After enduring a season of sharp disapproval for sanding down the more inconvenient chapters of Michael Jackson’s life, Michael now basks in a 97% glow on Rotten Tomatoes. One might recall the early complaints about glossing over the complexity of Jackson's life. Yet now that the movie has been released in the theaters, the audiences and critics are ultimately embracing the 'polished' narrative.

On Rotten Tomatoes, Michael presents a split that feels almost theatrical. The Verified Audience Score stands at a formidable 97% from more than 2,500 ratings, securing the coveted Verified Hot label. Meanwhile, the Critics’ Tomatometer lingers at 39% from roughly 200 reviews, underscoring a striking divide in reception.

Audience enthusiasm leans heavily on performance and spectacle. Viewers have gravitated toward Jaafar Jackson’s meticulous embodiment of Michael Jackson, alongside vivid recreations of landmark moments such as the Wembley concert. The film’s kinetic staging and musical fidelity appeared to outweigh concerns that critics had previously emphasized.

The numerical gap itself has become part of the story. A 58-point difference ranks among the widest for a major release on the platform, signaling an unusual divergence between critics and audiences. The 97% audience score also elevates Michael above Elvis, positioning it as the highest-rated musical biopic among viewers.

The film is also doing great commercially. Opening weekend projections approach 150 million dollars globally, reflecting sustained interest beyond critical discourse. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Early US previews reached $ 12.6 million, surpassing comparable starts for Oppenheimer and Dune: Part II, reinforcing its status as a box office force.

Despite the divide between critics and audiences' preference for Michael, there is one aspect of the biopic that both groups loved: the cast.

The breathtaking performances of Michael's cast

If Michael inspires disagreement, its cast appears determined to settle at least one argument. The ensemble is widely admired, though Jaafar Jackson claims the loudest applause, embodying Michael Jackson with a grace that feels observed rather than imitated. His movements glide, his voice lingers, and one might say the film follows wherever he chooses to lead.

Elsewhere, Colman Domingo lends Joe Jackson a severity that is as human as it is unsettling, avoiding the easy temptation of caricature. Juliano Krue Valdi, meanwhile, offers both sparkle and strain, particularly in the Jackson 5 moments that demand charm and burden in equal measure. It is perhaps no coincidence that this shared admiration aligns more closely with the audience surge than the critical reserve on Rotten Tomatoes.

How would you rate Michael? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra