Like a gazillion other people, I saw the Michael biopic this weekend.
From my reclining leather theatre seat, my first thoughts weren’t about critic’s reviews or controversial opinions.
Instead, I thought about December 23, 1983.
On that night, Michael Jackson’s 14-minute “Thriller” music video premiered on network television via NBC’s Friday Night Videos. This short film event had actually premiered on MTV on December 2, but since my family did not have cable or a giant satellite receiver, I was forced to wait three weeks to watch the video.
(Click here to watch the Dec 23, 1983 episode of Friday Night Videos)
Just like the rest of the world, I was mesmerized with Michael Jackson’s talent and style.
Watching Michael transported me back to an era when I listened to Casey Casum’s weekly top 40 radio show religiously. No matter what I was doing, my hand was always near the record button of my jam box ready to capture my favorite songs as I made mixtapes for school trips and pool side summer afternoons. Those tapes always included half-caught intros by Mr. Casum and whatever Michael Jackson song (or two) that was currently in the top 40.
Following that thought, I watched as the performance-driven biopic wonderfully displayed Michael Jackson’s talent through a top notch portrayal by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. I was equally, if not more impressed by 12-year old Juliano Krue Valdi who portrayed Michael during his younger years. And I must add, it should be a rule from now on that Mike Myers gets a small role in every biopic that is ever made.
The film has been criticized for not including more of the controversies of Michael’s younger years. If I desired anything in the movie, it was to see more of the story of his younger years, especially the music. However, you can only do so much in a just over two hour time span. So, here is my review:
Michael is not a documentary, but is truly a classic coming of age story showcased with some really, really good music. It helped us see how Michael Jackson came to be Michael Jackson. There are classic and yet complicated portrayals of good versus evil between Michael and his father Joe, played by Colman Domingo. I believe the story will inspire people to believe in their God-given dreams and destiny in the face of doubt and oppression.
*Image courtesy of Mathew Browne
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