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"Michael" biopic highlights Motown Records

Troy Smith

Young men men and a boy form a band in a living room; two guitarists at the ends, center dancer in a red shirt, others sing. — Juliano Valdi as young Michael Jackson in "Michael." Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate

For all its flaws, the new movie "Michael" does a good job highlighting the King of Pop's ascension to superstardom, which begins with Detroit's legendary Motown Records, Axios Cleveland music reporter Troy Smith writes.

The intrigue: The Jackson 5's breakthrough moment comes during a scene revisiting the July 12, 1968, show at Chicago's Regal Theater that caught the attention of Motown Records creative assistant Suzanne de Passe.

Zoom in: Soon after, Michael and his brothers are seen recording "I Want You Back" with Berry Gordy (played by Larenz Tate) at Motown's Los Angeles studio, where the label moved to from Detroit in 1972.

Motown remains a fixture throughout the film, which recreates the 1983 "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special where Michael Jackson (played in the film by his nephew Jaafar) unveiled his signature moonwalk to the masses.

The bottom line: "Michael," out Friday, is a flashy love letter to Jackson's unparalleled magnetism, void of any controversy.

The film wraps up with 1988's "Bad Tour," making it an incomplete portrait of a man whose later life was equally fascinating.

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"Michael" biopic highlights Motown Records

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