The Michael Jackson movie, Michael, is now in theaters, telling the story of how the pop star rose to fame.

The movie portrays Michael and his family as young boys, beginning their musical career as the Jackson 5, while also highlighting some of the negative aspects that came along with their success.

Although Michael loved singing, he would often want breaks from performing or practicing. However, due to his father’s dedication to the group’s success and Michael’s extraordinary talent, his father would refuse those requests and even physically abuse him for asking. The film reveals the harsh reality behind the hard work, pressure, and dedication required to create music, making the movie even more impactful by showing the sacrifices that often come with becoming an artist.

In the theater I was in, Michael’s upbeat music got people to literally stand up and dance, especially during Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, one of the first songs we hear from his solo career. The song helps transition into a new chapter of his life and shows how his career path would eventually lead him to the era of being one of the most beloved pop stars in the world.

This movie teaches viewers about Michael’s life, including facts that many people may not have known. One of the most interesting aspects was Jackson’s love for animals. We saw a few types of animals he owned, including Ben the rat, his first ever friend, Bubbles the chimpanzee, one of his most famously known animals, a llama, which he had always wanted since he was a little kid, a giraffe, and lastly, a python snake. 

The film also shows a recreation of his Neverland Ranch, where many animals roamed freely. It demonstrates how Michael was on a quest to live out his childhood dreams. 

Another detail that shocked many viewers was the accident that occurred during the filming of the Pepsi commercial performed by the Jackson 5. Michael was standing on the staircase during the performance when special effects behind him accidentally set his hair on fire. The movie shows how the accident caused severe burns and could have resulted in even more serious injuries. During the situation, Michael’s father seemed more concerned about how quickly he could return to performing than about his well-being. This moment highlights the pressures artists can face, not only from fans but sometimes from those closest to them when they need support the most.

Despite any controversy surrounding Jackson, this movie is incredible. It shows how Michael’s solo career began and the struggles he faced along the way, including times when support from his family seemed impossible. We see how he created some of the iconic music videos that audiences still watch today and how his determination allowed him to become the King of Pop.