Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Harper B. comments, “Michael is a film that brings viewers into the life of Michael Jackson in the most creative way. The film entertains viewers while educating them on Michael Jackson’s very unique life. The film kept me on the edge of my seat and made me feel as if I was a celebrity.” Ryker N. adds, “It’s amazing how Michael Jackson’s talent is something everyone can enjoy. Some of my favorite parts of this film are when Michael adopts exotic animals and visits sick kids in hospitals because it shows how kind and gentle he is.” Tiana S. wraps it up with, “We have all heard of Michael Jackson. We know him for hits like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” and we love him for how he impacted music and the world… but with such greatness comes a story, a story which is perfectly shown in the film, Michael.” See their full reviews below.
Michael
By Harper B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This film is about the story of Michael Jackson’s life from 1966-1988. The film begins with Joseph (Colman Domingo) making his sons form the Jackson 5. Michael (Jaafar Jackson) does not fully support the Jackson 5 and has some issues with the way that his dad, Joseph, is running the Jackson 5.
Michael has notable sets that help the film come to life in front of a viewer’s eyes. One of the most notable filming locations is the California street where the original Thriller music video was filmed; it is also where the music video for the film was shot. The Hayvenhurst Estate is used as the second home Michael lived in throughout the duration of the film. It is where Michael Jackson actually lived during his teen years. He also practiced some of his most famous dances at this location. My favorite scene is when Michael tells John Branca (Miles Teller) that he chooses him to look after his career. His first task was to fire Joseph as his personal manager. Branca asks why and Michael says, “quickly.” It’s interesting that Branca decides to fax Joseph to inform him that he is fired. My favorite character is Michael’s mom, Katherine Jackson (Nia Long) because she supports him in whatever he does, while his father only supports Michael if he follows his plan. Katherine evens out the scale of the Jackson family dynamics.
The film’s message is about the choices your family wants for you and what you want for yourself. The film shows what an impact people in a young child’s life leave on them. It also shows how Michael had a family who understands him for who he is and not for being a big star. He has to give part of that understanding up to choose his own life path. Please note that there are some abusive scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
I give Michael 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Michael releases in theaters on April 24, 2026.
Michael By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
I am completely won over by Michael, a film that feels like being in the front row of one of Michael Jackson’s concerts!
The story follows Michael Jackson’s (Jaafar Jackson) musical career from 1960 with The Jackson Five to his 1987 release of “BAD.” The film shows how Jackson has a hard time being himself because his dad, Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo), was so strict and in charge of everything. Sometimes, Michael doesn’t feel like he fits in, so he uses books and animals to create Neverland, an imaginative place where he can just be happy and have fun. It also shows how Michael breaks big barriers throughout his career so more people can be seen and heard in the music industry. One intense scene is when his hair catches on fire during the 1983 Pepsi commercial accident, but then, Michael realizes he gets a second chance to keep doing what he loves.
It’s amazing how Michael Jackson’s talent is something everyone can enjoy. Some of my favorite parts of this film are when Michael adopts exotic animals and visits sick kids in hospitals because it shows how kind and gentle he is. He even has a giraffe and a llama at his home. It is also super cool that a real member of Michael’s family, Jaafar Jackson, who is Jermaine Jackson’s son, plays Michael in the film. His classic Michael Jackson dance moves like The Moonwalk and “Thriller” zombie dance are spectacular! All of Michael’s iconic clothing such as his red leather “Beat It” jacket, rhinestone covered glove and penny loafers are highlighted. The realistic concert lighting is attention grabbing and the BOOMING sound is a fun special effect that makes everyone in the theater dance in their seats. My favorite scene is when the head of CBS (Mike Myers) calls MTV and basically demands MTV play Michael’s videos, demonstrating how big and important he was becoming.
This film’s message is about finding your own voice and following your heart to reach your dreams. Be true to yourself and never give up no matter what. Note that there are some mature scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Michael gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on April 24, 2026.
Michael
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
We have all heard of Michael Jackson. We know him for hits like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” and we love him for how he impacted music and the world… but with such greatness comes a story, a story which is perfectly shown in the film, Michael. This already record-breaking film is made for viewers and Moonwalkers to sing along, cry, laugh, and connect with Michael on a whole new level.
Michael takes us on a journey through Michael Jackson’s (Jaafar Jackson) life and career, starting as a child singing at clubs, and ultimately performing solo in huge stadiums filled with thousands of people. The story begins in the 60s, when young Michael (Juliano Valdi) and his brothers start their music careers with their father, Joseph Jackson (Coleman Domingo) and their mom, Katherine Jackson (Nia Long) managing them. It explores the depths of the fame that Michael experienced and the way he handled his personal life, as we watch him develop through the 60s, 70s and 80s, eventually becoming the solo artist we remember and loved, even today.
This is a film I would love to see again. The focus of the film is primarily on Michael Jackson and his family – his brothers in the Jackson Five, his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, John Branca (Miles Teller), and a few other important figures. The movie completely captured my attention from the very beginning, with the music, the lights, and the framing of every scene to give us an inside look at Jackson’s personal life. Jaafar Jackson certainly brings a special take to his uncle’s life. There have been lots of amazing impersonators of Michael Jackson, but Jaafar really nails the voice, personality, and truth behind who Michael was. Sometimes, when watching the screen and hearing the songs, I forget that it’s not Michael. The film allowed me to look at Jackson’s life differently as well. Getting a more in-depth look into his childhood with his father’s values, his animal companionship, the loneliness he sometimes had to deal with, and the fear he grew up with really helped me understand him more. Michael said it when he was alive – that he truly didn’t have much of a childhood. Watching the young version of him in the film definitely strikes an emotion, and made me connect with him as a child, and then an adult. I love the storytelling so much because it’s drawn so heavily from his friends and family, making it more personal than what we have taken in from the media over the years. While I didn’t really learn anything new, this movie opened my eyes to know more about who Michael Jackson truly was.
This film delivers so many amazing messages, from being true to yourself to not letting others’ wants or opinions determine how you live. The message that stood out the most to me was after the Pepsi performance, where Michael’s hair caught fire. It made Michael realize that life is really something that we have to enjoy and make our own, because so many things can go wrong and you might never know what that end-moment could be or if you’ll get a second chance. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and live the life you want – do what makes you feel happy. Be aware that there are some intense moments between Michael’s dad, Joe and himself.
I give Michael 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters now so check it out.
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