'Michael' isn't 'Bad,' but it isn't a 'Thriller' either

"Michael" isn't Bad. However, the film isn't as much of a Thriller as fans may want, or even those who aren't fans but are wondering exactly how much of Michael Jackson's life will be told on screen.

Find the answer to that looming question below.

RELATED: Top 3 scenes where Regé-Jean Page carries wooden crates in 'You, Me & Tuscany'

Jaafar Jackson gives a stellar performance depicting his uncle Michael Jackson. While audiences will debate other aspects of this biographical film, it cannot be denied that Jaafar captured the essence of Michael Jackson, his moves, sound, and presence. He doesn't just look like his uncle, Jaafar's spectacular performance stands out as the highpoint of "Michael."

The rest of the film may feel underwhelming, however, like a straightforward Black or White telling of Michael Jackson's early life and career (it only covers up to the 1987 album "Bad"). It's a favorable spotlight on the star that doesn't feel too "Dangerous."

It is difficult to explain to modern audiences just how colossal Michael Jackson's stardom shook the world (maybe Taylor Swift comes close); that he inspired passions so intense among fans that people would faint at the mere sight of him. This film about the King of Pop feels more like an attempt at such an explanation. It's mostly an introduction to a new generation who may be unfamiliar with the artist and his story. For fans who Remember the Time when Michael Jackson became a global sensation on a level that only religious figures attain, this movie merely serves as a nostalgic dance through his early career, set to playlist of his greatest hits.

Anybody with cable in the 1990s likely saw the heavily rerun ABC miniseries "The Jacksons: An American Dream." "Michael" feels like a remake, telling the well-known story of the Jackson family, led by a domineering and abusive father, Joseph Jackson. With a belt in his hand, he pushed his sons to form the Jackson 5, one of Motown's most popular artists. Even though "Michael" stays hyper focused on Michael Jackson's corner of this tale (yearning to break away and create the albums "Off the Wall" and "Thriller"), the film doesn't explore any new territory. We've been here before.

It's odd that "Michael" chose to retrace a story about the Jacksons that is already so well known. Focusing on Michael Jackson's personal journey could have provided more material, but filmmakers glossed over much of his life. His Jackson 5 brothers are mostly in the background. It's a challenge to spot Janet Jackson, who also became a famous pop star. It feels as if Bubbles, Michael's pet chimpanzee, as well as his llama are given a brighter spotlight.

RELATED: 'Starfleet Academy' isn't for everybody, but 'Star Trek' still is (Did 'Star Trek' jump the targ?)

Other notable moments from the rise of Michael Jackson are nowhere to be found, such as his collaborations with Beatle Paul McCartney. The film briefly addresses MTV's refusal to play Michael's music videos, but this chapter had the potential to open up the story with a fresh angle. It proves to be more of a missed opportunity. Also, part of Jackson's story are the many bizarre rumors that emerged in the media, his roles in "The Wiz" and "Captain EO," even Weird Al's parodies. All feel skipped over in order to focus on Michael's struggle with his father Joseph.

As for that big question many music fans will be asking: Does "Michael," a biographical film about Michael Jackson, address it? Is there any mention of the 1993 allegations of child molestation? Or the allegations in 2005? The legal cases around them? Jesus juice?

Answer: No.

Jackson was never convicted of anything, but the allegations and legal cases became as much of his life story as "Thriller." According to previous reports, filmmakers originally planned to include this aspect of Jackson's story. In fact, the film's storyline heavily depended on it. But lawyers involved with the film reportedly pointed out an issue involving the settlement of the 1993 case, which stated that the minor could not be portrayed in any future films about Jackson. This revelation happened after production of the film. It reportedly prompted the studio to reshoot much of its third act, removing this plot point, and added millions to the budget. It's also partially why the release date for "Michael" was pushed back one year.

It is rumored that filmmakers want to make a sequel to "Michael," which is teased at the end of the film. That would take the story into the 1990s when these controversies, and more, surrounded the pop star. But without the ability to address them on screen, any sequel will likely be another Michael Jackson playlist that glosses over the depth of his story.

"Michael"

2/5 stars

Screen or stream? Stream. Unlike other music-oriented films (such as "Wicked"), "Michael" doesn't have has many opportunities to dance in the aisles and sing along. I foresee some fans still giving this a try, so if you want to go for it and see what happens, by all means, go to the movie theater. But this film can be watched comfortably at home.

Rated PG-13