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"Michael", a biopic about Michael Jackson, is officially happening.

Media keeps exposing itself for how white dominated it is..


MJ5 said:
I really think the producers should announce a potential part 2. And hopefully they will also include all parts of MJs life there.
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Yeah, this would be a great time to do it, with the old establishment in the midst of grappling for ways to keeping MJ their own fictional creation
 
I saw a few reviews (that weren't complaining about the missing allegations) that were disappointed in the execution in the way the movie tells it's story, and honestly that confirms all the concerns about the movie that we have had, because it's apparently very noticeable that the movie was
1. made by Graham King, since like "Bohemian Rhapsody" it also has a formulaic surface level story because the movie is covering too much to go in depth. Let's be honest, the only surprises in the story is all the stuff that they left out.
2. Antoine Fuqua, who is an action movie director, who has never really shown talent for showing emotional sensitivity and apparently the cinematography also feels way too uninspired for a Michael Jackson movie. And for me during the full Billie Jean clip those were my thoughts as well.
3. That the Estate was involved. So John Branca, just as predicted, just as the trailers have shown and was obvious by him being played by arguably the biggest name of the cast, has unashamedly inserted himself into the movie and the narrative, that he was one of Michael's best friends and the important guy in his life, even though aside from the meetings we see in the trailers he's just a background character like so many other characters who disappear after 2 scenes.
4. That the family was involved. Even though that the strenght of casting Jaafar as a family member seems to have worked out, since even the tabloids are praising his likeness and execution, especially of the choreographies, those reviews critique all the missed opportunities in the storyline. After the third act was cut and the reshots happened, the main drama of the story should have been Michael not having a childhood and the immense trauma that it caused.
But the film in that sense only focusses on Joe as the domineering oppressor who Michael has to overcome, but doesso in a sanitized, surface level and dishonest way, as was expected as the Jackson family was never going to portray those family dynamics honestly because why would they want to damage their own image. Everything has to be pristine, always in unity, always in Michael's shadow, the irony.
But also that is a fundamental fault of biopics, because if they don't tell a person's story in a smaller more in depth context or more artistically creative they become very much like a montage of recreations of greatest moments/hits and they have to take creative liberties with the storyline because, even with Michael Jackson, a persons life rarely neatly fits into a screenplay.
And because it is Michael Jackson, I feared from the start that because it has to live up to his name it has to be the most popular and that means generate the most money. And that means a formulaic biopic.
Now if it would truly live up to him it would have just as much artistic value as it is popular, but I think it is still going to be incredibly commercially successful, even though it is more of a reenactment of different music videos and concert moments. MJ's name is still so big, his music is becoming increasingly popular again and Jaafar's and Colman's performances will still attract a lot of people despite or even because of the controversy. And in the end, a best of MJ will always still be a best of MJ. And maybe the estate and Lionsgate have bet their money on the controversial reactions will just boost it in the end.
So while I may not be as exited about it anymore, I probably will still enjoy it, even though there will be nothing new for me as a fan, appart from seeing how well Jaafar, Colman, Juliano and all the others did of course. Still disappointing that the skipped and cut so much. And shocking how the tabloids and even respectable newspapers have are still going crazy about the "missing allegations" because that's all that matters to them because it generates the most profitable headline for them. Maybe there is still hope for a directors cut with all the stuff they cut, but that would probably take years.
Kudos if you've read this far
 
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Harun said:
Everything is missed I’m thinking it’s over
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Hiya mate. This film will be an absolute smash at the box office! Michael never needed the media in order to be successful. His connection is directly between him and the fans/public.

Pick your spirits up, dust yourself off, go see the film and have a wonderful fun two hours. I’ll be going multiple times and can’t wait. Forget the media. They’re an irrelevant non important factor at this point.

The fans and general public are the ones who’ll decide the faith of this film pal. It will be MASSIVE!
 
Smooth72 said:
I was conflicted on whether to watch this film or not. After all the negative reviews, I said **** it and bought some tix. If the reviews are that bad it must be because it is really good!
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This right here is the spirit! Is it going to be a perfect film, no? It doesn’t need to be. Critically, Bad, Moonwalker, Dangerous, HIStory, Blood On The Dance Floor, Ghosts, Invincible were all panned by the media. **** the media lol.
 
Sorry to hear that the film is getting panned by critics. Does it really not even touch upon MJ being beaten by his father? Jacksons: An American Dream didn't shy away from showing that.

Miles Teller being cast as John Branca was pretty stupid, btw.
 
aazzaabb said:
Hiya mate. This film will be an absolute smash at the box office! Michael never needed the media in order to be successful. His connection is directly between him and the fans/public.

Pick your spirits up, dust yourself off, go see the film and have a wonderful fun two hours. I’ll be going multiple times and can’t wait. Forget the media. They’re an irrelevant non important factor at this point.

The fans and general public are the ones who’ll decide the faith of this film pal. It will be MASSIVE!
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I hope so much
 
aazzaabb said:
This right here is the spirit! Is it going to be a perfect film, no? It doesn’t need to be. Critically, Bad, Moonwalker, Dangerous, HIStory, Blood On The Dance Floor, Ghosts, Invincible were all panned by the media. **** the media lol.
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There's a review somewhere from Thriller calling it a terrible record and another example of "those blacks denying paternity" in relation to Billie Jean. MJ has always been the king of the people and that's why they can't stand it. They can't control it.
 
Moroso said:
Gonna be completely honest here, all this handwringing over the Rotten Tomatoes score is tickling me something fierce. We all knew some blindly hostile pillorizing is inevitable for a film like this anyway, but I get a strange, antisocial sort of thrill out of knowing this is going to really wind up the more numbers-obsessed parts of this fandom who sleeplessly pore over charts and stats in place of forming any original opinion on the man they claim to stan. Mean, I know. But I've always nursed a special contempt for this vapid, validation-seeking aspect of modern stan culture in general, so as far as this fandom getting a check to the collective ego goes, this is kind of one I'm willing to take on the chin. Especially since Rotten Tomatoes scores are more often than not almost insultingly non-indicative of a movie's actual quality. I mean, have you seen the scores for Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis? Incredibly flattering for some of the most mind-numbingly soulless vanity projects I've ever seen. (Okay, maybe a bit too harsh on Elvis - it did have its moments. But 77% is still real generous for what it actually is imho.)
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The point here is that long time Michael Jacksons fans dont enjoy seeing the film and Michaels reputation and legacy being mocked in reviews, in comments sections, newspapers on TV etc. Critics do have some effect on the publics perception even on those who decides to not see the film (or even worse chooses not to see it because of the bad reviews, why waste money on a supposed terrible film?)

If you get a thrill from seeing loyal MJ fans in pain from having to watch that and feel the agony all over again then I find that to be pretty sick tbh! One of the weirdest posts I have seen on this forum and offensive tbh.
 
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I didn’t have high expectations for this film, but what has been happening over the last few hours is unfair. These are the same people who have been bashing MJ for years. I believe the film will be a commercial success, but $1 billion is not a realistic target. I hope that the new generation will get a taste of what MJ really meant to many people, although no movie can truly capture his magic.
 
sigma said:
I didn’t have high expectations for this film, but what has been happening over the last few hours is unfair. These are the same people who have been bashing MJ for years. I believe the film will be a commercial success, but $1 billion is not a realistic target. I hope that the new generation will get a taste of what MJ really meant to many people, although no movie can truly capture his magic.
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I disagree with the bolded part but we’ll see. I’m excited for it and that doesn’t change because the openly hostile irrelevant media are sticking their knives in. I appreciate your take though. 👍
 
Galactus123 said:
I just noticed that you can buy the soundtrack on casette
1-michael-jackson-michael-songs-from-the-motion-picture-red-cassette-edition.webp
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The cassette is the reason why there s only 13 songs and 60 minutes of music in the soundtrack, where they could have filled a whole 80 minutes of a CD ( and that's anyway a double release for the vinyl version).
 
RodSerling said:
The cassette is the reason why there s only 13 songs and 60 minutes of music in the soundtrack, where they could have filled a whole 80 minutes of a CD ( and that's anyway a double release for the vinyl version).
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They used to sell 120 minute blank cassettes, which is longer than 80 minutes. But most people bought 60 or 90 minute cassettes, there were also 20, 30, & 45 minute tapes
 
sigma said:
I didn’t have high expectations for this film, but what has been happening over the last few hours is unfair. These are the same people who have been bashing MJ for years. I believe the film will be a commercial success, but $1 billion is not a realistic target. I hope that the new generation will get a taste of what MJ really meant to many people, although no movie can truly capture his magic.
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I agree. I mean, listen. This biopic won't outdo "Bohemian Rhapsody" for instance but it should do decently. The thing about these critics is that yes unfortunately it will have some effect. What helps is that MJ has a lot of star power but we also need good word of mouth to counter all the over the top bashing from critics. If fans go and enjoy the movie and spread the word on social media, this is how the film can have long term success.
 
consequence.net

Even By Biopic Standards, Michael Is Bad: Review

The vapid biopic, in theaters April 24th, stars Michael Jackson's real-life nephew Jaafar, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.
consequence.net consequence.net

This is a fair review imo—focused on the quality of the movie and not whether or not they should’ve addressed the allegations (other than a brief, semi-necessary mention given that they were supposed to be included). Definitely disappointing to hear, but evidence that not everyone is out for clicks.
 
AlwaysThere said:
consequence.net

Even By Biopic Standards, Michael Is Bad: Review

The vapid biopic, in theaters April 24th, stars Michael Jackson's real-life nephew Jaafar, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.
consequence.net consequence.net

This is a fair review imo—focused on the quality of the movie and not whether or not they should’ve addressed the allegations (other than a brief, semi-necessary mention given that they were supposed to be included). Definitely disappointing to hear, but evidence that not everyone is out for clicks.
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Its the first review where I have seen Jafaars action being labeled as mimicry. Even the worst critics I´ve read today thought the actors were great. Outside of that its hard to comment before seeing the movie.

But if its too much music and not enough time to explain MJs persona then it would be understandable. Including the allegations and covering everything would have required a 3 part 2 x hour series or something. Personally I often have a hard time keeping connected to movies where they jump frequently in years etc.
 
We were told so many times that years of research had gone into this, that Michael would be portrayed as a deeply complex human being. And now they’re even distancing themselves from fans by suggesting that this depth isn’t actually there.
 
Harun said:
We were told so many times that years of research had gone into this, that Michael would be portrayed as a deeply complex human being. And now they’re even distancing themselves from fans by suggesting that this depth isn’t actually there.
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Whos distancing themselves and where? :)
 
1. Does the movie cover the transition years between 1976-1978, after Motown and before Off the Wall? Specifically, The Jacksons, Goin' Places & Destiny albums (I get a feeling that they only glanced over this period).

2. Does the movie show Michael going to New York and starring in The Wiz?

3. What unreleased songs (if any) are mentioned or partially heard in the movie?

4. Does Michael perform the Dancing Machine robot in the movie? [I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but something tells it's not in the movie]
 
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Soldier of Love said:
1. Does the movie cover the transition years between 1976-1978, after Motown and before Off the Wall? Specifically, The Jacksons, Goin' Places & Destiny albums (I get a feeling that they only glanced over this period).

2. Does the movie show Michael going to New York and starring in The Wiz?

3. What unreleased songs (if any) are mentioned or partially heard in the movie?

4. Does Michael perform the Dancing Machine robot in the movie? [I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but something tells it's not in the movie]
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no no no no no
 
Lightbringer said:
This piece is worth a read even if its not a celebration of the movie...

www.cinemablend.com

The Complaints About The New Michael Biopic Are (Mostly) Not What I Expected From The Critics’ Reviews

The critics vary on the way it makes them feel.
www.cinemablend.com www.cinemablend.com
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Good read. This is what many of us have been saying. Their main criticism and anger seems to be about the film not delving into the allegations. What I've seen from these critics over the past few hours is a completely out of hand, over the top reaction actually. They need to get themselves under control. Criticism is fine but most of them have been extremely nasty and unprofessional.
 
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