When news broke a few years back that there was a biopic being made about Michael Jackson, I can honestly say the first feeling I felt in my body was fear. In my mind, no one could even pull off the greatness that is the “King of Pop”. So when news broke that Michael would be played by none other than his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, my mind instantly shifted. I became excited because if you are familiar with the Jacksons then you know they are synonymous with perfection. Being completely honest, perfection is exactly what is needed, because being completely honest the past biopic we have concerning Jackson’s life is interesting to say the least.
“Interesting” is the word I use to describe Flex Alexanders performance as Jackson in the 2004 film “Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story”. If I am being completely honest, this may be one of the worst films to ever be released to the public. Even at a young age being a huge Michael Jackson fan, I would sit in front of the television in pure confusion, because I knew something wasn’t right. Maybe it was the fact that the movie had no dialogue, or that Flex never quite sang a song, or even that the film looks like it was filmed with no tripod. The fact of the matter is the movie had no substance. From the dollar tree face paint to the amateur dance moves this was potentially the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever seen. I truly believe the worst part about this all is that Michael was still alive to see the disgrace to his career. Considering that this is the only film that we have surrounding Michael’s individual life and seeing Jaafar, a young man who shares DNA with Jackson, completely morph into him?! I could not be more excited.
Since the release of the trailer, the movie has already received various reactions. While most are excited fans, you also have your internet critics who have nothing better to do than hate. The most notable reaction so far has come from Fabio Jackson, a Michael Jackson impersonator, who has taken the internet by storm over the years. Fabio made a video reacting to the trailer where he visibly shows his disapproval, as if he is the real Michael Jackson. Since going viral for his reaction Fabio has been posting videos to showcase his vocal and dance talents. I must say he has neither and it is clear why he was not cast for the role. Fabio is just one of many naysayers who had things to say about the movie. Another topic that fans were debating was the prosthetic nose used by Jaafar to replicate Jackson’s earlier image. Though some fans say Jaafar looks nothing like his uncle and that the nose looks too big, I honestly believe fans want Michael to resurrect and play himself. I truly find it insane that there is more of a critique to Michaels actual nephew versus, again, Flex Alexanders parody of Jackson.
For the true lifelong fans of Michael Jackson this film will be life-changing. The chance to see Michael come to life in a way that I never got to experience. I will say as a four-year-old girl I was completely inconsolable when my family sat me down on June 25th, 2009, to tell me the heartbreaking new of Michaels death. I knew I’d never get the chance to experience the legend live in the flesh. And for a man who has been deceased for 16 years and is still breaking records there is no doubt in my mind this film will as well. It has been a long time coming for this film, and with the Jackson Family making sure it’s done the correct way I could not be more excited to throw on my Jheri curl, leather jacket, and bedazzled glove and moonwalk to theaters in 2026.
