Michael: Sympathetic Biopic Featuring His Concert Performances

"Michael" received a 38% Critics and 97% Audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  I side with the audience on this one.  Unlike "Rocketman" (2019), which included the significant negatives about Elton John's life, "Michael" focuses on Jackson's genius, with respect to his singing, dancing, choreography, and song-writing.  Quite frankly, I prefer it that way. The film covers the time interval from 1966-1988, starting with the formation of the "Jackson 5" in Gary, Indiana, and ending with Michael's solo "Bad" tour.  Just about all of Michael's iconic hits are performed very well.  Jaafar Jackson (Michael's nephew) gives an A.A.W. performance with his acting and dancing.  He also sang sometimes in the soundtrack, but much of his singing was over Michael's voice.  Michael's very-difficult childhood (played by Juliano Krue Valdi), due to his father, Joe (played by Colman Domingo), controlling all aspects of Michael's life, alongside physical and emotional abuse, are captured in a few short scenes.  His mother, Katherine (played by Nia Long), was supportive and loved him, but neither she, Michael, or any of his brothers could stand up to Joe. Although extremely difficult for him, Michael was eventually able, at least to some degree, to break free of Joe's clutches.  Joe was much like Murray Wilson, Brian Wilson (song-writing genius of the Beach Boys)'s father.  Murray screwed up Brian pretty badly too.  The film provides some understanding of Michael's near-inability to relate to adults, secondary to his fixation at childhood.  Tragically, he essentially could only relate to children (in more ways than one) and pets.  At least half the movie is devoted to his concert performances, a few with the "Jackson 5," but the majority with Michael on his own.  The performances by the four leads are excellent, which is a credit to the Director, Antoine Fuqua. Bottom Line: If you are in the mood for a good musical biopic, you can't "Beat It!"