Why Critics Are Scathing of Michael While Hailing Jaafar Jackson’s ‘Electric’ Performance

The King of Pop or Estate Propaganda? Why Critics Are Scathing of Michael While Hailing Jaafar Jackson’s ‘Electric’ Performance

LOS ANGELES — The verdict is in for the most anticipated biopic of the decade, and the results are as polarised as the legacy of the man himself. Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, the $150 million epic chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, has debuted to a dismal 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics branding it a "sanitised whitewash."

Yet, amidst the wreckage of scathing reviews, a singular star has emerged unscathed: Jaafar Jackson. The 29-year-old nephew of the late King of Pop is being hailed as a revelation, with many critics arguing that his "eerily perfect" performance is the only thing saving the film from total collapse.

‘A Nine-Figure Wax Museum’

The primary grievance from the critical elite isn't with the technical craft, but with the narrative’s "frictionless" nature. Backed by the Michael Jackson Estate, the film, which covers Jackson's life from the Jackson 5 era up to the late 1980s, has been accused of surgically removing any contentious material to protect the "brand."

Most notably, the film stops short of the 1990s, effectively sidestepping the child molestation allegations that would go on to define Jackson’s later years and public image.

“Whether by design or legal necessity, Michael picks as few battles as possible and backs off almost every time,” wrote The Wrap. “It’s a film about how great Michael Jackson was, and how great you are if you’re still a fan. It’s a filmed playlist in search of a story.”

 

 

The BBC was even more direct, awarding the film a one-star rating and describing it as a "chronological plod" that removes the very drama required for a compelling cinematic experience.

The ‘Pulsating Heartbeat’: Jaafar Jackson

Despite the "hollow" storytelling, Jaafar Jackson’s debut performance has been described as nothing short of miraculous. Having never acted in a feature film before, Jaafar has managed to transcend mere mimicry, according to Variety, capturing the "mixture of delicacy and steel" that defined his uncle.

The Critical Split

Spectacle vs. Substance

While the script by John Logan (Gladiator) is being panned for its lack of subtext, director Antoine Fuqua is receiving some credit for the film's concert recreations. Scenes depicting the Motown 25 performance and the Bad World Tour are reportedly the highlights of the three-hour runtime.

However, critics argue that these moments feel more like "cruise-ship entertainment" or high-end tribute acts than a deep dive into the psyche of a musical genius.

“The music still hits, it always will,” noted The AU Review. “But Michael plays less like a traditional biopic and more like a celebratory tribute, inviting audiences to bask in the legacy rather than question it.”

The ‘Sequel’ Strategy

Interestingly, several reviewers have pointed out that the film’s abrupt ending in the late 1980s feels like a tactical "Part One." Speculation is rife that the Estate is waiting to see the box office results before deciding if a second film will attempt to tackle the more "troublesome" decades of the 1990s and 2000s.

As the film prepares for its global theatrical release this Friday 24th April, the stage is set for a massive divide between critics and the public. While the "Man in the Mirror" may be missing from the script, his nephew has ensured that, for three hours at least, the King of Pop lives again.