Michael Jackson's biopic Michael is moonwalking towards a $1 billion box office gross. That total is fitting for the king of the pop, and soon as the movie was released. With acknowledgement that it was originally 4 hours long, and legal reasons for certain scenes being cut. Fans clamored for more.
Lionsgate last week pretty much confirmed that a sequel is in development and will happen. Even hinting that they have a general idea of jumping through time to tell the story, but not in chronological order. The wheels in my head started spinning and I have my own framework on how to tell the story.
So, here are three possible ways I would frame the sequel to finish telling MJ's story.
3. This Is It Rehearsals
It's well documented that when MJ died he was rehearsing for his London residency tour. And it was supposed to be his final string of performing, kind of crazy to think he was ready to call it quits at 50 years old. Yet, he had been in the business for 40 something years at the point.
So the film could show him during rehearsals, in the days leading up to his death. Weaving in flashbacks to the remaining stories that need to be told.
2. 2005 Trial
This would be a more controversial option, but would satisfy those who wanted more drama. While the 1992 allegations couldn't be referenced or portrayed on screen, the 2005 trial to the best of my knowledge isnt off limits.
It could show how much the trial took a toll on MJ. Joe Jackson was often by his side during the trial, perfect opportunity for Colman Domingo to portray an older and maybe wiser but still the same damn Joe Jackson. Weaving the trial, with MJ's musicial heyday.
1. History Album
MJ's 1995 HIStory album was both a greatest hits and new music album. With side A being his biggest hits from previous albums, and side B having new tracks. Such as Scream, They Don't Really Care About Us, and You Are Not Alone.
He obviously had to look back to the past, to make that album right? So there's a golden opportunity to make that focal point that connects the other eras together. Director Antoine Fuqua mentioned the original film ended around '95. The ending of Michael has a title card with History Continues. Perfect tie in to a sequel there.
It's also been reported there is 30-40% of content from that film that is reusable for a sequel. It all ties together to make the perfect plot point to use.
However the filmmakers decide to proceed with the 2nd film. I expect a phone call to help set it up with my brilliant ideas.
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.
We are a week away from the highly anticipated release of Michael. The biopic of Michael Jackson, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying him. If you know me, you know MJ is one of my favorite artist. So, while you've been getting ready for the film by listening to your MJ Playlist. Or picking out cosplay costumes, I'm providing some material for your viewing pleasure.
10. The Legend Continues
This documentary originally aired on the Showtime cable network in 1988, and was narrated by one James Earl Jones. It provided some context on MJ's life, creativity, and success of his albums. From his time with the Jackson 5 up to his BAD album.
From 1986 to 1998 MJ had a theme park ride/experience at Disney theme parks. Featuring a short film where he played a space pilot leading a motley crew on a mission. The short film was a companion to a theater ride at the parks.
After his death in 2009, Disney revitalized the ride in 2010 as a tribute to the legend. Keeping it in parks until 2015, and the short film magically appeared on YouTube.
8. This Is It
During rehearsals for his planned London run of shows. MJ had everything recorded and documented, so a year after his death. This Is It was released in theaters. Documentinting rehearsal footage with interviews from performance and crew members.
Giving some insight into MJ's creative and artistic drive. How much of a perfectionist he was on stage, and some subtle clues about his health before his death.
Since the biopic debuts this month, you gotta pay on any streaming app if you wanna see this one.
7. Ghosts
Ghosts is a short film and dare I say spiritual continuation of Thriller. It has become a Halloween staple in my household. Originally conceived as a short film to accompany and incorporate parts of 1993's Addams FamilyValues.
That plan was dropped and the short was released in 1996. Following a angry town mob led by The Mayor (played by Jackson), intent on kicking the Maestro (also played by Jackson). Out of his home and the town, well The Maestro has other plans.
Interesred in seeing it YouTube is your friend here
6. Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown To Off The Wall
This 2016 documentary directed by Spike Lee (who directed They Don't Really Care About Us music video, and Bad25 documentary). Focuses on the creation and impact of Michael's debut solo album Off The Wall. Featuring interviews by those who worked alongside Jackson and who were inspired by him.
Sadly this isn't readily available to watch anywhere.
5. Live In Tokyo
Michael Jackson's Bad Tour was a world wide tour which I believe at that time, was the highest grossing tour ever. I first saw the concert around the time of his death, thanks to some downloading from the likes of Frostwire.
Watching this concert, if you never saw a MJ performance before. Would show you why he was so captivating and one of the greats. He gave everything he had each night.
You don't need to download when YouTube has the whole concert, ready to get you dancing.
4. Jacksons: An American Dream
When it comes to TV-movie biopics Jacksons: An American Dream is the creme de la creme. Following the Jackson family story from Joe and Katherine first meeting up to the Victory tour. With a lot of singing, dancing, and drama thrown in.
Released in 1992 on ABC network, it has received non stop airplay over the years on VH1, BET, hell Tubi even had it for a long time. If you havent seen it by now, not sure what to tell you.
3. Live In Buchacrest
I remember seeing this concert on HBO when it debuted in 1992, in support of his Dangerous album. I think it was a Saturday night which usually was reserved for new blockbuster films, HBO was airing for the first time. Just to give you an idea of how much things have changed.
Anyway, much like his Tokyo concert MJ put on for this concert. Adding more effects and energy, and being a few years older I'm not sure how he maintained that energy all the time.
My only gripe is Remember The Time wasnt performed.
If you're ready for some high energy exercise here you go.
2. Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration
In early September 2001 a two night concert was held to celebrate MJ's 30th anniversary as a solo artist. Counting his song from the 1971 film Ben as his solo debut. CBS aired the concert in November of that year, editing footage from both nights.
It featured modern artists performing hits from his Jackson 5 and solo albums, as a tribute. As well as MJ performing his biggest hits and at the time the fresh single You Rock My World, from his Invincible album. And being on stage performing with his brothers for the first time since the mid 80's.
Again, where would we be as a people without YouTube.
1. Moonwalker
1988's Moonwalker is a very interesting project/film. The first half is a random assortment of short clips and music videos highlighting MJ's popularity, Fandom, tabloid criticism, and much more. While also including clips from music videos from his BAD album.
The later half is a short film which includes the music video for Smooth Criminal as the centerpiece. Jackson is a average guy trying to save children from a local drug dealer played by Joe Pesci. Who has a military style army of henchmen at his disposal. All Jackson has is his dance moves and shooting stars in the sky.
It's actually better than it sounds, and well worth the watch.
You can pay $6 to rent it on Prime, or enjoy it on YouTube
A teaser trailer for the highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, debuted this past week. The film simply titled Michael, is rejuvenating the King of Pop's music and aura, months in advance. As a avid MJ fan, I know I watched the trailer more than 10 times the day it released.
The trailer has a wonderful blend of some of MJ's greatest hits. Which got me thinking about song's we could hear in the film. Which sparked me to create a wishlist. So here are 10 songs, some extreme longshots to actually make it; that I would love to hear in the movie.
10 2-4-6-8
While covering his Jackson 5 years, the movie surely will include the group's biggest hits ABC and I Want You Back. I'm hoping The LoveYou Save will be in the mix. As well this cut from their second album. It's a hidden gem in my opinion and just as catchy as their hits. Hoping it gets some love in the film.
9 Break Of Dawn
2001's Invincible was MJ's last original album. It had a few radio hits but ultimately was a flop, as the world moved on from the icon. Almost 25 years later, many are heralding this album as ahead of it's time. Which is very well true as Jackson was innovative and ahead of the curve.
This chilled sonic sounding r&b ballad is probably my favorite from Invincible. Because it was the end of his music career, I'm not sure how much energy the film will devote to the album. Hopefully we hear if in the background of a scene or something.
8 Pretty Young Thing
Fun fact I actually did a lip sync dance to this song for my wife, at our wedding reception. I'm pretty reserved but the spirit of MJ helped me through my performance. A track on 1982's Thriller album, it was released as a single back then and should have been a bigger hit.
It's a personal favorite so I hope we get a brief mix, a mention, something.
7 They Don't Care About Us
Another case where MJ was ahead of his time, this song from his 1995 album HiStory is relevant now more than ever. Part protest song, part intended to lead an uprising. People either love this song or hate it. I was 9 years old when the album was released, so I didn't understand the song fully.
Now as an adult, MJ was giving us life lessons about the various systems in society meant to break everyday people. There also was a great deal of controversy surrounding some lyrics in the song. Which deserves to be a plot point in the film.
6 Dirty Diana
Based on a clip from the trailer, we're definitely getting a Man In The Mirror performance in the movie. Smooth Criminal absolutely cannot be omitted in the film at all. One of his most rock, rock songs ever Dirty Diana, has a cautionary tale about groupies. That used in the film could provide some insight into his mindframe when it came to relationships.
5 Scream
The only duet with his sister, fellow pop icon Janet Jackson. 1995's Scream goes hard as the kids say today. It's gritty yet futuristic sound will have you in a trance. The music video is just as futuristic and that dance break is still copied to this day. In fact its a social media trend, or was..I can't keep up.
We have to see that dance break recreated on the big screen
4 Workin' Day And Night
Surprisingly this song was not released as a single during MJ's OFF The Wall run. Which is a shame as its just as good as the album's biggest hits. It's just as funky in the sound and makes you want to get up and dance. I'm hoping we may get a montage during that albums creation, with this song driving the montage.
3 Heartbreak Hotel
My favorite song from The Jackson's era when they left Motown til the group's complete separation. If you hear it one time you will instantly fall into the trance of a funky beat. I'm almost positive this song is in the movie. As a quick cut in the trailer shows a reenactment of a concert performance. And a part that was a staple of the group while they performed this song.
Check out this YouTube clip at the 3:30 mark for reference.
2 Remember The Time
MJ's foray into New Jack Swing for his 1991 Dangerous album must be covered. It was an attempt to reinvent himself and stay relevant in a changing music landscape. The music video is incredible and that Egyptian inspired dance break is top notch. And should be recreated on screen.
I expect to be tapping my feet to a scene in the movie to this song.
1 You Are Not Alone
The lead single from his HiStory album, this ballad is notable for having his then wife Lisa Marie Presley in the video. I wonder who is playing her in the film by the way. It also has messaging with not just relationships, but isolation in general and the role the media plays.
It's an emotional song that fits any point in the movie covering MJ's trials and tribulations. So its bound to be in the movie, right?
