The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has finally arrived in theaters after multiple release date delays. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the $155 million film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, in the lead role. With an IMAX rollout, a star-studded cast, and one of the most iconic subjects in music history, expectations were sky-high. But the critical reception and audience reaction have told two very different stories.

While critics were sharpening their pens, audiences were already on their feet.

Preview audiences who watched Michael early in IMAX and PLF theaters on April 22nd gave the film an A– on CinemaScore's scale. That is a strong grade, sitting comfortably in the liked-it-a-lot territory. Meanwhile, the film's Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes sits at just 41% across 160 reviews. CinemaScore confirmed the early access grade will not be posted to its website, with the official final score releasing on April 24th.

Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter tells the same audience story, 96% from over 1,000 verified ratings. Critics called it safe, sanitized, and fan-service-heavy. Odie Henderson of the Boston Globe gave it 1/4, whereas Christopher Lloyd of The Film Yap gave it 4.5/5. The divide is not subtle; it is a canyon.

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Critics counted the flaws, audiences counted the stars, literally, with Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Jaafar Jackson leading a cast too stacked to ignore.

The film, Michael, brings serious talent alongside its headline star. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long plays Katherine, and Miles Teller portrays attorney John Branca. Berry Gordy is played by Larenz Tate, Quincy Jones by Kendrick Sampson, and Diana Ross by Kat Graham. Juliano Krue Valdi plays young Michael, a role requiring the foundation that Jaafar Michael's performance builds upon throughout.

The story begins in Gary, Indiana, tracing the Jackson 5's rise through Motown before shifting focus to Michael Jackson's solo peak, the 'Thriller,' 'Bad,' and 'Dangerous' eras. Written by John Logan and filmed partly at the real Neverland Ranch, the narrative reportedly ends before Jackson's final years. The film covers fame, legal battles, and personal struggles, but critics argue it skips the harder truths. Audiences, clearly, disagree on what matters.

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What are your thoughts on the audience vs. critic divide for Michael? Let us know in the comments.