The new Michael Jackson biopic has been controversial for years even before it was released, but with the film finally being released in theatres it has received a shockingly low Rotten Tomatoes score.
Called Michael it tells the story of Michael Jackson becoming the ‘King of Pop’, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in a role that had multiple publications considering him one of the frontrunners for a Best Actor nomination.
If Jaafar were to receive a nomination it would undoubtably break the record for the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score to ever see an actor receive an Oscar nod, because the film has debuted with an astounding 27% score.
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Critics have absolutely savaged the movie, calling it ‘boring’ with some calling Colman Domingo’s supporting performance the ‘worst of his career’.
This has also sparked one of Jackson’s nephews to hit out at reviews of the movie.
Taj Jackson said he can’t wait till ‘some critics have to eat crow’
Taj Jackson, the son of Tito and Delores Jackson, posted on X: “Sorry media, u don’t get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was.
“The public gets to watch this movie…they will decide for themselves. And you can’t handle that.”
He followed it up by saying: “Can’t wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.”
One viral quote tweet mocked Taj however, saying: “27% on rotten tomatoes and you're running the ‘let the people decide’ gimmick.”
Another quote tweet said: “This statement does not make me optimistic about the movie.”
Reviews called it ‘uncomfortably problematic’ and ‘cosplay karaoke’
Several reviews have criticised the film for refusing to meaningfully engage with the allegations against Michael Jackson of sexually abusing children, ending years before this would come to light.
John Nugent of Empire magazine said in their review: “Hugely impressive musical and dance performances from the two young men playing Michael Jackson cannot shake off the uncomfortable fact that there is an entire other side to the pop star’s story which is entirely conspicuous by its absence here.”
Robert Daniels, the Associate Editor of RogerEbert.com, called the film ‘horrid’ in his one out of four star review.
He went on to add: “Michael isn’t artistically unique, immediately entertaining, or boundary pushing.
“It’s beyond safe and so unchallenging. You’re better off either queuing up the Jacksons miniseries or marathoning Michael’s incredible music videos than watching shoddy recreations of them. “
The director Antonie Fuqua has spoken out about the allgeations against Michael Jackson which have followed his legacy for years, telling The New Yorker: “When I hear things about us — Black people in particular, especially in a certain position — there’s always pause,” stating that he was ‘skeptical’ of his accusers’.
Topics: Michael Jackson, Rotten Tomatoes, TV and Film, TV, Celebrity
Michael Slavin