The new Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic, “Michael,” has garnered significant attention, particularly for the notable absence of Janet Jackson as a character. At the film’s premiere, LaToya Jackson clarified that her sister was indeed asked to participate but “kindly declined,” a wish that the family respects. Director Antoine Fuqua also expressed his respect and love for Janet, stating her support for Jaafar Jackson, who portrays Michael, is what truly matters.

The film features Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, in the titular role, with Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Jessica Sula as LaToya. Juliano Valdi takes on the role of a younger Michael. Fuqua emphasized the importance of the Jackson family's involvement, stating his desire for them to be happy with the depiction of their loved one's life. Michael’s estate holds a financial stake in the project, and his son, Prince Jackson, serves as an executive producer. However, Michael's other children, Bigi and Paris, are not involved. Paris has openly criticized the film, citing “a lot of inaccuracies” and “full blown lies,” suggesting it caters to a specific, perhaps idealized, segment of her father's fanbase.

Biopics often aim to reignite a star's glory and offer fresh perspectives. However, Michael Jackson's life, extensively scrutinized since childhood, presents a unique challenge. The film navigates his staggering genius, his cagey personality, cosmetic surgeries, troubled family ties, and eccentricities, all of which were previously documented in real-time. Crucially, “Michael” notably omits any reference to the child-sexual-abuse allegations that surfaced against Jackson from 1993 onward, and intensified after his death in 2009. This deliberate exclusion leaves a perceived “void” at the film's core, signaling that it is not intended to explore Michael Jackson’s darker aspects.

Despite this significant omission, “Michael” manages to be an engrossing, albeit conventional, biopic. Described as an '80s-TV-movie version of Jackson's story, enhanced by sharper acting and cinematography, it delivers on the greatest hits of his career, from the “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” video to his iconic “Billie Jean” performance on the Motown 25th anniversary special. The film distills Michael’s internal struggles to his relationship with his hard-bitten father, Joe Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo under heavy prosthetics as a domestic Svengali monster. Montages cleverly integrate Jackson’s hits, serving as nostalgic ear-candy, and Mike Myers makes a boisterous cameo as CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff in a scene depicting Michael’s push for MTV to air his videos. The film's compelling urgency lies in Michael's journey to self-liberation and defining himself apart from his past.

LaToya Jackson raved about Jaafar’s performance, stating it was so convincing that family members felt they were “watching Mike.” The reviewer also lauded Jaafar’s debut, highlighting his exceptional command and sizzle in capturing Michael’s look, voice, electrostatic moves, and the unique blend of delicacy and steel that defined the pop icon. The narrative opens in 1966, depicting young Michael in Gary, Indiana, undergoing rigorous rehearsals with his brothers under Joe Jackson’s demanding guidance, portrayed as a