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Michael Review: Jaafar Jackson Embodies the King of Pop in a Record-Breaking Biopic That Divides Critics and Wins Over Audiences
Michael, the Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened to a record $218M worldwide. Jaafar Jackson stars as his uncle in a performance earning 97% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
He was called the King of Pop, the greatest entertainer who ever lived, a man who could stop time with a single moonwalk. Now, Michael — the long-awaited biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan — arrives in cinemas to tell the story of Michael Jackson on the biggest possible canvas. Released on April 24, 2026, it shattered records with a $218.8 million global opening weekend — the biggest debut in history for a music biopic. The numbers alone make a statement. But it’s the performance at its centre that has audiences standing and cheering.
Jaafar Jackson: A Star Is Born
The film’s most extraordinary achievement is its lead. Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson, makes his acting debut by stepping into his uncle’s shoes — and the result is genuinely astonishing. The voice, the movement, the physical grace and the unmistakable stage magnetism: Jaafar doesn’t just imitate Michael Jackson, he channels him. Audience members who grew up watching MJ perform have described the experience as watching a ghost come to life. His performance is the reason this film earned a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes even as critics were more divided.
The Supporting Cast Delivers
Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson — Michael’s imposing, complicated, and often feared father — and delivers what many are calling an Oscar-worthy performance. The relationship between Joe and Michael is one of the film’s most emotionally complex threads, and Domingo brings every shade of it. Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones round out a strong ensemble that populates the world of the film with vivid supporting characters.
The Story: From Jackson 5 to Bad
The film traces Michael’s arc from his early days as part of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through to the Bad world tour in the late 1980s — capturing the period in which he transformed from child prodigy to global phenomenon. Along the way it explores the extraordinary pressure of growing up in the spotlight, the creative genius that produced some of the greatest pop records ever made, the complex dynamic within the Jackson family, and the loneliness that seems to have shadowed Michael even as the world adored him.
Critics vs. Audiences: A Historic Divide
The film carries one of the most striking gaps between critics and audiences in recent memory. With a 37% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes against a 97% audience score, Michael is a clear case of a film that means something profound to general viewers while leaving professional critics cold. Critics have argued that the film takes a sanitized approach, sidestepping the more controversial chapters of Jackson’s life. Audiences, for their part, have responded to it as a celebration — an opportunity to reconnect with the music and the man behind it, performed by someone uniquely placed to honor that legacy.
A Record-Breaker by Any Measure
Whatever you make of the film’s creative choices, the commercial reality is extraordinary. $97 million domestically and $218 million globally in its opening weekend made Michael the highest-grossing opening in the history of the music biopic genre — surpassing even Oppenheimer in the biographical category. Antoine Fuqua has delivered a film that audiences desperately wanted to see, and they have turned up in record numbers. Whether Michael earns awards recognition will depend on how Academy voters weigh its critical reception against its undeniable popular impact.
Michael is now playing in cinemas worldwide. Love it or debate it — this is the Michael Jackson story that his fans have been waiting decades to see told on the biggest screen possible. And with Jaafar Jackson in the role, it could only have been made this way.
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RAFA: Netflix’s Stunning 4-Part Nadal Documentary Features Federer, Djokovic & McEnroe — Arrives May 29
RAFA, Netflix’s 4-part Rafael Nadal documentary, premieres May 29, 2026. Directed by Oscar-nominee Zachary Heinzerling, featuring interviews with Federer, Djokovic and McEnroe — already Emmy-campaigned by Netflix.
One of the greatest athletes of all time finally gets the definitive documentary treatment. RAFA, Netflix’s four-part prestige series on Rafael Nadal, premieres on May 29, 2026 — perfectly timed with the French Open, the tournament where Nadal became a legend. With the tagline “A life beyond limits,” this is the documentary the tennis world has been waiting for.
From His First Racquet to His Final Match
The series spans Nadal’s entire extraordinary career — from picking up a racquet at age three to his emotional retirement at the Davis Cup in November 2024. The spine of the documentary is 2024 itself: the injuries, the agonizing decision to retire, the joy of new fatherhood, and a farewell tour at Roland Garros that moved the entire sporting world to tears. Never-before-seen archival footage brings each era of his story to vivid life.
Federer, Djokovic, and McEnroe All Sit Down
What sets RAFA apart is the extraordinary access Netflix secured. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and John McEnroe all sat for new interviews, reflecting on what Nadal meant to the sport — and to them personally. Hearing his greatest rivals speak about his legacy makes for some of the most compelling television of the year.
Prestige Documentary, Emmy Ambitions
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zachary Heinzerling (Cutie and the Boxer), RAFA is Netflix’s most ambitious sports documentary in years. The streaming giant is already campaigning the series at the Primetime Emmy Awards in categories including Best Documentary Series, Directing, Editing, and Score — a sign of just how seriously they’re treating this project.
Stream It May 29 on Netflix
RAFA arrives on Netflix on May 29, 2026, right as the French Open hits its dramatic final week. Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan or simply a lover of great storytelling, this is the doc of the year.
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Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine: Netflix’s Money Heist Spinoff Returns With a Stunning Seville Heist
Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, Netflix’s Money Heist spinoff Season 2, drops May 15, 2026. Pedro Alonso returns for a revenge-fueled Seville heist targeting a dangerous duke who dared to blackmail Berlin.
Berlin is back — and he’s more dangerous than ever. Netflix dropped all episodes of Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine on May 15, 2026, bringing the beloved Money Heist spinoff back to screens with a new city, a new painting, and a very personal vendetta. If you loved the first season’s Parisian elegance, Season 2’s Seville setting turns up the heat — literally and figuratively.
The Heist: A Masterpiece and a Reckoning
The gang reunites in sun-drenched Seville, Spain for their most audacious job yet: a master heist centered on the iconic painting The Lady with an Ermine. But this isn’t just about art. Their real targets are the Duke of Málaga and his wife — a powerful couple who made the catastrophic mistake of trying to blackmail Berlin. The challenge will awaken his darkest side, and his thirst for revenge.
Returning Cast and Exciting New Faces
Pedro Alonso reprises his iconic role as the magnetic, morally complex Berlin, joined by returning ensemble members Julio Peña Fernández, Michelle Jenner, Tristán Ulloa, and Begoña Vargas. New to the gang is Inma Cuesta as Candela, a fresh face set to steal Berlin’s heart. The formidable José Luis García-Pérez plays the Duke of Málaga, with Marta Nieto as his duchess.
Why Berlin Season 2 Is Essential Viewing
The Money Heist universe has always been built on big personalities, bigger schemes, and an irresistible Spanish flair. Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine leans into all of that while raising the emotional stakes — because when Berlin seeks revenge, it’s never just a heist. All episodes are streaming now on Netflix.
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The Four Seasons Season 2: Tina Fey’s Netflix Hit Takes Its Grieving Friends to Italy — Premieres May 28
The Four Seasons Season 2 premieres May 28, 2026 on Netflix. Tina Fey, Colman Domingo, Will Forte and the gang head to Italy to grieve — and maybe heal — after Steve Carell’s Nick died in Season 1.
One of Netflix’s most beloved comedies is back — and this time, it’s heading to Italy. The Four Seasons Season 2 premieres on May 28, 2026, with a fresh trailer that has already sent fans into a frenzy. Created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, the series picks up after the gut-wrenching Season 1 finale with a grieving ensemble trying to find their footing — and a vacation — without Nick.
What Happened in Season 1
Season 1 followed three couples — Kate and Jack, Nick and Anne, and Danny and Claude — whose idyllic friendship was thrown into turmoil when Nick (Steve Carell) announced he was leaving Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver) for a younger woman. The season ended on a devastating note: Nick died suddenly in a car accident, leaving the group shattered.
Season 2: Grief, Friendship, and La Dolce Vita
Season 2 finds the tight-knit group trading the familiar comforts of the Jersey Shore and upstate New York for the stunning landscapes of Italy. But a dark cloud still hangs over them. Navigating grief, guilt, and the complicated bonds of long-term friendship against a backdrop of Italian sunshine promises to be the show’s most emotionally rich season yet.
Star-Studded Cast Returns
Tina Fey returns as Kate, alongside Colman Domingo as Danny, Marco Calvani as Claude, Will Forte as Jack, Erika Henningsen, and Kerri Kenney-Silver as Anne. While Steve Carell‘s Nick is gone, his presence will undoubtedly loom large over every scene in Italy.
Don’t Miss the Season 2 Premiere
The Four Seasons Season 2 hits Netflix on May 28, 2026. If you haven’t seen Season 1 yet, now is the perfect time to binge all eight episodes before the new season arrives.
RAFA: Netflix’s Stunning 4-Part Nadal Documentary Features Federer, Djokovic & McEnroe — Arrives May 29
Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine: Netflix’s Money Heist Spinoff Returns With a Stunning Seville Heist
The Four Seasons Season 2: Tina Fey’s Netflix Hit Takes Its Grieving Friends to Italy — Premieres May 28
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