Michael: box office bust or break-through?

Critics and audiences split on "Michael" biopic

ARTS AND CULTURE | May 2026

What critics are calling a whitewashed and glorified testament to Michael Jackson’s life has turned out to be a fan favorite among moviegoers.

The “Michael” biopic, which released April 24, opened to near opposite reviews from critics and audience members. Rotten Tomatoes’ ‘Tomatometer’ currently ‘ranks the movie at a dejected 36 percent, while the ‘Popcornmeter,’ or audience score, ranks it much higher at an astonishing 97 percent.

This stark contrast, on the surface, may seem like an impossible feat, but from an average viewer’s standpoint, it makes perfect sense.

Fans have been waiting tirelessly for months for the release of the Michael movie. It seemed like no matter what was shown on the big screen, audiences could not care less as long as it appealed to their admiration of him, which is why the popcorn meter was near 100 percent.

Michael Jackson, even years after his death, has an international impact that keeps him in the hearts of those who appreciate his music. His music emits a surreal feeling of immense groove that not many other artists have been able to accomplish, and that is what the fans focus on.

Yes, there are countless allegations against him regarding sexual abuse and cosmetic modification, but if people wanted to see that in the movie, they can go watch the countless documentaries on his alleged crimes.

For fans, the biopic was perfectly tailored to all the parts of Michael Jackson that they like, which is why it resonated so well.

Critics, on the other hand, specialize in dismantling movies to find any slip-up that could tarnish a decent movie into a box office disaster. They are not watching the movie for entertainment; they are watching it as their job, and that can lead to some brutally honest reviews.

They judge on the execution of the concept, not the concept itself, which is where fans and critics differ.

My honest opinion

Walking into the theater, I had very high expectations. To create a movie about the King of Pop is a difficult task and one that needs to be carefully crafted to highlight his historical career while also being truthful. When the first hit of music echoed through the theater, I knew I was in for an eventful couple hours.

The introduction of the film begins in Michael’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana. His father recruits him for the Jackson 5, and after landing a couple gigs and quickly gaining popularity, the Jacksons sign to the Motown record label, launching them into a national sensation.

With their newfound prosperity, Michael and his family move into a mansion in Los Angeles where they reside for several years. Michael grows up and says he wants to pursue his own path rather than staying with his family band. He is interrupted by his father’s desire for control and fame, and he is pressured back into the Jackson 5.

Michael, a few years later, releases his “Thriller” album, finally believing he’s free. But once again, his father successfully convinces him to rejoin the family band. During the Jackson’s Victory tour, Michael announces the end of the tour on stage to immense dissatisfaction from his father and finally freeing himself from his grasp.

Afterwards, the movie fast-forwards into several notable concerts throughout Michael’s career, cutting off in the late 80s and saying “His story continues…”

The positives

The movie captures most of Michael’s important life events and admirable moments. Although a few minor differences were made to comply with the Jackson family’s stipulations and for theatrical effect, it represents his life fairly accurately overall.

There are many scenes that show the sheer scale of his fame and historic performances virtually the same, nearly recreating what I believe it would have felt like to actually see Michael perform. When Jaafar (Michael’s actor) recreates his iconic short films, song writing process and legendary tours, you can not help but feel as if you are seeing the King himself.

This is all what the movie does well--experience and emotion. You can break down the flaws and inaccuracies, but that does not get rid of the fact that if you are a Michael Jackson fan, you will walk out of the theater with a smile on your face and a beat stuck in your head.

The negatives

It lacks depth. The story is rich, and that can be attributed to the man himself. But throughout the whole film, all I wanted was more: more development of what went into his crazy projects and stellar shows.

This especially disappointed me near the end where several years were left out of Michael’s career, instead skipping ahead to notable performances.

I do not speak for every viewer of this movie, but I would have loved to have seen the few years he was dormant between 1983 and 1988 because there is a lot of mystery and story during that time that the movie could have used to its advantage, which is why the first half to me was much more enjoyable to watch. His upbringing was important, but his decades-long career was far more influential. It also gets a little repetitive with issues constantly arriving with his father.

I understand that a film needs to over-dramatize to retain an entertainment factor. Actor Colman Domingo pefectly played the role of Michael’s father Joe Jackson, and his performance is one of the best real-life antagonist portrayals I have seen. When the conflict is between Michael and Joe the entire movie, it gets quite dull.

Would watch again

As a lifelong MJ fan, I believe this film does a decent job of depicting his life, at least the first half. It has its inaccuracies and plot holes. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience that brings Michael’s legendary life to a consumable level.

I would definitely watch it again, just to relive that monumental era of music, and when the second film releases, (sadly around 2030), I will make sure I am the first one in the theater.