STORYLINE: The story of “King of Pop” Michael Jackson. From his childhood of being the star of the Jackson 5, through times of abuse by his father Joe Jackson. To his hit Thriller, and the purchase of Neverland Valley, into his tragic and unsuspected death on June 25, 2009. (IMDb)

   Movies and music, it’s a combination that goes together like spaghetti and meatballs. The biopic genre is filled with features about musicians.  La Bamba (1987), Ray (2004), Walk the Line (2005), and Selena (1997) are just a few that have sung their tale to move goers.  The King of Pop’s biopic, Michael, now rocks it’s way to the silver screen.  

    When watching movies about musicians, there is an expectation of what songs you will be hearing, during the movie. It becomes, like a greatest hits CD.  Michael hits all the high notes, not just his music as a solo act but with the Jackson five. 

    Beyond just the highlight reel of songs, the biopic, is the story of Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom. The feature shows his creativity, and showmanship. Ok this way the movie is a cookie cutter biopic.  It over looks the pedophilia, the darker side of the King oh Pop.

    Michael plays to the fan base.  Those who love his artistry should enjoy this movie. 

     In choosing to solely focus on Michael Jackson’s genius as a musician (I may not be a fan of his music but I do recognize his genius as an artist), but not putting the the uncomfortable side of the performer, makes for an unbalanced movie. This made the movie less of an interesting feature.  The Elton John biopic, Rocketman (2019), featured his struggles with drugs, on detail.  There are films that feature artists struggles, as well as their genius as musicians. 

    The choice to exclude the darker side of Michael Jackson came from the family, for the film rights though. So catch 22.  However, similar stipulations came for the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody (2018),  this film still was filled with tension,  which created drama. Michael had none of that.

    This Michael Jackson biopic was a missed opportunity, filled with all the hits fans of the singer love. 

   Until next time, I will see you at the movies!

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