Film critics have described the new Michael Jackson biopic as a “whitewash”, with several reviewers saying it tells a “sanitised” version of his life and career. The singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays the King of Pop in Michael, which follows the star’s rise from the Jackson 5 through to his hugely successful solo career.
However, a historic non-disclosure agreement (NDA) led to the removal of some video that mentioned the sexual assault allegations against Jackson, therefore the film does not cover these. The Hollywood Reporter said the film “delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music”, but the Telegraph noted that it “refuses to address the elephant in the room”.
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, was generally praised for the portrayal of his uncle, but the film as a whole was less well-received. The late superstar’s estate provides financial support for Michael, who uses his original vocals for the musical passages that take center stage in the movie.
According to Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian, the film is “rammed with every music-movie cliche” and plays “like a 127-minute trailer montage” in his two-star review. According to Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian, the film is “rammed with every music-movie cliche” and plays “like a 127-minute trailer montage” in his two-star review. In the movie, which also stars Miles Teller from Top Gun: Maverick as industry lawyer John Branca and Nia Long as mother Katherine Jackson, Oscar contender Colman Domingo portrays the singer’s father Joe Jackson.
