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"A once over, lightly": The new Michael Jackson biopic lacks subtlety, depth, and nuance

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 25 Apr 2026, 11:01am
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael. Photo / Supplied
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael. Photo / Supplied

"A once over, lightly": The new Michael Jackson biopic lacks subtlety, depth, and nuance

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 25 Apr 2026, 11:01am

Michael 

The story of pop superstar Michael Jackson -- from his extraordinary early days in the Jackson 5 to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuels a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. 

  

Sgt. Haane 

In April 1943, during World War II, Sergeant Haane Manahi (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) of the 28th Māori Battalion led a small group of soldiers united by whakapapa in a daring assault on a fortified position in Takrouna, Tunisia. Their objective was to secure the sheer-faced pinnacle, defended by over 300 enemy troops.  

Directed by Tearepa Kahi (Muru, Mt. Zion), this feature-length documentary weaves dramatic reenactments with interviews from descendants of the Māori Battalion to explore Manahi’s extraordinary life and service.   

 

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