Michael Jackson Biopic Gets 38% Rotten Tomatoes Score, $85M Box Office Despite Bad Reviews

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" is splitting audiences and critics. The movie made $85 million or more globally in its opening, but earned just a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics are hitting the film hard for avoiding Jackson's most controversial moments. One reviewer called it "in horribly poor taste." The Guardian said it was "bland, bowdlerised and bad," though they praised Jaafar Jackson's honest effort to portray his famous uncle.

The movie does show some difficult topics. It includes scenes of Michael's father Joseph Jackson beating him with belts and "iron cords," as both Michael and Joseph confirmed in past interviews. Colman Domingo plays the abusive father.

Despite bad reviews, the film secured its cultural impact with strong ticket sales. Some critics argue biopics often face unfair double standards, especially when dealing with complex figures like Jackson.

The New York Times fact-checked the movie, finding it got some details right, like the childhood abuse, while skipping other controversial chapters of Jackson's life.