This was not intended to be a cinematic spectacle, or a beautiful heartwarming story; while it does both extraordinarily well, they are byproducts of the origin, the man, not by the team.

The purpose behind this entire production, as it is for many, was the money. We must accept that this is not a film selflessly produced and created by Michael Jackson post-success. This is developed and created by a talented, hungry, established team to shock box office (which, undoubtedly, it has). This was not intended to be a cinematic spectacle, or a beautiful heartwarming story; while it does both extraordinarily well, they are byproducts of the origin, the man, not by the team. But the team can only tell the tale as true as it fits. Nevertheless, this ends up shocking you to your core when you first take your seat.

As someone who is limited to 20 years of living, 15 of which I can recall somewhat, I did not have the pleasure of understanding Michael Jackson's origins. It turns out, to no retrospective surprise, that he was a spectacle of talent, insecurity, and aura. His music to any human could open one's eyes to the world of soundwaves, but on this matter I digress. This movie does not get the crowd scenes, or the stage presence wrong at all, it seems as though Michael is a god amongst men. But to the story we go.

The opening stage of his childhood displays Michael in the light of any other human: human. The childhood traumas he experiences are unique to him in their burden of expectation and psyche damage. But this is what pushed him to become the man the masses sing along to. These pivotal scenes where Colman Domingo (acting as Joe Jackson) becomes the audience's least favorite human, were essential in understanding the method behind the madness of Michael. Juliano Valdi's movies and lip syncing capture your heart and imagination and beg the question - when does his real music come in, because goodness me the voice of him as a child was unparalleled and I am shocked that the Jackson 5 wasn't a global name - but so were the times with misrepresentation and inequality and inequity that blocked this talent and so many more from the spotlight. Yet through these times he persevered and became his… nephew? Jafaar Jackson from the first scene matches the talent, charisma, and aura of his uncle exceptionally. I was told that someone who reviewed it had mentioned the lack of flexibility in the acting? Furthest possible statement from the truth. Everyone is confined to a character in a movie, its how good of that character you are that defines you. Needless to say to all who have seen it that Jaafar Jackson is the epitome of everything every movie needs - a star. He doesn't shine alone with the whole family tagging along.

What this movie missed most was the production, not just Michael's childhood experiences but his genius too; I saw glimpses in the studio but can't imagine the work required to write the songs and go through production to reach the end product that was Off the Wall or Thriller. I understand the sticky notes as a fellow member with ADHDish traits, but I just wish there was more foundation to the content the film puts out.

My favorite parts were the music, the acting, and the dancing. I cannot express as someone so lacking in experience or knowledge how impressive it is to see these people dance to these choreographed songs from different angles repeated over and over and over.

If you go to the movies for vibrancy, contrast, character development, and aesthetics, the movie may not be for you. If you go to the movies for fun, stories, great acting, and to be captivated into a man's world whose story has never been captured more entertainingly, this is the movie.

Go watch it, 9/10.