
The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, debuted atop the North American box office with 97millionandhastakeninnearly97millionandhastakeninnearly220 million globally, according to industry estimates. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late popstar's nephew. Analyst David A. Gross described it as a "record-shattering opening for a musical biography." However, reviews are weak, with critics calling the film superficial for avoiding allegations of sexual misconduct against Jackson. A sequel is reportedly in the works.
Key Points
- Fans flock to theatres for a nostalgic celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.
- Weak critic reviews signal a gap between audience enjoyment and artistic or ethical critique.
- The film's avoidance of abuse allegations may polarise viewers seeking a fuller portrait.
- A planned sequel suggests studios see franchise potential despite mixed critical reception.
- Jaafar Jackson's performance as his uncle opens doors for more family-led biopics.
Watch whether the biopic's strong box office sustains into a second weekend and if the sequel addresses omitted controversies.
Sources: Premium Times, AFP