Mixed reviews, low ratings, and online chaos turn a major biopic into a pop culture argument
The Michael biopic was supposed to celebrate a legend. Instead, it has sparked a full blown debate about whether it belongs on the list of the worst music movies ever made.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, has opened to mixed to negative reviews ahead of its release. Critics have praised Jaafar’s performance almost unanimously, calling it accurate, electric, and one of the film’s strongest elements.
But the praise stops there. The film itself is being dragged for playing it too safe. Reviews point to a shallow narrative, heavy reliance on performance recreations, and a noticeable avoidance of the most controversial parts of Jackson’s life. Critics say it feels more like a greatest hits montage than a real story.
And the numbers are not helping. Early scores have hovered around the low 30 percent range on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a rough critical reception. Social media has turned the conversation into a ranking war, with fans debating where Michael sits among infamous biopics like All Eyez on Me and Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. Some are calling it overhated. Others are calling it a missed opportunity on a massive scale.
You cannot tell the story of Michael Jackson without confronting the uncomfortable parts. The film tries to celebrate the music while sidestepping the controversy, and that balance is not landing for everyone. Still, there is a twist. Even critics who dislike the film agree on one thing, Jaafar Jackson understood the assignment.
