The new Michael Jackson movie, Michael, recently hit theaters in late April. Many fans are incredibly excited about the release, even longtime followers who have supported him during his influential solo career.
As the highly anticipated film brings the ‘King of Pop’ back to the big screen, local listeners are looking back at the artist’s backstory and moments that defined his musical career.
For the younger generation at John Dewey High School, the movie serves as a direct bridge to a musical era they never got to experience firsthand.
For senior Eric Chen, the film reinforced why Jackson remains an unmatched icon. Reflecting on his favorite track, “Thriller,” Chen noted that the music “really makes him the king of pop.”
Chen was eager to head to the theater and came away highly impressed by the cinematic tribute.
“I have seen it already,” Chen said. “I thought it was a really good movie!”
The film retells his life story- from the Jackson 5 to his iconic Bad era. The movie stars his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, who is the son of Jermaine Jackson in the title role.
Despite being shocked to learn about the tragic details of Jackson’s passing years after the fact, Chen believes the film successfully honors the star’s memory, adding that “he did indeed carry on the legacy of pop culture, making him lovable and always remembered.”
The multigenerational appeal is exactly what makes Jackson’s memory so enduring, a sentiment deeply shared by teachers at Dewey who remember his entire career.
Dance teacher Ms. Green, who counts the 1982 ballad “Human Nature” as her favorite song, hasn’t made it to the theater yet but fully intends to go see Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal.
“Yes, I’ve heard of the film and yes I will go see it,” Ms. Green shared, noting that Jackson’s reach hasn’t faded with time. “I think he inspired a lot of people, even the young generation like my son knows him.”
Remembering the day the world lost the superstar in 2009, Ms. Green recalled feeling deeply impacted by the sudden loss. “I was very upset about it,” she said. “Again, he inspired a lot of people and made them happy.”
However, not every long time fan at the school feels the need to see his life played out on the screen to appreciate what he left behind.
Government and Economics teacher Mr. Brito, another listener who respects Jackson’s massive contribution to the music industry, is choosing to skip the theater entirely.
“Unfortunately, I don’t plan on seeing the film,” Mr. Brito admitted.
Yet, his lack of interest in the biopic doesn’t diminish his respect for the artist’s historical impact on the genre. Pointing to “Thriller” as his personal favorite track, Mr. Brito echoed the sentiment that Jackson’s musical genius stands firmly on its own.
“I was deeply saddened by his passing,” Mr. Brito said. “He was definitely one of the best pop singers during his generation and made him earn the title ‘King of Pop.’”
Michael Jackson was a solo artist for about 38 years, having been a singer ever since his original debut with his brothers in the Jackson 5.
He would go on to make music for about 45 years in total before his unfortunate passing on June 25, 2009.
Many fans were devastated by the shocking news of his sudden death due to a propofol intoxication accident, which was flagged as a homicide after his caretaker, Dr. Murray, failed to monitor him during a painful state, leaving him dead moments later and bearing the blame for neglect.
Years later, his cultural grip remains tight, even inspiring a Sega Genesis, Arcade game and a Just Dance spin-off, he even made appearance in Ready 2 Rumble and Space Channel 5! Jackson even mentioned Sega was his favorite company at the time, he helped make the Genesis and Arcade, along with a special request to be in Space Channel 5, he also helped Sega compose the music for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Whether filling theater seats like Chen, planning a future viewing like Ms. Green, or simply honoring his memory through his timeless albums like Mr. Brito, many in the community at John Dewey High School feel that Michael Jackson’s crown is completely secure and will forever live in our hearts as the ‘King of Pop’.