After years of delays, reshoots, and legal headaches, Michael, the long-awaited biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua finally hit theaters on April 24, 2026. And honestly? I enjoyed it. But enjoyment and satisfaction are two different things, and this film left me with a lot of mixed feelings.
Let’s start with the good. Jaafar Jackson’s performance is genuinely impressive, he nails the look, the voice, and the electrostatic moves that made his uncle who he was. For a feature film debut, that’s no small feat. The acting overall is strong and the film has style. Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson is commanding, and the production design does justice to the era.
But here’s my issue and I know I’m not alone on this.
The film leans heavy on the music. Like, very heavy. Yes, we know he’s the King of Pop. Yes, the performances are spectacular. But at a certain point, I wanted to sit with Michael the person, not Michael the performer. More dialogue, more quiet moments, more humanity, that’s what was missing. Several critics have called it “a filmed playlist in search of a story,” and I have to say… that lands. The musical sequences are undeniably thrilling, but they can’t carry the whole film when the dramatic scenes between them feel rushed or underdeveloped.
Speaking of cuts the editing is choppy in places. There are moments where the narrative jumps so abruptly that you lose the emotional thread entirely. The film has been described as oversimplified, and I felt that too. There’s so much richness to Michael Jackson’s story that gets glossed over in favor of another performance sequence.
Now, the biggest disappointment for me: Diana Ross and Janet Jackson.
Both Janet and Diana Ross are completely absent from the film. Janet requested her likeness not be depicted, and actress Kat Graham who was cast as Diana Ross had all her scenes cut due to legal issues. Graham herself confirmed on social media that “certain legal considerations” affected her scenes, and that those moments are no longer part of the final cut. That’s a real shame. Diana Ross was one of the most formative figures in young Michael’s life and career. Cutting her out entirely leaves a noticeable hole in the story.
And Janet, come on. Janet Jackson simply doesn’t exist in this universe, which feels almost surreal given how intertwined their lives and careers were. I understand she chose not to participate, but her absence is felt throughout.
The Verdict
Michael is worth seeing, especially if you’re a fan. Jaafar Jackson is magnetic, the concert recreations are stunning, and there are genuine emotional moments. But the film is ultimately held back by too many musical interludes, not enough dialogue-driven storytelling, and some glaring absences that remind you this is, at the end of the day, an estate-approved production. A second film covering the rest of Jackson’s career is reportedly still in development, so maybe we’ll get the fuller picture eventually.
For now, Michael is a good film that could have been a great one.
Rating: 3.5 / 5