MICHAEL: This movie is a shallow hagiography with no depth or substance. Despite being a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, I found the movie tepid and tiring. Although Jaafar Jackson’s performance impersonating his uncle MJ is electrifying, the screenplay does not have a “hook” to engage the audience. The flat narrative depicts Michael’s initial modest upbringing in Gary,Indiana to his meteoric rise in the late 80’s as the numero uno pop icon in the US. Joe Jackson is etched out as unidimensional character. La Toya Jackson is present in two-three reels but there is no mention of Janet Jackson, who MJ was quite fond of. The other brothers of the Jackson 5 band are only present in the background with no well-defined characterization. His girlfriend Brooke Shields and wife Lisa Marie Presley are not shown in the movie. Wacko Jacko’s various eccentricities, including having a pet python, a chimp, a llama and a rat display his kinky side. MJ’s paedophilic trait that cost him several legal battles on child abuse is swept under the rug. The movie ends abruptly after MJ brings out his album “Bad”-maybe makers have a sequel in mind. Watch this movie if you cherish MJ’s music and you are one of his cult followers.
AninditaRoyMusings 