After a much-anticipated wait, “Michael,” the Michael Jackson biopic film, is finally out.

This film depicts Michael Jackson’s life and career with the Jackson 5 until he decides to pursue a solo career. This film split critics and fans of MJ into two camps. While critics think the film is awful, fans think the opposite and praise this film as one of the best biopics. 

But the question is: Who is right? 

Story-wise, this film is about Michael Jackson, played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, as he tries to break free from Jackson 5 and the control of his father, Joseph Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, in pursuit of a solo career. 

A solo career that made him one of the best pop singers of all time. 

I thought the story of this film was executed perfectly and captured MJ’s life from the Jackson 5 to the “Bad” era really well. However, the main narrative of MJ breaking free from his father’s control can be repetitive and dragged out for some audiences.

The visuals of the film looked great – especially during the music sequences.

In terms of performances, fans of MJ and audiences will be pleased with Jaafar Jackson’s performance as his uncle. Not only did he perfectly embody MJ’s singing, dancing and spirit masterfully, he added some of his own flair as well. For supporting roles, Colman Domingo did phenomenal as Joseph Jackson, the cruel and complex father of MJ.  

After both of these performances, fans can definitely expect that Jackson and Domingo will be one of the front-runners for best actor and best supporting actor in next year’s awards season. 

What made this film special was seeing MJ’s music on the big screen. Every song from the Jackson 5 era to MJ’s early solo career did not disappoint. The songs I think both MJ fans and audiences can expect to love the most are “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Human Nature.”

My overall score for this film is a 10/10. Not only does this film prove critics wrong, but it is also a film that both the general audience and fans of MJ can enjoy together. People can experience how MJ’s music had an impact on the world.