‘Michael’ Biopic Opens to Rough Start on Rotten Tomatoes as Score is Revealed

The new Michael has not started its run the way many expected. According to early critic reviews collected on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is opening to a very low score of around 27 percent. The result places it among the most poorly received music biopics in recent years.

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It tells the story of Michael Jackson, starting from his early days with the Jackson 5 and moving into the beginning of his solo career. One of the most talked-about choices in the movie is the casting of Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who plays the lead role.

The project took several years to come together. It was first announced in development in 2019, and later confirmed by Lionsgate in 2022. Casting and production followed over the next few years, with filming taking place mainly in 2024 after delays linked to industry strikes. The movie then went through additional work and effects before reaching its final version.

The film had its premiere in Berlin on April 10, and is set for wider release later in April in the United States.

Critics have now shared a wide range of early reviews, and the general reaction is mostly negative. Many say the film struggles with its storytelling and does not go deep enough into its subject. Some reviewers feel it avoids difficult parts of Jackson’s life and instead focuses on surface-level moments.

One critic wrote that the film is too careful in how it presents its main character. They said, “It treats Michael with a high level of respect to a fault, barely skimming the surface of many of its more interesting ideas, and ultimately serves as half a movie.” This reflects a common view that the film holds back from exploring more complex themes.

Another review pointed out that the movie avoids showing much of the character’s inner life. The critic said, “This is a movie terrified to explore the interiority of its protagonist.” They added that it may still appeal to fans who simply want to see familiar moments from Jackson’s career.

Some critics did praise the performance of Jaafar Jackson, saying he closely resembles the music icon and brings a believable presence to the role. However, even positive comments often note that the film itself does not support the performance with strong writing.

There are also reviews that mention the musical sequences as the strongest part of the film. These moments recreate well-known performances and stage visuals from Jackson’s career. But several critics argue that outside of these scenes, the film feels uneven and lacks depth.

One reviewer summed it up by saying the film is filled with familiar biopic patterns and does not do much new with them. Others described it as more of a highlight reel than a full story.

Still, not all reactions are completely negative. A few critics say fans of Michael Jackson may still find enjoyment in the performances and music, even if the film does not fully explore the artist’s life in detail.

The early response reported by Rotten Tomatoes shows a divided but mostly critical reception. Many reviewers agree that while the film has strong visual and musical moments, it struggles to deliver a complete or balanced story.

Biopics like this always face a tough balance between respect and honesty. If they hold back too much, the story can feel empty. If they go too far, they risk controversy. This one seems stuck in between and that is why critics are reacting so strongly. What do you think about music biopics like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.