Parents' Guide to Michael

Jaafar Jackson's uncanny resemblance to his uncle and Valdi's vocal talents stand out in a biopic that, while entertaining, sanctifies more than it illuminates. What audiences won't see in Michael (the first of two proposed biographical dramas) includes the existence of two of Jackson's sisters (oldest Rebbie and youngest Janet, who declined to participate in the film), Jackson's close relationship with Diana Ross, his participation in The Wiz, his disappointment over Off the Wall being relatively ignored by the Grammys, and the evolution of his mentee-mentor relationship with Motown's Berry Gordy. Janet Jackson's decision to opt out was obviously beyond Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan's control, but the other omissions are glaring in a movie that feels more like a jukebox musical interspersed with childhood trauma (Joe's controlling behavior) and Jackson's isolation, his childlike love of animals, and his kinship with Peter Pan.

But even the most vanilla jukebox musical can be a fun dose of nostalgia and still address the darker or more challenging aspects of a musician's life. By ending the film with the post-Thriller Victory Tour for the Jackson 5, Fuqua turns the movie into a superstar origin story and avoids exploring anything negative except Joe Jackson's villain persona. Viewers will have to wait for part two to see how the filmmakers investigate the downturn of Jackson's superstardom, the height of his eccentricities, and the multiple allegations against him. In this installment, audiences can enjoy the undeniable pull of Jackson's hits (including the making of key moments in his "Beat It" and "Thriller" videos), Jaafar's and Juliano's vocal performances, Domingo's ability to channel Joe's narcissism, and Long's quietly affecting portrayal of the patient, long-suffering Jackson matriarch. If you're hoping for revelation, remember that many involved in MJ's estate (including his children) were producers on Michael, so this is a tribute, not a reckoning.