Sanitized and unsatisfying
Film critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to moonwalk a few steps. His reviews are exactly 100 words long (99 is too short, while 101 is just excessive). Here is his 100-word review of Michael.
The Premise: A look back at the remarkable career of Michael
Jackson (played by Jafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew). It starts with his early days
learning dance moves with his brothers and concludes with his decision to split from the family
at the end of the Victory tour in late 1980s. The film focuses mostly on
Jackson’s difficult relationship with his domineering father, Joe Jackson (Colman
Domingo), and does not mention any of the allegations or controversies
surrounding Jackson’s life in his later years. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua
(Training Day, The Equalizer franchise) and was made with the approval of the surviving
Jackson family except for Janet (who is never even mentioned in the film).
The 100-Words: Though well-crafted, this film is soulless and
has no interest in actually telling us about Michael’s life. The script is
unrevealing and threadbare with long segments that are merely re-creations of iconic
music videos or concert events (that we already know by heart). The film is non-stop
fan service and doesn’t even develop Michael’s relationship with his brothers. It
somehow manages to almost make Joe Jackson into a sympathetic character, which is
truly remarkable. Though I am sure it will make tons of money, this is empty
calorie storytelling, like trying to fill yourself up on cotton candy and
doughnuts.
Comments
Post a Comment