Spike Lee Slams ‘Michael’ Critics & Addresses Biggest Critique of Film
In week 2 of its movie theater run, Michaelis proving a few things to the world. The movie’s impressive box-office numbers show that people are still willing to go to theaters, that Michael Jackson is still the King of Pop, and that critics don’t always get it right (or perhaps are always the tastemakers).
Focusing on that last point, as of publication, Michael has a combined critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes of 37%, while fans have given it an impressive rating of 97%. I personally thought Michael was a good film due to the nostalgia of the music and the phenomenal performances from Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Valdi, but I can admit it lacked depth and glossed over important events in Jackson’s life in the film’s timeline.
All that being said, it appears an Oscar-winning director and bona fide Hollywood legend is also in the majority of Michael watchers, showing admiration for the movie. In fact, this particular director is slamming critics and their biggest criticism of Michael.
Spike Lee Loves ‘Michael’ and Has Seen It Twice
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Malcolm X director Spike Lee sat down with CNN’s Laura Coates, and he was quite upfront about his feelings about Michael. After sharing that he’s seen the movie twice and loved it, Coates asked him, “Why so much criticism?” Lee passionately replied:
“Because, first of all, if you’re a movie critic, and you’re complaining about this stuff that, you know, all this other stuff, but the movie ends in ‘88. You’re talking about accusations that happened, so you’re critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn’t work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up, worldwide, people showed their love to Michael.
“I miss Mike, I miss Prince. I mean, these are my brothers. Because I worked with both of them. Beautiful, beautiful people.”
For clarification purposes, Lee has worked a few times contributing to the Jackson legacy. While alive, Lee directed the Jackson’s video for “They Don’t Care About Us.” After Jackson’s passing, Lee directed the Bad 25 (2012) documentary, the Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) doc, and the posthumous video for the single, “This Is It.” Check out Lee’s response to the biopic’s criticism in the clip below.
Spike Lee, who directed classic films like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X, says he liked the Michael movie and calls out people complaining about things that aren’t in the film that didn’t happen within its timeline, pointing out that the movie ends in 1988. pic.twitter.com/TpwYRiIxlu
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 2, 2026
Does Spike Lee Have a Point?
In short, yes. There have been many critics who accused the Michael filmmakers of glossing over the allegations made against Jackson in real life. But as Lee stated, the Michael timeline stops in 1988, and the allegations didn’t surface until 1993.
If anything, critics would have a more valid point expressing dissatisfaction with the fact that the movie makes no mention of Diana Ross, The Wiz, or Jackson’s purchase of the bulk of The Beatles' catalog. Additionally, there was a lot that wasn’t exported in relation to the infamous Victory Tour with Jackson’s brothers, which has enough source material to be a movie on its own. Perhaps these critics will get what they wish for when Michael 2 is released, and likely to cover Jackson’s life in the 90s.
Related: ‘Michael 2’ Is in the Works, but May Already Face Issues If There’s No Janet Jackson
source https://www.mensjournal.com/news/oscar-winning-director-slams-michael-critics-addresses-biggest-critique-of-film
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