I saw Michael last week, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, and it left me feeling that far too much had been glossed over. The film focuses heavily on the music while skimming past the man himself. Even the depiction of Joe Jackson’s abuse feels strangely softened; everything I’ve ever read suggests he was far stricter than what’s shown here. And Janet Jackson’s absence is baffling — it’s as if she never existed in Michael’s life.

That said, the music is fantastic and the performances are genuinely strong. Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s real‑life nephew — delivers an impressive, committed portrayal. I also didn’t know Michael had severe burns, which was one of the few moments that actually added something new. But the film never digs into his inner world, and then it just… ends. Abruptly.

What this story really needed was structure: a dedicated film about the Jackson 5, followed by a second film beginning with Michael’s solo career. Instead, we get a quick skim through the Jackson 5 era, then a jump into a whirlwind of animals, surgeries, skin conditions, music, and not much else. It’s a highlight reel, not a biography.

Overall: enjoyable music, great acting, but a shallow film. 2.5 out of 5.