Ottawa cinephiles, clear your weekend — Michael, the long-awaited biopic about the most iconic pop star in history, is finally here, and it's one of the most visually arresting films of the year.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer), Michael takes on the near-impossible task of distilling the life of Michael Jackson into a single feature film. The result is a movie that shines brightly in all the right moments, but occasionally feels like it's dancing around the edges of a far more complex story.
A Star Is Born (Again)
The most talked-about element of the film is the casting of Jaafar Jackson — Michael's real-life nephew — in the title role. It's a choice that pays off in remarkable ways. Jaafar doesn't just mimic his uncle; he inhabits him. The moonwalk, the vocal runs, the electrifying stage presence — it's the kind of performance that makes you forget you're watching an actor. It's uncanny, and it's riveting.
Supporting performances from Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Larenz Tate add layers of emotional weight to the story, grounding the larger-than-life myth of Michael Jackson in something that feels human and real.
The Music Carries the Film
If there's one thing Michael absolutely nails, it's the music. From the Motown years to Thriller to Bad, the film is essentially a love letter to one of pop's greatest catalogues. Fuqua stages the musical sequences with genuine flair — the concert recreations are jaw-dropping, and even casual fans will find themselves wanting to hit play on a Jackson playlist the moment they leave the theatre.
For Ottawa audiences who grew up with Jackson's music in the '80s and '90s — blasting from car radios on Bank Street or echoing through Rideau Centre — there's a real nostalgic charge to hearing these songs treated with cinematic grandeur.
Where the Story Gets Complicated
Here's where things get thornier. Michael is a sanctioned biopic, produced with the cooperation of the Jackson estate, and that fact hangs over the film like a pleasant but slightly too-shiny halo. The movie doesn't shy away from the accusations that followed Jackson throughout his later life — but critics have noted it handles those chapters carefully, perhaps too carefully.
For a film about one of the most controversial figures in pop history, Michael occasionally prioritizes legend over complexity. Viewers hoping for a full reckoning will likely walk away feeling like they've seen half the story — beautifully told, but incomplete.
The Verdict for Ottawa Movie Fans
Despite its limitations, Michael is absolutely worth seeing on the big screen. The performances are electric, the music sequences are a genuine thrill, and Jaafar Jackson's portrayal is something to behold. Think of it as a spectacular concert film wrapped inside a biopic — exhilarating and emotional, even when it plays it safe.
For Ottawa residents looking for a big, crowd-pleasing night out at the movies, Michael absolutely delivers on that front. Whether you're a lifelong fan or coming to the story fresh, there's something here to move you.
Just don't expect the whole story.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
