Michael (2026) Review: Jaafar Jackson Shines as the King of Pop in Must-See Biopic

“You Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’?” … Yes, We Did.

From the moment the first notes of that unmistakable bassline hit, Michael takes you straight into the heart, soul, and genius of the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen. This isn’t just a movie — it’s a celebration. A love letter to the man who taught us how to moonwalk, how to feel music in our bones, and how one voice could change the entire world.

Jaafar Jackson doesn’t just play Michael Jackson — he channels him. The resemblance is eerie, the mannerisms are spot-on, and when he hits the stage… chills. You forget you’re watching an actor. For three hours, you’re in the presence of the King of Pop himself.

The Magic That Still Hits Different

The film beautifully traces Michael’s journey from the pint-sized dynamo lighting up the Jackson 5 to the visionary behind Off the Wall and the cultural earthquake that was Thriller.

Watching the recreations of those legendary performances is pure electricity:

• The pure joy and energy of “I Want You Back” and “ABC”
• The smooth, funky brilliance of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You”
• And of course, the iconic “Billie Jean” sequence where Jaafar drops the Moonwalk for the first time on screen.

That moment? The theater lost it. Gasps, cheers, and a few tears — exactly how it felt watching Michael do it live back in the day.

The music in this movie is transcendent. Quincy Jones’ legendary production is treated with the respect it deserves. When “Thriller” kicks in with that Vincent Price voiceover and the zombies start grooving… it’s goosebumps guaranteed.

For the Real Fans

Yes, the film focuses heavily on the rise, the creativity, and the magic — and that’s exactly what most of us wanted. It honors Michael’s unbelievable work ethic, his childlike wonder, and his relentless pursuit of perfection. The scenes showing him crafting those groundbreaking videos and pushing boundaries in the studio will make every MJ fan proud.

Colman Domingo brings serious intensity as Joe Jackson, and Nia Long is wonderful as Katherine. But this movie belongs to Jaafar. He carries the weight of the legend on his shoulders and delivers something truly special.

Final Verdict: 9/10

If you grew up rewinding your Thriller VHS until it broke, if “Man in the Mirror” still gives you chills, or if you’ve ever tried (and failed) to hit that moonwalk in your kitchen — this movie is for you.

Michael reminds us why Michael Jackson wasn’t just a singer or a dancer. He was a once-in-a-generation force of nature.

Hee-hee! Go see it. Take your friends. Take your family. And get ready to sing, dance, and remember why Michael Jackson will forever be the King.