The King of Pop is back in theaters, and while critics may have sharpened their knives, audiences are dancing to a different tune. The new Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, has sparked one of the biggest splits between critics and moviegoers in recent memory. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a lackluster 40% critics score, but audiences have given it a near-perfect 96% — a dramatic gap that proves fans are seeing something the reviewers missed.
Critics have largely panned the film for what they see as a sanitized portrayal of Jackson, glossing over his controversial legal history and presenting him as an almost saintly figure. But for many fans, that's exactly what they wanted. The movie focuses on Jackson's artistry, his family dynamics, and the immense pressure he faced, rather than dwelling on the allegations that have dogged his legacy. As a result, the film has become a rallying point for those who believe the singer was unfairly maligned.
Collider's review offered a more balanced take, with critic Taylor Gates noting that while Michael doesn't reinvent the music biopic genre, it works better than expected thanks to strong performances and its focus on the Jackson family drama. The film attempts the nearly impossible task of capturing Jackson's entire life in a single movie, and while it can't fully succeed, it does convey the loneliness, intensity, and pressure that shaped him.
Leading the cast is Jaafar Jackson, the son of Michael's brother Jermaine, who steps into the iconic role with uncanny resemblance and vocal talent. He's joined by Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Colman Domingo as the stern patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca. The ensemble also includes Laura Harrier, Kat Graham (whose role as Diana Ross was ultimately cut), Larenz Tate, Jessica Sula, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
The audience score victory is especially notable given the film's rocky critical reception. Earlier, the biopic stumbled with critics, earning a dismal Rotten Tomatoes score that had some predicting a box office flop. But the 96% audience score suggests that the film is connecting with the people actually buying tickets, and that word-of-mouth could drive its success.
Of course, not everyone is celebrating. The director of 'Leaving Neverland' blasted the biopic, comparing it unfavorably to Jeffrey Epstein's story. That controversy has only fueled the debate around the film, but for now, the audience score is the loudest voice in the room.
For fans of Michael Jackson, Michael is a love letter to his music and legacy. For critics, it's a missed opportunity to grapple with the darker chapters of his life. Either way, the film is playing in theaters now, and the numbers suggest that audiences are ready to see the King of Pop on the big screen once more.
