Chris Stuckmann Reviews Michael: Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Miles Teller in Antoine Fuqua’s Latest Film

Film critic Chris Stuckmann has shared his review of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” which premiered in theaters on April 24, 2026. The review, posted to his YouTube channel, offers an assessment of Antoine Fuqua’s directorial effort starring Jaafar Jackson in the title role.

Stuckmann’s evaluation comes amid early reactions to the film following its Berlin screening on April 10, 2026, which generated significant buzz within entertainment circles. According to EURweb’s coverage of those initial responses, critics and journalists praised the biopic as one of the strongest music biopics in recent years, with particular acclaim for Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle, Michael Jackson.

The film traces Jackson’s journey from his beginnings with the Jackson 5 through his ascendancy as the King of Pop, emphasizing his artistic ambition and the personal costs of fame. With a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes and a PG-13 rating, “Michael” was written by John Logan and features a supporting cast that includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, alongside Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, and Miles Teller.

Early viewers highlighted specific sequences as standout moments, noting the film’s recreations of iconic performances such as “Thriller” and “Beat It” as particularly effective. EURweb reported that Liam Crowley of ScreenRant described these musical sequences as perfect recreations that capture why audiences go to the movies, while Junior Felix called the film one of the best music biopics he has ever seen, praising Jaafar Jackson’s dazzling and mesmerizing performance.

Beyond the lead performance, Colman Domingo’s depiction of Joe Jackson has drawn notable attention from early critics. Hunter Bolding, writing on X (formerly Twitter), described Domingo’s portrayal as “monstrous” while also acknowledging that the film’s ending leaves room for improvement, though he characterized the overall journey as fascinating and fitting for the greatest entertainer of our time.

The biopic represents a significant cultural moment as the first major theatrical film dedicated to Michael Jackson’s life story since his passing. Antoine Fuqua, known for films such as “Training Day” and “The Equalizer,” brings his directorial vision to the project, which aims to balance celebration of Jackson’s artistic legacy with an honest exploration of the complexities surrounding his fame.

As “Michael” continues its theatrical release, audience reception will further shape the conversation around this latest addition to the music biopic genre. The film’s performance at the box office and its potential recognition during awards season remain topics of industry interest following its April 24, 2026, wide release.