The long-delayed Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, has become a box office phenomenon, grossing over $200 million worldwide and securing the biggest opening weekend for a biopic in history, surpassing even 2023's Oppenheimer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film has sparked a cultural divide: while critics have panned it—with a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score—audiences have embraced it, giving it a 97% approval rating. Videos of fans dancing in the aisles have gone viral, and a sequel is reportedly in development.
Fan Reactions at New York Screenings
At the Regal Union Square theater in New York City, fans turned out in force. Joanne, a college student from Fort Greene, Brooklyn, dressed in Jackson's iconic Off the Wall outfit for her second viewing. 'I think it's put together nicely as a starter for fans to get into him,' she said. Her friend Tahliah wore a DIY peace sign shirt inspired by Jackson's They Don't Care About Us video. Melanie, from Bushwick, attended her first screening, drawn by the hype. 'I'm a big Michael fan,' she said. However, not everyone was convinced. Belize, from the Bronx, opted for another film, citing skepticism over Janet Jackson's absence from the movie.
Critical and Audience Divide
The film's Rotten Tomatoes scores reveal a rare chasm: critics have lambasted it as 'bland, bowdlerised and bad,' per The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw, while audiences have cheered its portrayal. The movie focuses on Jackson's early life and career, from his childhood with The Jackson 5 to his rise as a solo superstar. It strategically avoids the child sexual abuse allegations that overshadowed his later years, ending with an ominous 'His Story Continues' title card. Director Dan Reed of the documentary Leaving Neverland criticized the film, calling Jackson 'worse than Jeffrey Epstein,' but fans remain undeterred.
Key Moments and Performances
The film features standout performances, including Juliano Valdi as 10-year-old Michael and Jaafar Jackson—Michael's real-life nephew—as the adult star. Audiences reacted audibly to Valdi's vocal prowess during a recording scene for Motown's Berry Gordy. The film also highlights Jackson's eccentricities, such as his menagerie of animals (CGI'd at great cost) and his obsession with Peter Pan, played for laughs. A scene where Jackson talks to a llama named Louie instead of a love interest drew laughter. The inclusion of Mickey Mouse, licensed by Disney, appears multiple times, including a moment when Jackson's attorney John Branca (Miles Teller) brings a plush toy after a Pepsi commercial injury.
Omissions and Controversy
The film notably excludes Janet Jackson as a character and omits the abuse allegations, a decision that led to $15 million in reshoots after a settlement clause barred depiction of an accuser. Fans expressed mixed feelings: Andrea from Bensonhurst praised Jaafar Jackson but wanted more depth. Shawn from Flatbush, who brought his children, wished for an eight-hour version. David, a journalist, called it 'a profound demonstration of Michael Jackson's power and influence,' though he noted the film presents him in an overly positive light.
As the credits rolled, the crowd's reactions mirrored the broader debate: a celebration of Jackson's artistry tempered by the complexities of his legacy. The biopic's success underscores his enduring appeal, even as it sidesteps the darkest chapters of his life.
