The Hedgehog (2011)

Michael comes in a long line of musical biopics, from A Complete Unknown, to Elvis, to Bohemian Rhapsody.  This is one of the defining subgenres of our generation.  Perhaps one of the reasons for that is that these films can be described using three words: easy lay-up. 

It is not hard to make a musical biopic that pleases audiences and draws a profit. Michael is no exception. The music? Excellent, but of course, it’s Michael Jackson. The visuals? Dazzling in the big spectacle scenes while appropriately damp in the more dramatic scenes. But of course, it’s Michael Jackson. Is the protagonist likable? Absolutely, but of course, it’s Michael Jackson (brought to us by the Jackson estate). If there is an antagonist, is he easy to cheer against? Absolutely, but of course, it’s Joe Jackson. It would be easy to continue listing aspects of the film that are predictably effective.

But, does it matter that the film was easier to get right than some massive risk? Does it matter that this film doesn’t reach the heights of A Complete Unknown or The Smashing Machine in terms of what a biopic is capable of? Maybe to each individual, but probably not to the general fan consensus of the film, and certainly not to the profitability of the film.