Michael Jackson has always been important to me, even before I even fully understood the impact of his music.
Jackson’s songs aren’t just catchy, they show emotion and tell a story. As I’ve gotten older, I have started to understand the meaning behind his music. Watching and listening to his performances has shown me what it means to be genuinely proud of the work you have accomplished. And that’s something to look up to.
Michael Jackson has also been important to my mother, on a way more personal and deeper level. She grew up listening to his music and watching him perform, so for her the movies weren’t just entertainment, it was a flood of memories from a better time in her life. His songs reminded her of a different time in her life, and you can see the memories flood back to her. Seeing her reaction and hearing stories about how important he was to my mother felt like the were connected on a hole other level.
Because my mom is older than most moms of people my age, it has helped shape my music taste and how I see pop culture. I’ve been introduced to artist and told about pop culture moments that not a lot of people my age knows about. I’ve grown up to appreciate older music and understand where artists now get their inspiration.
This is why Michael Jackson is so important to us and why we went to see the new biopic. His music had become something my mother and I share and bond over. So, when my mother and I went to go see the movie we had very high hoped for the movie
The new movie is very entertaining and visually amazing. It does a great job showing why Jackson became such an icon. The performance scenes are easily one of the best parts of the movie. The dancing, music and energy make it feel like you are watching a concert.
Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, did an amazing job. He didn’t just act like Jackson, he transformed into him. The makeup and the prosthetics were so amazing that it honestly felt like I was watching the real Michael Jackson on screen.
The movie had a strong sense of nostalgia. Watching the movie with my mom, she kept recognizing moments from his real life and performances.
However, I felt the movie left out some important details. It doesn’t really show the tension that could have existed between Jackson and his brothers as he became famous. It felt like they avoided showing any jealousy or conflict. Since Jermaine Jackson was an executive producer of the film. It seemed like some parts of the story may have been left out to make the siblings look better.
Overall, the movie was enjoyable. It’s not a perfect or honest story, but it’s a fun, emotional tribute that shows just how powerful Jackson’s music and legacy still are.
Reyna Sanchez is a Sterling freshman studying Journalism. Email her at [email protected].
