The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is already facing backlash, after its early Rotten Tomatoes score left fans stunned.
Despite huge expectations ahead of its release, the film has debuted with a low critics score hovering around the mid-20% range, with many reviews calling it disappointing.
The movie, which stars Jaafar Jackson as his famous uncle, follows the rise of the King of Pop from his early days with the Jackson 5 to global superstardom.
While audiences were expecting a powerful and emotional deep dive, critics say the film feels “safe” and overly polished, failing to explore the more complex parts of Michael Jackson’s life.
Many reviews have pointed out that the story appears to avoid major controversies, instead focusing heavily on performances and legacy moments.
However, one thing nearly all critics agree on is that Jaafar Jackson’s performance is a standout, with some describing it as “remarkable” and “uncannily accurate.”
Even harsh reviews have praised his ability to capture the voice, movements, and stage presence of the global icon.
Still, critics argue that strong performances alone were not enough to carry the film, with some calling it formulaic and lacking depth.
The film has also been criticized for ending before some of the most controversial periods of Jackson’s life, leaving what many say is an incomplete story.
Despite the negative reviews, industry experts believe the film could still perform well at the box office due to Jackson’s global fanbase.
For now, the early reaction has left fans divided, with many waiting to see if audience scores will tell a different story once the film is fully released.
