Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Receives Largely Negative Critical Reception

The critical consensus on Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson biopic is decidedly harsh, with reviewers finding the film falls short despite its impressive technical execution.

The film, set to release in theaters and IMAX on April 24, features Jaafar Jackson in the lead role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. The project chronicles Jackson's life and career from his early days as frontman of the Jackson Five through his emergence as a solo superstar, presenting both his personal journey and iconic performances.

The movie currently sits at 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers offering mixed-to-negative assessments.

NewsDay awarded it 2 out of 4 stars, noting that while Jackson's resemblance to his uncle is striking and his acting and dancing abilities are impressive, "the rest of the movie" proves "decidedly mixed."

IndieWire assigned a C- grade, commenting that tackling the first 26 years of Jackson's life and nearly two decades of his career creates an enormous challenge for any feature film, but "great leaps of time and logic" ultimately result in something tedious.

RogerEbert.com gave it just 1 out of 4, characterizing the film as "a filmed playlist in search of a story" rather than a true narrative cinema experience.

Rolling Stone observed that while viewers will experience the resonance of Jackson's music anew, they'll also be reminded of controversies the film deliberately sidesteps.

Consequence assigned a C-, suggesting the movie caters specifically to fans seeking an uncomplicated celebration of Jackson's greatest hits without deeper character exploration.

The BBC delivered 1 out of 5 stars, criticizing the dialogue as lacking nuance and describing the visuals as uninspired, even in recreating Jackson's legendary music videos and concert performances.

The Guardian gave 2 out of 5, calling it "a frustratingly shallow, inert picture" that functions as cruise-ship entertainment while avoiding serious examination of Jackson's trauma and stolen childhood.

ScreenCrush scored it 4 out of 10, describing Jackson as depicted like "a moonwalking and talking human jukebox" with minimal narrative substance.

The AP awarded 1.5 out of 4, suggesting the film's nostalgia extends beyond Jackson himself and that such uncritical celebration risks repeating historical patterns.

USA Today proved more favorable with 3 out of 4, praising Jaafar Jackson's physical resemblance to his uncle and his mastery of Jackson's distinctive movement and vocal delivery, particularly in the "Beat It" sequence.

The Daily Beast characterized the film as presenting "an uplifting, crowd-pleasing version of events" that omits the more troubling aspects of Jackson's story.

The Independent remarked that the film merely recreates Jackson's most recognizable visual moments in mechanical fashion, reducing him to product rather than person.

TheWrap dismissed it as "feature-length publicity" and damage control that functions more as promotion than storytelling.

The Times assigned 1 out of 5, describing the narrative as an aimless progression through Jackson's discography with underdeveloped supporting characters and a notable absence of his sister Janet.

THR suggested the film succeeds as a nostalgic experience for those seeking to revisit Jackson's chart-dominating era.

Empire Magazine gave 2 out of 5, acknowledging the impressive musical and dance performances while noting that significant aspects of Jackson's story remain conspicuously absent.