The late music icon’s nephew Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role in ‘Michael’  surely has the singer’s career well documented in this half biopic that traces the singer’s career as a child artist with his brothers in The Jackson 5, through his solo career as an adult on his way to becoming one of the most influential voices of pop music worldwide.

The film pans the American Grammy winner’s story right from the era of the Jackson 5 to ending the film at his career graph in 1988. What we get to see is a young Michael (Juliano Valdi) practicing with his siblings in Gary, Indiana, and clearly standing out from all of them, touching people’s hearts instantly. Michael’s father Joe Jackson’s (Colman Domingo) who takes the boys for shows, is instrumental in shaping them, but he is also in control not just over the boys, but the entire household who is fearful of his sudden outbursts of anger, that sometimes sends shivers down the family. The scene of Joe belting a young Michael with a leather belt on not obeying his father is heartbreaking. But such was the case we assume. But all this serves a purpose when we see Michael gain control of his music with his brothers and slowly make a name for them. A chance encounter at a stage show brings them in close contact with a female record executive. “Are you his manager”, she asks Michael’s father. “No, I’m Joseph Jackson”, he replies. What follows next is 10 year old Michael recording with Motown, moving up and making his first impression in America. The Jackson 5 hit it big with the song ABC overtaking the Beatles’ Let It Be for the Number One spot on the charts in 1970. History is in the making.

Its here that 29-year-old Jaafar, takes over from Juliano Valdi, who till then, held everyone in awe with his dance moves and singing. The grown up Michael is now given a security officer who follows him everywhere, drives him around and also is his shoulder to cry on.

Jaafar also has iconic producer Quincy Jones (Kendrick Samson) to support and produce his music.

From Gary, Indiana the family moves into a mansion in Encino, California. Michael shows his love for animals bringing in the chimp, the llama, the giraffe, a snake and other soft toys too into his home and into his living room.

The film moves through Jackson’s life from recording his debut solo album ‘Off The Wall’. Despite its success, Michael is still controlled by his father. After a chat with his security officer, he moves out on his own.

The film shows the making of Beat It and ‘Thriller’ album and music video. With his super stardom, record label executives are in a fix when it comes to his demands. For instance, Michael insists his music videos be played on MTV. Known to shun black artists, Michael’s demand gets a record executive to force MTV to play Michael's music videos on MTV, something the channel never had done before.

We also get to see Michael shooting for the Pepsi commercial and the life threatening catastrophe that took place a when his hair caught fire leading to his hospitalization. Fans thronged the hospital not only get a glimpse of their idol, but wishing him well and a speedy recovery. It is also here that he comes to understand his calling and the music he is to make in the years to come.

The film culminates in the colossal Wembley Stadium concert in 1988 during the Bad tour, at which stage Michael was reportedly 30 years. That’s where the film ends with the screen flashing “The story continues”, before the end credits roll by.

‘Michael’ is appealing, with spectacular songs, recreations of legendary performances and of course great humor and choreography. As for the songs, you can expect the cream of his early hits like ABC, Wanna Be Startin’ Something, Billie Jean, Thriller, Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, Human Nature, Bad, and lots more, including the epic Working Day and Night a live performance at the Victory Tour where he announces the Farewell of the Jackson 5, much to the surprise of his controlling father who is watching from backstage.

The big question many would ask was if Jaafar was actually singing in the film? Yes, he was not only singing, but also dancing in the film, although it features a blend of his vocals with remastered vocals from Michael Jackson.

Thankfully the gory part of Michael’s life isn’t presented here and this would probably be in Michael 2 if ever there is a film made, which would probably address the sexual abuse allegations, drug abuse, his personal life, marriage, his children, to his sudden death.

Jaafar Jackson portraying Michael in this 127 minute film makes an honest effort at showing Michael the best way he can. And he does it with practiced ease.

For fans of Michael, the film delivers on all levels, and is great watch for all those who cherish the music that made Michael the King of Pop.

Cast: Juliano Valdi (young Michael), Jaafar Jackson,  Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Jamal R Henderson, Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, Joseph David-Jones, Jessica Sula

Producer: Graham King

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira