Feature film Michael dances around the Jackson family’s feud

Michael Jackson's 2026 biographical film goes by his first name, Michael, but his middle namesake, Joseph, is also included, along with his family name of Jackson.

Living up to the Jackson legacy as the eighth child in line took a toll on Michael and he passed away in 2009 at 50 years old.

The movie attempts to explain some of the pressures the entertainer faced privately and publicly over the course of four decades. Several scenes reinforce previous family members' stories and what witnesses have stated over the years.

This feature gives glimpses of his life, but it is not even close to the full story, which may make fans feel it is incomplete.

The film begins with his childhood in Gary, Indiana, the rise of the Jackson 5 and abuse from his father, Joseph, played by Colman Domingo. Michael's strong need for perfection led to body-altering surgeries and makeup to conceal his vitiligo. His rhinoplasty is covered, along with the tragic Pepsi commercial fire and his descent into pain medication use.

Michael humanizes the man in the mirror as much as possible and he comes across as a misunderstood, kind soul. He was someone who was taught to never grow up and remain the high-pitched hitmaker for his family, which comes with repercussions. Michael felt safe around non-judgmental animals and viewed nonthreatening children as his peers.

The third act was reworked and cut into pieces after the filmmakers discovered the sexual allegations would violate the legal settlement. The sanitized scraps on the cutting room floor will most likely never see the light of day.

There are too many cooks in the Jackson kitchen, which is a recipe for disaster when the public demands answers for many of Michael's random decisions. The Jackson family tree is missing a few branches, with older sister Rebbie and younger siblings Janet and Randy declining to be in the picture.

Director Antoine Fuqua and Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King had a difficult project to complete and an impossible amount of territory to cover in two hours and 10 minutes.

Attempting to capture the complicated star's life, incredible accomplishments and wild exploits with this format was ambitious. Academy Award-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe succeeds in providing dynamic visuals and a mesmerizing Jaafar Jackson resurrects his uncle's signature moves in the final act.

There will only be one Michael Jackson and his meteoric rise to fame is a joy to watch as he escapes the cage his controlling father locked him into. With a devilish look in his eye, he breaks free from his trappings thanks to creativity and hard work. That is the lesson and takeaway for viewers, in a snipped story about a unique person who doesn't fit in a neat little box.

Michael Jackson was quirky and full of controversy, which continues to this day. The King of Pop didn't care for his nickname full of pressure, was too insecure to have an ego and he wrestled with demons from the past that haunted him until the day he died.

The story ends with a reenactment of one of Michael's legendary concerts and depending on box office sales, there might be a sequel. Those hoping for definitive answers about the questionable choices Mike made in life may have to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, Michael takes a snapshot of the entertainer's life, not the full picture.

Michael moonwalks into theaters on April 24, 2026.