MICHAEL

Michael (2026)

Directed by: Antoine Fuqua

The movie starts with Michael singing at a very young age. The talent is already there, but the fire isn’t yet. You’re left wondering why his father pushes that dream so much for their family. It’s not up for discussion.

The road to fame happens in an instant, with barely a journey to follow. There’s no proper build-up. They are just showing quick cuts from rehearsals to gigs to recordings.

Like a shuffled playlist, the songs comes in one after another. You are deprived of knowing the stories behind each track. A lot of songs aren’t played even when the scenes call for it. Their lifestyle shifts just as quickly. Next thing you know they are already famous.

You don’t get to appreciate the changes in their lives because there’s no point of comparison. The fans are gushing over him, but it’s too brief and mechanical to make it count.

Portrayal of family is limited. Their relationship is hard to define. La Toya’s name is being mentioned a couple of times, but that’s just it. The brothers act as decoration, not adding value to the story.

Regardless if it’s for personal or professional growth, the decisions unfold so fast that you rarely see how they take shape. Iconic moves and sound just show up. Major events are wrapped up in a few sentences. Although the lines are real, they lack weight since there’s no scene to back them up.

You feel like an outsider the whole time in his life. Even in his own movie, Michael remains mysterious.

In a way, all these gaps still make sense because it isn’t really Michael’s life being shown. It’s the father who’s driving the narrative. The story takes a turn—once Michael takes control of his own life.

From his love for animals to his care for children, his true character is finally showing. Friction grows within the family. Some of them start to speak and be noticed. As the movie’s pacing slows down, there’s more time to appreciate his growth. His success becomes clearer.

Conversations with the security and the manager are becoming more interesting. Most issues are not directly being tackled, but it’s somehow acknowledged. A few key conflicts get resolved right away, delivering instant satisfaction.

Music videos and concerts come alive right before your eyes. You can’t help but give in to the beat. Even without showing the full process, his creative juices are flowing.

The dreams, once owned by his father, have become his possession. You can see his determination. His visions have turned into action, making things happen.

Jaafar Jackson did justice to an icon. For every doubt and question about his capabilities, he is ready to beat it. He turns this movie from a duller into a thriller. Juliano Valdi has an innate charm. It’s in his human nature to entertain and captivate people.

Both of them elevate the film with their talent. Whenever they sing and dance, it’s hard to resist. It makes you wanna go and say “hee hee”.

𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋

Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi

Screenplay by: John Logan

Presented by: Lionsgate Films, GK Films, Optimum Productions

Release Date: April 22, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews