Brisbane, AUSTRALIA – With countless awards and millions of fans, it’s no wonder that people have been filling theaters and cinemas to catch the new Michael movie and MJ, the Broadway musical playing on stages around the globe.
Listen to the author read this review:
After its release 43 years ago, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” made a comeback, hitting number one on the Billboard Global 200.
Why? Because of the massive successes of the Jackson biopic and musical released over 15 years after his 2009 death at age 50.
Both shows are amazing, but which is better?
As a performer, musician, and student journalist, I would like to think that I am a credible reviewer.
MJ the musical had my jaw on the floor from the first perfected dance and iconic “hee hee” to the final bows.
Ilario Grant was outstanding as Michael – he had his voice, mannerisms, vocals and renowned dance moves down to a tee.
As did Liam Damons who played Jackson as a teen and covered his years in the Jackson 5 to just before his 20s. Playing ‘Little Michael’ was 11-year-old William Bonner who showcased the difficulties of MJ’s childhood and brought an innocence to the role only a performer so young could.
Not only were the Michaels amazing but Josslynn Hlenti Afoa, who played Katherine Jackson expressed maternal care and kindness in her every word and beautifully sung note.
Contrastingly, J. Daughtry as Joseph Jackson conveyed a sense of intimidating perfectionism that left the audience further enlightened about Michael Jackson’s childhood – or lack thereof.
The audience saw a facet of Jackson’s world that many fans never knew.
This world was largely created by the ensemble and other supporting characters who lit up the stage with intrinsic and expertly perfected choreography. The whole cast was phenomenal.
Just as amazing was Michael the film starring Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop. Not only was this good casting due to his family resemblance but also because of his incredible talent. He nailed the iconic dance moves from the moon walk to the star’s renowned spin.
Jaafar Jackson really embodied his uncle from his soft, calm speaking voice to his iconic singing one.
Juliano Valdi, who played young Michael in the movie, was not only terrific in the performance scenes but also the intense and emotional off-stage scenes.
Nia Long as the loving Jackson family matriarch and Colman Domingo as the controlling family patriarch were also well cast.
The film covered the infamous 1984 Pepsi incident – during a commercial shoot in front of an audience, Jackson’s hair caught fire and he suffered serious burns.
The film didn’t go into detail about the resulting reliance on pain medication, but the musical did.
The musical also included several comedic comments which lightened the heavy moments. The Michael movie did the same, but not as effectively. Neither show addressed the many allegations of child abuse that Jackson faced later in life.
The musical was better as it covered a broader portion of his life in the same amount of time and more deeply explored Jackson’s struggles, but the movie was still outstanding.
Treat yourself and go see both!
Emily Hilton is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
