Thrilling musical performances can’t make up for avoiding many of the sordid issues of the Jackson family and what Michael went through from childhood to becoming a man-child before his tragic death, despite this amazing cast. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew and and Jermaine’s son, could not have been more perfect playing his mega star uncle. His looks and dance moves are in his genes. And Juliano Valdi as the very young child, Michael, is right there, too, with his adorable moves and expressions.
Colman Domingo is almost too good as the brutally tyrannical as Joseph, the father of this stable of kids he appreciates only for the money they can make, whether they like it or not. They were only there to serve him, as was his wife, Katherine. Nia Long is remarkable as the nurturing Mother who loves her kids, especially the youngest, Michael. She knows her husband is an abusive bully, and you see her bristle at his behavior riding roughshod over the kids. Over her, too. Long’s performance is so hard to watch as the woman who has to hold her tongue and bristle when Joseph beats the kids into obeying his every order.
Director Antoine Fuqua worked with Writer John Logan who originally wrote the script to include Michael’s childlike adult life and allegations of child molestation. After the film was already shot, there was a clause in the settlement agreement with one accuser that prevented the filmmakers from addressing the incident in the film was discovered. The whole 3rd act had to be redone which led to reshoots costing $10-15 million to exclude anything regarding the allegations. There’s talk there may be a sequel to deal with more.
The film follows Michael’s rise to stardom with the help of Motown Talent Scout Suzanne de Passe (Laura Harrier) who brought the Jacksons to Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate) to work with Quincy Jones (Kedrick Sampson), and CBS Records honcho Walter Yetnikoff played by Mike Meyers in a small role but effective scene that pushed to put Black artists on MTV.
Mike finally took control of his life and his talent by finally dumping his Daddy, but keeping Security guy, Bill (Keilyn Durrel Jones) Joseph hired to protect Michael with his life. He does a great job becoming Michael friend and protector. Michael also hires attorney and new Manager John Branca (Miles Teller who is almost unrecognizable with a bad wig.)
The female members of the Jackson family are pretty much ignored. We see LaToya Jackson (Jessica Sula) performing with the Jackson 5, but we understand that Janet, who became famous on her own, chose not to participate in this film.
There are 13 songs included on the soundtrack and wait till you see how Fuqua puts“Thriller” together in the film. We recommend reliving The Jackson’s music in a theater with high quality sound. The actual Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson tracks from their albums, TV and concert performances are about the only things authentic about this film. And fortunately, the very talented Jaafar channelling his Uncle Michael’s flair, dance moves and all.
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