Trailer for “Michael”

The trailer for Lionsgate’s biopic “Michael,” which stars Jaafar Jackson, Coleman Domingo, and Miles Teller, is here. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it looks at the life of the late music legend Michael Jackson.

So, the King of Pop is back, sort of, and he’s performing his greatest hits—at least in spirit. This film is just the first part of a two-part series about Jackson’s life. Interestingly, it feels very much like a family project. The Michael Jackson Estate produced it, and most of his siblings, except for Janet, are executive producers. There’s some known tension there, and it’s a big reason for Janet’s absence from this project. Also, Ja’far, Jermaine Jackson’s son, plays the “Man in the Mirror.”

But, there’s a downside to all this familial involvement. It seems the finished product is more of an infomercial than a compelling narrative.

The story kicks off in 1966 in the living room of Jackson’s family home in Gary, Indiana. Young Michael, portrayed by Giuliano Vardi, along with his brothers, endures the yelling of their strict father Joe, played by Colman Domingo. Joe teaches them that in life, they’re either winners or losers.

The film covers a long timeline of Jackson’s career, showcasing nearly all his hits from “ABC” to “Billie Jean.” There’s a lot of nostalgia—references to “Peter Pan,” Neverland, and, of course, the infamous moment when Jackson’s hair caught fire during a Pepsi commercial. Yet, despite all this, the film simplifies his life to the point where it feels like he went through everything without many conflicts.

Jaafar Jackson makes his acting debut in this big role. He captures both Jackson’s unique dance moves and his voice, but the film’s lack of emotional depth leaves his performance feeling more like an impression than anything genuine.

What’s intriguing about these biopics is they often rely heavily on the original recordings of the artists. In this case, Jaafar does lip-syncing, which takes away from the experience. I find it jarring; knowing so many songs are just lifted from the original recordings pulls me out of the story. Maybe some tracks blend Jaafar’s voice with Jackson’s, but most people likely wouldn’t even catch it.

Another issue “Michael” faces—similar to “Bohemian Rhapsody”—is its discomfort with controversy. The film glosses over Michael’s more complex issues, like his problematic behavior, and doesn’t dive deeper into his psyche. Some reports hint at potential changes for Part 2 regarding past allegations, but honestly, it feels unlikely that any real exploration will happen. Instead, “Michael” takes a much softer approach to storytelling, almost as if the script was generated from a quick Wikipedia skim.

What stands out is the caliber of talent involved. The film has a star-studded cast with a leading director and a talented screenplay writer. Yet, it seems like a marketing scheme rather than a fully fleshed-out cinematic experience. The film is almost a vehicle to create excitement around Jackson’s music catalog and promote his hits, which is undeniably clever.

There’s a notable contrast here when comparing it to Elton John’s film “Rocketman,” which is a genuine artistic achievement. That film showcased Taron Egerton’s heartfelt performance and dedication while “Michael” leans on nostalgia and marketing. The Academy seemed to overlook “Rocketman,” instead favoring the more commercially packaged “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This disparity still bothers me, honestly.

Verdict

“Michael” emerges not as a true film but as a calculated plan to tap into the Jackson legacy and replenish financial gains through his renowned music. While die-hard fans might revel in the nostalgia, it’s crucial to recognize it for what it genuinely is.

★ 1/2 — Please skip

“Michael” is rated PG-13 for some subject matter, language, and smoking. Its running time is 2 hours and 7 minutes, and it’s currently in theaters.