A SWISH EXTRA - The "Michael" Biopic Review
About this episode
The episode reviews the 'Michael' biopic, discussing its strengths and weaknesses while highlighting the performances and omissions in the film.
The new "Michael" biopic from director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan—produced and approved by the (majority of ) the Jackson family—is genuinely a feel-good, sing-along inspiring ride. However, even though it's the biggest film opening of 2026 so far, it is not a hit with professional critics; many have pointed out misaligned timelines and the blaring omission of key people, events, and controversies that made up a significant part of the King of Pop's first 30 years. That aside, we enjoyed the film, and agree the casting and acting are spot on, especially when it comes to Jaafar Jackson as Michael. He uncannily manages to channel the well-documented mannerisms, speaking and singing voices, and even the innovative dancing style of his late uncle. We recommend the movie whether or not you are, or were, a diehard Michael Jackson fan. But we have a warning: what you will be getting is a sanitized version of what really happened (his own daughter, Paris, has publicly said as much). We are also looking forward to the much-anticipated—and now certainly green-lit, though unannounced—sequel that will cover his 30s and 40s. Unfortunately, however, we know how that movie will end. In…
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