“Michael” finds the most success when it’s a concert film, and Jaafar Jackson is the king of pop reincarnated. Outside of that, the movie often struggles to find its footing.

The first 45 minutes of the film are about Jackson’s childhood and the formation of the Jackson 5. Colman Domingo plays Joseph Jackson, a ruthless father wanting success for his kids, but more for himself. Domingo’s performance is very strong, and he shines alongside Juliano Krue Valdi, who plays the young Michael Jackson.

Problems really start to become apparent when the film time jumps to 1979, with Jaafar taking Valdi’s place. Jaafar is a better Michael and his performance is incredible, but the biggest problem lies inside Domingo’s character, Joseph Jackson.

Joseph has no motives other than touring, making his whole personality very two-dimensional. He has no real depth, and despite Domingo’s quality performance, the plotline of Michael trying to escape his father is often the most boring part of the movie.

Despite the sheer number of montages of Michael’s success following his first solo album, they are the best part of the movie. Fans are screaming, Jaafar’s on stage, and music is blasting through the theater. It’s these moments when everyone in the theater is tapping their foot or clapping along that make the movie magical.

From a filmmaking aspect, “Michael “is surprisingly strong: it sounds fantastic, it’s lit with lots of depth throughout, and the constantly moving camera during Michael’s performances keeps those scenes really entertaining.

There’s one other big problem, however, and it’s that the movie treats Michael Jackson like a slightly idiosyncratic Jesus. I know the Jackson estate came in and forced reshoots, but Michael is portrayed as a childish, perfect human being. 

Given everything we know, it felt disingenuous.

The best way to describe “Michael” is a music video that runs too long. There are some solid scenes outside of the montages, but I found myself feeling bored multiple times. Jaafar Jackson is incredible and truly becomes Michael; and while not having much to work with, Domingo brings a measured performance to Joseph. The film is deeply flawed, but I have to admit to having a lot of fun in the theater and walked out satisfied with the final product.