MICHAEL
A+
One of the best Biopics I've ever seen. This film delivers on all levels, an easy 10/10 in every category. Writing, directing, cinematography, acting, choreography, you name it. Regardless of what you specialize in, this is a film that any professor at any university would want among their curriculum.
It's hard to believe that this is the first major acting role that Jaafar Jackson has ever done. So natural, so smooth, he manifested into his uncle so well, that give me the strongest of all skeptics and I'll make them a believer that Michael himself was possessing Jaafar throughout his performance. The way Michael spoke, the way he held himself, his laugh, even the way he ate popcorn. It was obvious that Jaafar studied his uncle with absolute fixation. I hope this young man has a career in Hollywood post this film and its sequel. If he can play other parts this well, we're looking at a megastar for many decades to come. Oscars are a long way away yet, but I can't see anyone more worthy.
With that said, Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson delivered on every level too. While many performances were good throughout the film, Jaafar and Domingo stole the show.
Antonio Fuqua I hope is up for an award as director of this film. Nearly all biopics at some point slow down and have parts that drag. MICHAEL never did. All 127 minutes of the film, you were sucked in to the action, engaged by the drama, and pleading with your bladder to not make you have to get up to go pee. The pacing and the transitions were perfectly timed. What the director understood best, was the balance between not enough information & too much information. A skill that is extremely difficult to master in any narrative, that Fuqua nailed with absolute precision.
You weren't beaten over the head with a concept, but you weren't left in utter ambiguity either. Like a skilled anesthesiologist, not enough, you'll wake up during surgery. Too much, you could wind up dead. Just the right amount, everything goes as it should. Fuqua should win an award on this alone.
You can ask anyone that knows me, I am NOT a dancer. I don't dance. Yet multiple times throughout the film, I caught my feet tapping, my hips swaying, my head and shoulders grooving. It was contagious, I couldn't help myself.
I can't wait for part II, this was an amazing film!
