'Michael' and 'Elvis,' the films

EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2025)

I liked EPIC Elvis (in concert) better because it was authentic, a documentary with lots of actual film of the king performing, talking, and background scenes, while the story of Michael is acted, fairly much a hagiography endorsed by the Jackson family. (Michael's son, Prince Jackson, was the executive producer and on set a lot.)

As with books, I prefer non-fiction.

Peopl

Juliano Valdi is young Michael and Larenz Tate is Berry Gordy in Michael/photo by Glen Wilson/Lionsgate

Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, one of the Jackson 5, is the star who does sing the songs which was surprising to me, expecting lip syncing, but some of the numbers are his voice on Michael's tracks, according to his remarks on the Today show April 2, 2026.

Nevertheless, he and Juliano Vardi as the young Michael did incredible jobs, but they were not "Michael." Elvis was "Elvis."  (See my review of EPIC Elvis at the link above.) 

Jaafar Jackson is Michael Jackson in Michael/photo by Glen Wilson/Lionsgate

Whereas Elvis has many more of his top hits included in the film, almost all of Michael's are shortened and it's not until near the end of Michael that we get even close to a full version of one of his songs.

Colman Domingo is Joe Jackson, the father, in Michael/photo by Glen Wilson/Lionsgate
 

Colman Domingo is Joe Jackson, the father, and every bit as despicable as rumors have him to be, but spectacular here whom I hope will be nominated for an Oscar. 

Nia Long is Michael’s mother, rather weak and maybe she was in real life.  

The negative parts of Michael's life are generally ignored with the film ending abruptly, lamely with “to be continued." I'll say.

Save your IMAX money for something better than Michael since an IMAX screen is not as vital as it was for Elvis, but who's to know on the front end?  I am here to tell you. 

I'm glad I took the advice advertised at Cinema Arts Fairfax to see Elvis on IMAX.  What a difference it made!  

I tried to see it again on IMAX the following weekend, but alas, could find no area theatres screening it. 

Later, I rushed to see Michael at the same IMAX (Tysons, VA) where most of the seats were sold on the first Saturday afternoon after its release, but IMAX for Michael was not necessary and besides, it set me back $33+!  Even with my senior rate and a 15 % discount for an afternoon show, admission was $19.99. Add a small popcorn and drink for a grand total of $33.  Yikers!

Take me to the bank.

patricialesli@gmail.com