Critical reviews for Michael were surprisingly low this past week, bringing out all kinds of comments from the online community. It was as low as 28% on Rotten Tomatoes. Last time I looked, it was around 38% and I found that difficult to believe.

So, with expectations tempered, I went to Michael this morning in Cinemark XD, and I came out of the film having had a good time. I understand the reason why some critics did not enjoy this one though.

This is the story of Michael Jackson and his rise to fame, through the making of Thriller. Michael (Jaafar Jackson) had issues with his abusive father Joe (Colman Domingo) as he was singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 and attempting to go solo.

Jaafar Jackson is excellent as Michael Jackson. Jaafar Jackson is a cousin of Michael Jackson in real life and you can see the family resemblance. He carries himself very well and his performance does show off the talent and beginning of the eccentricities of the character of Michael. I was also impressed with the performance of Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson. I hated that character throughout the entire film.

The music is sensational. I do not think that anyone can say anything negative about the music. I suppose if someone hated Michael Jackson’s music, this would not be a film for them, but, if they hate Michael Jackson’s music, why would they go to a two hour + movie of Michael Jackson.

The reason, I am guessing, that most critics were not fond of this film was because of the story. It was not much of a story being told. Some of the real problematic moments of the movie were touch on at times (there was a scene with Joe and young Michael in a discipline situation that was hard to watch), but they do not go into a great deal of depth. Michael was portrayed as about the greatest guy possible, and, if you are looking for the controversy, you will be disappointed.

The story is basic music biopic 101 and it does not go into much more than that. However, the music is so great throughout the film and the performances are right on target that this film becomes one that is entertaining despite the flaws that it might have in the writing. There were literally a few moments of music that had me near tears from the nostalgia of it (particularly the Motown 25 performance).

I should also shoutout what a great job Juliano Valdi did as the young Michael. The first part of the film featured Michael in the Jackson 5 and Valdi had some real solid work in the film. The aforementioned discipline scene was for Valdi and he nailed that brilliantly.

Michael Jackson fans will love this movie and it definitely implies that this is a first film featuring the King of Pop. If you are looking for a deeper story, you may feel slighted.

3.8 stars