Fans danced, moonwalked, and relived the magic at Dubai’s premiere screening of Michael.
Dubai: Before the credits even rolled, the city had already made up its mind about Michael.
The King of Pop spirit took over VOX Cinemas on Monday night, as residents turned out in full force for a special premiere and early IMAX screening of the much-anticipated biopic.
Cowboy hats, fedoras, sequin gloves, and glittering jackets filled the venue, and when the DJ dropped Beat It, the dance floor practically organised itself.
Moonwalkers emerged from the crowd as an impromptu flash mob took shape — unrehearsed, yet surprisingly smooth. It was the kind of night that reminded everyone why Michael Jackson’s music has never really gone away.
“I literally felt like I was at a concert”
For those who grew up with Michael Jackson’s music, the screening felt less like a film outing and more like a homecoming.
“We all need a little Michael in our lives right now,” said Megan Leach, who attended the IMAX screening in Dubai.
“I am an 80s baby, so I grew up listening to Michael, and I love that the movie reclaims him, his artistry and his story. His music was at the forefront of the movie and I love that.”
Asad Mudeer shared the same feeling.
“What an amazing experience. I literally felt like I was at a Michael Jackson concert. A beautiful performance by Jaafar Jackson.”
That name — Jaafar Jackson — came up repeatedly, with many residents praising his standout performance.
The nephew who became the icon
One of the most talked-about elements of the biopic Michael is its lead star, Jaafar Jackson — Michael’s nephew — taking on the role in his acting debut.
At the Los Angeles premiere earlier this week, Jaafar described the experience as surreal.
“This being the first time that I’ve ever got into acting and to be able to portray my Uncle Michael, it’s so surreal,” he told AFP. “I’m still taking it in.”
His uncle, Jackie Jackson, watching from the black carpet, was deeply moved.
“When I watch the movie, I think I’m watching Michael on the stage. He did such a wonderful job. It brings tears to my eyes.”
Critics have been more divided about Michael. The film currently holds a 35 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers pointing to its narrow scope.
The story ends with the 1988 Victory Tour, well before the allegations that later shaped much of the public debate around Michael Jackson, and focuses heavily on performance sequences rather than deeper dramatic exploration.
The BBC described it as a “saccharine, reverential biopic” that removes much of the controversy — and much of the drama along with it.
However, the film’s final moments hint at more to come. Before the credits rolled, a title card reading “His story continues” was widely seen as a sign that a second film may explore the later chapters of Jackson’s life, including the controversies critics said were missing from the first movie.
Movie review
For fans of Michael Jackson — and for those chasing the nostalgia of a live Jackson concert — Michael delivers.
The performance sequences are electric, Jaafar Jackson’s physical transformation is remarkable, and the music does what it has always done: it moves people.
For audiences looking for a more complete portrait of one of pop’s most complex figures, the wait may continue.
Michael releases in UAE cinemas on April 23.
