‘Michael’ Biopic Gets Mixed Reaction as Critics Pan It but Audience Score Surges on Rotten Tomatoes

The biographical film Michael is getting a very mixed reaction from audiences and critics, according to early ratings reported by Rotten Tomatoes and other review platforms.

The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua, follows the life and career of Michael Jackson. It covers his early years with the Jackson 5 and moves into his rise as a solo star. The lead role is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson in his first film performance.

Right now, audience reaction is very strong. The film is sitting at around 96% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is also labeled “Verified Hot” . At the same time, critics have been much less positive. The movie originally started at around 20% with critics, but that number has now moved up to about 40%.

Industry coverage from Rotten Tomatoes shows a clear split between critics and audiences. Critics have generally been more negative about the storytelling and structure, while viewers are responding more emotionally and positively to the film.

Audience reviews highlight strong performances and emotional impact. One viewer, Branden, wrote “This movie was a huge surprise to me… you could feel it through the characters.” He also praised the concert scenes and said “The filmography was STELLAR!”

Another viewer, Diane, said Jaafar Jackson did a strong job in the role, writing “Jaafar did an excellent job portraying Michael.” She also felt the film showed a personal side of Jackson’s life, even if it did not reveal anything new.

Other audience reactions were similarly positive. Many praised the music, dance scenes, and emotional tone. Some also expressed disappointment that the film only covers part of Jackson’s story and ends in the late 1980s, hoping for a sequel.

Despite the strong audience support, critics have been more divided. Reports from early reviews say the film is praised for its lead performance but criticized for how it tells the story. Some reviews describe the film as overly safe in its approach.

The production history of Michael has also drawn attention. According to film industry reporting, development began back in 2019, with major updates in casting and direction coming over the next few years. The cast also includes names like Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long.

The film premiered in Berlin on April 10, and is set for a wider release on April 24.

Overall, early data shows a clear divide. Audiences seem to love the emotional storytelling and performances, while critics remain more cautious about the film’s structure and creative choices.

It is interesting to see such a big gap between critics and viewers. When audiences connect this strongly with a film, it usually means something about it is working on an emotional level. At the same time, critics often focus more on structure and story decisions, which can lead to very different reactions. What do you think about the film’s audience score compared to the critics? Share your thoughts in the comments.