ReviewMichael movie review: Michael Jackson biopic features all the hits, none of the controversy
While the film is packed with great performances, it is an utterly sanitised view of Michael Jackson’s life and the allegations he faced
2/5 stars
There is a huge elephant in the room with Michael, the slick but insubstantial new biopic about the “King of Pop”.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and made in cooperation with the Michael Jackson estate, the film features all the singer’s mega-hits, from “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” to “Thriller” and “Bad”. But it shirks the controversies that dogged the music star in his later years – when he was accused of child molestation, something he always denied.
Originally expected a year ago, the film underwent reshoots when lawyers realised that a settlement with Jordan Chandler, one of Jackson’s accusers, prohibited any mention of him in a movie.
What Michael does have going for it is terrific performances.