Normally, theatres are silent, and audiences avoid making a sound, but while watching “Michael,” everything was different. At the premiere and in theatres worldwide, audiences sang, clapped, and danced throughout the movie, underscoring its success. “Michael,” released on April 24, is a biopic tracing the life of Michael Jackson. As one of the most famous people of all time, there was no doubt that Jackson’s movie would be successful. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the biopic broke the records for the “biggest opening ever for a musical biopic,” making $97 million domestically. Even so, the audience and critics had mixed reactions, revealing the divide within the entertainment industry.

Critics vs. Fan

Despite positive changes on the music charts, the movie has faced strong criticism in other areas. One of the most interesting aspects of this movie’s release has been the divide between critics’ and fans’ reviews. As of May 11, “Michael” has 39% on the Tomatometer (the critic score) but 97% on the Popcornmeter (the fan score). Overall, the separation stems from expectations about what this movie was supposed to accomplish. Critics, including Roger Ebert and the BBC, described the film as “hollow” and emotionally distant. “Michael” isn’t artistically unique, immediately entertaining, or boundary-pushing. It’s beyond safe and so unchallenging,” wrote Robert Daniels.

“The truth is that this movie wasn’t made for critics. It was made for fans, new and old, to come together and enjoy a beautiful movie. No nitpicking needed. Just music and love,” said freshman Jada McDonald.

However, questions have been raised about whether critics are reviewing the movie fairly. Many believe that critics have failed to “separate the art from the artists,” saying that their beliefs about his guilt have hindered their ability to score the movie. 

Allegations and Controversy

One question lingered after the credits rolled: why did “Michael” avoid mentioning the sexual abuse allegations that followed Jackson for years?. In 1993, Jordan Chandler made sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. The FBI continued investigating him for twelve years, but he was never found guilty of any crime. But why wasn’t any of that addressed?

The film takes place from the early 1960s to 1988, and the allegations were first made in 1993. In an interview with the Today Show, Coleman Domingo, who plays Michael’s father, said, “The film takes place from the ’60s to 1988, so it does not go into the first allegations. So, basically, we centered it on Michael’s makings. So, it’s an intimate portrait of who Michael is … through his eyes. So, that’s what it is, that’s what this film is.” Additionally, Jackson and Chandler’s settlement stated that Chandler could not be featured or dramatized in a film. According to People Magazine, director Antoine Fuqua initially planned to address the controversy directly in the film, but soon learned about the legalities and had to reshoot.

Some believe that the movie did the right thing by focusing strictly on Jackson’s musical talent and appreciating him as a musician who brought people together.

Despite the mixed reviews, the movie has become more than a biopic. Rather, it is now a flame that has reignited Jackson’s fame, influence, and allegations. On the Spotify Top Songs Global chart, Billie Jean ranks at number three, while Beat It is at number six. Despite coming out in 1983, the songs have resurfaced and been introduced to new generations. Many fans are ecstatic that there is a portrayal of one of their favorite artists, allowing them to relive their most memorable moments and recognize Jackson’s talent.

Cultural Impact

Through both positive and negative reactions, the film’s success has introduced Jackson to many younger audiences. TikTok dance trends feature teenagers dancing to remixes of popular songs like “Billie Jean” and “Bad.” These trends have allowed influence to grow. “After watching the movie, my friends and I were listening to Michael Jackson the whole way home, and we even made a TikTok to a Jackson 5 song. Now that’s how you reach generations,” said freshman Catherine Martin. As mentioned earlier, Jackson’s music is resurfacing on major musical charts, serving as evidence of his success.

Regardless of the mixed reactions, “Michael” is a true success that reignites legacies and important topics. While proving the lasting impact of Michael Jackson’s career, the movie builds new connections between generations and expands the significance of music.

It also sparks important debates about separating art from the artist and considering the full picture. This subject particularly interests high school students, as they grow up in a society where celebrities’ personal lives are constantly scrutinized online. This movie encourages us to consider whether talent should outweigh personality. This movie became bigger than entertainment. Rather, it became a tale of controversy, success, nostalgia, and music itself. Whether viewers leave inspired, conflicted, or critical, the conversations sparked by “Michael” are unlikely to fade any time soon.