather the accuracy of recreation of some of Michael Jackson’s most memorable performances, looks and dance routines. Fidelity, in these regards, was high. I, a fan, was mesmerized.

Was it good? Parts of it were good. 

Moviegoer Allex Morrison, 50, balances on tiptoe, imitating one of Michael Jackson’s iconic poses at the Pflugerville Cinemark movie theater in Austin, Texas, April 2026. “Michael was magical,” he said. Photo credit: Katrina L. Spencer

Performances

The overall consensus is that Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his debut cinematic role, was exemplary in embodying his uncle. Hard agree. Michael Jackson was incredibly hardworking, perfectionistic, gentle and ever-seeking opportunities to surpass his latest achievements, always wanting to out-do himself. Colman Domingo, too, who played Michael Jackson’s father, Joseph “Joe” Jackson, was also outstanding in portraying the man’s iciness, violence and ambition.

Nia Long’s performance as Katherine Jackson, I’d say was uninspired — but she didn’t have much to work with. Her role is not written to be cataclysmic. She is a steady voice of calm, concern and care. And… as written, she’s monotone. 

I also don’t see why Larenz Tate was cast as Berry Gordy when so little was demanded of him on screen. Yes, Tate is a recognizable name and face for the African American public. But why cast someone of his status if as an actor he’s hardly asked to perform?

Kristyn Lasley, 22, poses for a photo at the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse movie theater in Austin, Texas, April 2026. She made her jacket by hand as a replica of one of Michael Jackson’s iconic outfits. Photo credit: Katrina L. Spencer

Storyline

If going into this film your question is, “What type of environment created a worldwide superstar who was endlessly charismatic on stage and both shy and retreating offstage?,” your question will be answered. Fuqua’s Michael showed how physical and emotional abuse coerced Michael Jackson towards excellence, but also towards isolation, arrested emotional development and perfectionism. The Michael Jackson character drawn here is one who inspires sympathy as he pursues an independent identity for his overbearing father and ties to his brothers. 

If your question going into this film is, “What little known, salacious details might be shared surrounding the enigma that was Michael Jackson?,” your question will not be answered. Fuqua’s Michael gives us information we already know and is remarkable for the contortions it commits to so as to exclude major motifs in Michael Jackson’s life. Some of the notable silences surround 

  • Janet Jackson
  • Diana Ross
  • The Wiz
  • 1989-2009
  • Captain EO
  • child abuse allegations
  • and the reach of Michael Jackson’s *global* appeal.

While “iconic” was on repeat in my mind, “abrupt” came to mind when the screen flashed to black and started rolling credits. I was so eager to see a reenactment of the making of “Remember the Time,” which imagines Michael Jackson as a sly, shapeshifting trickster character in ancient Egypt and features not only mesmerizing choreography, but also other A-list stars of the 90s era like Eddie Murphy, but fuggedaboutit. The chapter that closes the biopic keeps Michael Jackson in the ether of his meteoric rise. It avoids the tragic denouement we know follows.

Other Responses Overall

One of the greatest dialogues in the film recreates Michael Jackson demanding his music video for “Billie Jean” be played on MTV, a network that largely ignored Black music artists. The scene depicts how groundbreaking, persuasive and irresistible Michael Jackson’s stardom was, and how he kicked open the door for so many others we know by getting his work played in ‘heavy rotation.’ Thriller, which became the best-selling album of all time, would not have reached the highest peak of its success without its innovative, catchy and compelling accompanying visuals, which are still played and referenced in pop culture 40+ years later. 

Jaela Walcott, 25, Sheila Walcott, 66, and Tennisha Walcott, who is in her 40s, pose together before going to watch the latest Michael Jackson biopic at the Pflugerville Cinemark movie theater in Austin, Texas, April 2026. They are three generations of the same family who make up part of Michael Jackson’s lasting fandom. Photo credit: Katrina L. Spencer

It would seem that the public knew of Michael Jackson’s skin condition called vitiligo, which causes the skin to lose melanin, and his nose jobs. The film did a fine job in reminding the audience of the catalysts surrounding the star’s dramatically changing physical appearance. However, fans I spoke to who are in their 20s expressed that they had no idea concerning the traumatic burns Michael Jackson received when filming a Pepsi commercial in 1984, which is implied to have started his dependency on drugs for pain relief. So, depending on the fans’ ages, the film can be informative and educational. Many families went to see the film together. One of my favorite comments I saw on TikTok from a fan with user name @imdaya03 appeared in Spanish: 

algunos no entienden que MJ tiene fans que aún no nacen

That is, “Some people don’t understand that Michael Jackson has fans who haven’t even been born yet.”

Marcus Escobero, 27, and Bella Garcia, 22, display their Michael Jackson-inspired attire at the Mueller Alamo Drafthouse movie theater in Austin, Texas, April 2026. “Jaafar Jackson was just perfect,” Garcia said. They learned about the traumatic burn Jackson received in 1984 while filming a Pepsi commercial from the film. Photo credit: Katrina L. Spencer

Other disappointments? I found the depiction of Michael Jackson’s interactions with Los Angeles-based gangs, the Crips and the Bloods, in the film underwhelming. In real life, perhaps the encounter was extraordinary. On screen, however, two violent factions watched Michael Jackson dance and rehearse in an abandoned warehouse. Cinematically, it wasn’t giving. That is, watching others watch Michael Jackson dance didn’t feel especially worthy of screen time. On another note, while I realize the film is titled Michael for a reason, I found the representations of his 5 brothers — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy — largely indistinguishable. As a person with 3 sisters, I realize that a character’s relationship to any one of their siblings is likely nuanced and unique. This film didn’t show that. Overall, they were one collective mass painted in one broad stroke.

Last, I’ll say that the work is a family-friendly film that can be enjoyed by people aged 8 to 80+. It necessarily must lead to more competitive casting for Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo as their talent and skill showcased are simply undeniable. And it is worthy of mention that this film with an all Black cast, created by a Black director, has broad, multicultural reach. But you don’t have to take my word for it. See the pictures within — or just look around the theater.