Jaafar Jackson Moonwalks Into Greatness by Portraying Late Uncle in ‘Michael’

This eagerly awaited biopic about Michael Jackson traces the King of Pop’s life from a 9-year-old living in a two-bedroom house in Gary, Indiana, with his nine siblings to international fame. His abusive dad Joe (Colman Domingo) shapes Michael and his four older brothers into the original mega-successful boy band, the Jackson 5. (Juliano Valdi plays the young Michael; Michael’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays the adult pop star.)

But the film’s biggest drama comes when Michael decides to launch a solo career against his domineering father’s wishes. His first release, “Off the Wall”, is a hit, but nothing compared to his next: “Thriller”, a global phenomenon and the best-selling album of all time. The film ends with 1987’s Bad tour, so there’s no reference to the child sexual abuse accusations that would permanently tarnish his reputation before his 2009 drug-related death.

Despite the omissions, Michael deftly captures the magic of Jackson at the height of his career, thanks in part to the very talented Jaafar, who has the charisma and iconic dance moves of his uncle down to every toe stand, high kick and moonwalk.

Get ready to be thrilled again!

Michael | In theaters Friday, April 24 PG-13