Emma Rassi (Y8)
Before walking into the theater last weekend, I always liked Michael Jackson’s music, but I was never a huge fan. Well, after watching this movie, I am officially a mega-fan (sort of, my extent of knowledge is what was played in the theatre…). I literally cannot get his songs out of my head.
Ever since last weekend, I’ve had Billie Jean and Human Nature playing on a non-stop loop in my mind. The concert scenes in the movie are so loud and seem so real that it feels like you’re standing front row at a stadium show. It also shows how he came up with the music in the studio, which made me appreciate the music so much more.
The movie does a really good job of taking you through all the different chapters of his life. It starts with him as a young kid in Indiana singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 under their strict dad, then moves into his early solo days making disco music, and finally goes into the 1980s when he becomes a global superstar.
Michael Jackson’s actual nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays him, and he is unbelievable. He doesn’t just look like Michael; he dances and speaks exactly like him. Watching him do the moonwalk on the big screen gave me chills.
I’ve seen some people online complaining that the story skips over the bad or complicated drama from later in his life. But honestly, as a new fan, I just loved watching his incredible talent and seeing how he went from a little kid in the Jackson 5 to the biggest superstar on earth. Also, I don’t think it needed it; it was just a movie showing off his musical talent and the process of making and performing his songs, and I loved it.
If you want a fun movie that will make you want to dance out of the theater, go see it. Just be prepared to hum his songs for the next week straight! I loved it so much, and at least 5 songs have been added to my Spotify playlist. 10/10 and is a must-see!