Blazy or Lazy: ‘Michael’ Trailer

BREAKDOWN

Story Hook: This is the rise of the greatest entertainer of all time. The question is: will they get it right, or will Mr. Fuqua be confronted by a chorus of “You Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”?

Visual Impact: Oh, to have these nostalgic moments in technicolor and digital clarity. But hair and makeup… he’s supposed to be Michael, not Ben.

Performance Promises: Colman Domingo is a master storyteller and consummate gentleman — the perfect thespian to take on the complicated role of Joe Jackson. From this trailer, his performance promises a grounded portrayal of Sr. Jackson as a father shaped by hustle and desperation, but also by focus, vision, and the drive to build the machine that carried his family to stardom.

Jaafar Jackson, though, needs to come with the thunder. From this trailer, he might be taking those lighted steps in soggy, sparkly socks.

Pertinents: 

Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Written by: John Logan
Produced by: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain

Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, with Miles Teller and Colman Domingo

Verdict: The trailer has the bones of something big — legacy, spectacle, and a story lifelong fans feel protective about. But right now it could lean opportunistic rather than resurrecting Michael the entertainment paragon. If Jaafar finds the cosmic electricity that is his uncle and the film commits to honesty over polish, this could be a powerhouse tribute. If not, audiences may leave remembering the mythological Michael… not the movie.