After a couple days of dodging social media as much as I could, I saw Michael and to me the wait was worth it. Now to be honest I had no intention of writing a review, BUT I've seen several silly reviews. In addition with all the blogs I wrote leading up to the film, I figured I might as well cap it off with a review.
To be honest is it the greatest biopic ever made? No it's not, the film falls victim to the biopic trap of rushing through timelines. What it is though is an brisk enjoyable 2 hour and 7 minute film on a legendary figure.
Jaafar Jackson did right by his uncle, effortlessly capturing his mannerisms, personality quirks. His naive view of certain things, and his work ethic. He really carried the movie on his shoulders, and made it electric.
While Jaafar carried the film, Colman Domingo stole the show as Joe Jackson. Eerily looking like Joe's doppelganger he drove point A of the plot of the film. A story about a father and a son and the complexities of those relationships. He should get some nominations during awards season for sure. Hell I was scared watching him.
There have been many people talking about the controversies that were left out, to not give MJ a bad name. While there were legal reasons they did not get into that. That is not the purpose of ths story in the film. The second plot in the film of Plot B, is what made Michael..well Michael and influenced his career decisions and creativity early in his solo career.
The original runtime of the film was projected at 4 hours. Then 3 and a half, before settling on the 2 hour runtime. I will say I'm sure they landed on the cutting room floor, but I felt the Motown years were just a drive by. I was looking for more scenes with Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy and Laurie Harrier as Suzanne De Passe. Who greatly influenced his early career.
I wish time was spent covering The Wiz and how he met Quincy Jones on the set. More legal issues that resulted in Diana Ross being cut, likely killed that in the story though
Those story beats and a particular favorite of mine, I wont spoil not being played are my only issues with the film. I definitely plan to go old school and get a physical copy mainly for deleted scenes, when it relases on home media. And I think with time, naysayers will change their tune and the movie will become an all time classic.
Hell I just saw it and am thinking about seeing it again this week.
Note: In celebration of the film I made two Playlist.
MJ performances YouTube Playlist
MJ On Your Feet Spotify Playlist
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