I liked this movie, it was nice to see life behind the cameras, gossip and numerous trials and accusations. Navi looks like MJ in certain shots and honestly portrays him but his accent was like "huh"..... is that a British accent??? Other than that Navi was great, this is a difficult person to portray many layers to this magnificent person, Navi does embrace all of MJ, A job well done by Navi. I recommend this movie but it saddens me that MJ filled our life's with music and heart and he was unable to enjoy the simple acts of life with his children. He was a prisoner of his home unable to do anything to go anywhere, so sad. MJ is one of most loved, respected artists and will always be remembered.
25 Reviews
Meh...
brett-7626020 April 2018
Overall an average film at best. I think they left out all kinds of tidbits concerning the last few years of his life. Acting was fairly solid and the guy that played Michael was pretty good. Story could have been deeper though. Anyway would I recommend it? Meh... Take it or leave it.
Plays it Safe but Still Good
gygbrown-7275130 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As we get closer to the tenth anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, expect more projects like this to come out of the woodwork. With that said, I wasn't expecting much when the special was being promoted. There's been so many biographies and documentaries coming from all directions in the eight years he's been gone. Sadly, each story seems to contradict the others in some sort of way, so it was really tough to see what this special was going to do.
The story is apparently based on a book, which I have yet to read. It does make me very interested in reading it. The story is told from two of his security guards, who became two of his very few trusted friends.We follow them and Jackson through the last stages of his life.
The special shows him as a loving father, an overly nice individual, but still a stress-filled wreck because of his fame and legal past. An individual who's having trouble finding any sort of trust in anybody, and has been betrayed by those around him because of his legal history. It also explores his financial situation, someone who is rich but with no control over his finances because of his debt.
The guards are actually on-screen more than Jackson's character, which is actually pretty effective.
My main complaint on this special is that it is incredibly sanitized. They try way too hard to not offend anybody with it and seemed to purposely present it in a way that wouldn't lead to controversy, particularly with Jackson's estate, whom did not approve the special.
That's not to say it's bad, it's actually pretty good. The performances are wonderful, with Navi shining in his portrayal of Michael Jackson. It's also well filmed, and it hits almost all the right notes emotionally. It does fall flat in places with its pace, but for the most part, it's well told. I have heard the book is far more detailed, but that's almost always the case when it comes to book adaptations.
So overall, it's definitely okay to sit through. My only advise is not to go into it too overly hyped by expecting something as good as the 1992 miniseries, An American Dream and you'll be fine.
The story is apparently based on a book, which I have yet to read. It does make me very interested in reading it. The story is told from two of his security guards, who became two of his very few trusted friends.We follow them and Jackson through the last stages of his life.
The special shows him as a loving father, an overly nice individual, but still a stress-filled wreck because of his fame and legal past. An individual who's having trouble finding any sort of trust in anybody, and has been betrayed by those around him because of his legal history. It also explores his financial situation, someone who is rich but with no control over his finances because of his debt.
The guards are actually on-screen more than Jackson's character, which is actually pretty effective.
My main complaint on this special is that it is incredibly sanitized. They try way too hard to not offend anybody with it and seemed to purposely present it in a way that wouldn't lead to controversy, particularly with Jackson's estate, whom did not approve the special.
That's not to say it's bad, it's actually pretty good. The performances are wonderful, with Navi shining in his portrayal of Michael Jackson. It's also well filmed, and it hits almost all the right notes emotionally. It does fall flat in places with its pace, but for the most part, it's well told. I have heard the book is far more detailed, but that's almost always the case when it comes to book adaptations.
So overall, it's definitely okay to sit through. My only advise is not to go into it too overly hyped by expecting something as good as the 1992 miniseries, An American Dream and you'll be fine.
Great movie, missing something
romeovision200230 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I think Navi was a great actor. He is obviously a shrewd businessman like Michael was. I am sure that only he (after being so close to Michael) could tell his story around 2009.
Unfortunately, the story was weak in a few moments. The one big dramatic & good moment was (spoiler) about a brother of his "acting out" when he needed money. Other than that the movie was repetitive. Most of us fans wanted Conrad Murray moments to see how that man ticked but those moments may be a totally separate movie. On the one hand, although Murray should not be glorified, he should not have just been given an introduction. He did way more than treat the kids. That is the real story.
Finally, contrary to another review, Navi also has brown skin like Michael did. I'm not sure where the other user reviewer got the notion that Navi was white. They showed Navi on a special right after and his skin was brown as The Jacksons with no make up. Nevertheless, he was obviously a top MJ impersonator who will make even more of a name for himself, until he is ready to retire.
Unfortunately, the story was weak in a few moments. The one big dramatic & good moment was (spoiler) about a brother of his "acting out" when he needed money. Other than that the movie was repetitive. Most of us fans wanted Conrad Murray moments to see how that man ticked but those moments may be a totally separate movie. On the one hand, although Murray should not be glorified, he should not have just been given an introduction. He did way more than treat the kids. That is the real story.
Finally, contrary to another review, Navi also has brown skin like Michael did. I'm not sure where the other user reviewer got the notion that Navi was white. They showed Navi on a special right after and his skin was brown as The Jacksons with no make up. Nevertheless, he was obviously a top MJ impersonator who will make even more of a name for himself, until he is ready to retire.
Overall I liked it, but I was distracted
lonniew15 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The movie was pretty well made, the actor who played Michael did a very good job but I have to admit that I was very distracted by his accent coming through. I give him credit because he obviously tried hard, but the accent would sometimes slip through and stick throughout a bit of dialogue as if he forgot to try to use an American accent.
Despite that, the movie was pretty good, it felt like being inside the inner circle, it's a movie that I think is worth watching. I honestly didn't know what I was getting into, I thought it was a documentary when I first started it but I learned right away that it's not.
And whomever they got to play Joe Jackson! excellent casting, he looked a lot like Joe and played it off well..
Despite that, the movie was pretty good, it felt like being inside the inner circle, it's a movie that I think is worth watching. I honestly didn't know what I was getting into, I thought it was a documentary when I first started it but I learned right away that it's not.
And whomever they got to play Joe Jackson! excellent casting, he looked a lot like Joe and played it off well..
uh, WTF seriously?
bulenthasan30 June 2017
messy, uneven, poorly edited, at times laughable. honestly I don't know why people are rating this so highly, everything in this film is basic TV Movie fodder especially the script. A subject about MJ should be taken seriously, as it was to a point, but the poor script, the poor direction, and acting from so many actors that I can't really put the fault on them solely, they did after all show up to work! But this actor who plays MJ, Navi, must only work as a MJ impersonator, and not a good one at that, as every time he spoke, his English accent broke through distracting us. Its not his fault either, he ONLY does MJ and can't actually act. This is shocking as England is a place that has amazing talented actors in every show able to do any accent convincingly. Not so here. The production also is at fault, having literally nothing to work with, especially MJ's music, and really only afforded Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative". The editing was literally all over the place, one moment we're sad and stressed then CUT right to the family at a go cart track. I'm not going to give this high marks like everyone else who thought this was an amazing film, they are all misguided. They miss MJ, that's why they rate this so highly. I feel a documentary based on these security guys are what is needed, not a sappy TV movie.
Also, WTF was MJ doing on a 'date' with some girl and couldn't go out into a bar? seriously? so many scenes like that were in the film that take you out of the story its pointless.
Also, WTF was MJ doing on a 'date' with some girl and couldn't go out into a bar? seriously? so many scenes like that were in the film that take you out of the story its pointless.
A Heartbreaking Chronicle of the Tragic Final Days of Once The Most Successful Pop Star of All Time
asrexproductions29 May 2017
Before I talk about this film, let me give it some context by talking about who Michael Jackson was, from a historical perspective.
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album sold 46 MILLION albums. That's 46 times platinum. Not one. Not ten. 46. There is no album that has come close yet, unless you count his "Bad," which was once the #2 selling album of all time. I once read an article where they interviewed several record executives, on the condition of anonymity, to comment on the top artists in music that year (sometime in the 2010s). It became clear to me that the goal of the record industry is to recreate Michael Jackson. Madonna and Janet are female Michael Jackson. Usher and Chris Brown (before Brown screwed it up) are seen as "Michael Jackson types." So is Justin Timberlake. The Weekend. The whole music business in the latter part of the 20th century, was about trying to recreate Michael Jackson, as many times as it could.
And how did he end up? Penniless and essentially alone, struggling to raise his children, according to this riveting film.
MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND (Dianne Houston, 2017) struck me as a heartbreaking chronicle of a person living strictly off of his fame, but unlike Kim Kardashian or Donald Trump, not being rewarded for it, just using it to survive. Told through the eyes of his personal bodyguards and assistants in the waning years of his life (Chad L. Coleman and Sam Adegoke), Michael Jackson (Navi) struggles to find a home where he can safely live with his children (Aidan Hanlon Smith, Taegen Burns, Michael Mourra) without having to dodge his agents, his fans, maniacal detractors, stalkers, and even his own family, all either trying to live off or destroy him. Throughout all of this, his bodyguards faithfully stay by his side out of pity, even when the money dries up and their own families doubt their sanity for staying so long in a job that simply doesn't pay. I feel the film makes it very clear that Jackson truly was a prisoner of his own success, long after he had stopped being successful. More oddity than King of Pop, the Michael Jackson of MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND is a broken and tragic figure, buoyed by the love of his children and the last two people who seemed to care. For as the film notes in its final moments, for all the people that spoke highly of him at and after his funeral, no one was there when Jackson died, nor were there for him while he was going through it, struggling to raise his children as any single father might. To the film's credit, I felt it did a good job of showing Michael as flawed, even culpable for his own condition, but hardly deserving of what he got. I feel that it isn't the Michael Jackson story for the casual fan, rather it's a cautionary tale for those seeking to be the Michael Jackson of the future. Despite a performance by Navi that did leave something to be desired (he clearly had a British accent, doing what I felt was at best an adequate job of representing Michael), I personally feel that it effectively humanizes an individual considered a legend in his own time, and serves as a powerful commentary on the cult of celebrity. For me, MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND is moving, mesmerizing, and difficult to forget.
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album sold 46 MILLION albums. That's 46 times platinum. Not one. Not ten. 46. There is no album that has come close yet, unless you count his "Bad," which was once the #2 selling album of all time. I once read an article where they interviewed several record executives, on the condition of anonymity, to comment on the top artists in music that year (sometime in the 2010s). It became clear to me that the goal of the record industry is to recreate Michael Jackson. Madonna and Janet are female Michael Jackson. Usher and Chris Brown (before Brown screwed it up) are seen as "Michael Jackson types." So is Justin Timberlake. The Weekend. The whole music business in the latter part of the 20th century, was about trying to recreate Michael Jackson, as many times as it could.
And how did he end up? Penniless and essentially alone, struggling to raise his children, according to this riveting film.
MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND (Dianne Houston, 2017) struck me as a heartbreaking chronicle of a person living strictly off of his fame, but unlike Kim Kardashian or Donald Trump, not being rewarded for it, just using it to survive. Told through the eyes of his personal bodyguards and assistants in the waning years of his life (Chad L. Coleman and Sam Adegoke), Michael Jackson (Navi) struggles to find a home where he can safely live with his children (Aidan Hanlon Smith, Taegen Burns, Michael Mourra) without having to dodge his agents, his fans, maniacal detractors, stalkers, and even his own family, all either trying to live off or destroy him. Throughout all of this, his bodyguards faithfully stay by his side out of pity, even when the money dries up and their own families doubt their sanity for staying so long in a job that simply doesn't pay. I feel the film makes it very clear that Jackson truly was a prisoner of his own success, long after he had stopped being successful. More oddity than King of Pop, the Michael Jackson of MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND is a broken and tragic figure, buoyed by the love of his children and the last two people who seemed to care. For as the film notes in its final moments, for all the people that spoke highly of him at and after his funeral, no one was there when Jackson died, nor were there for him while he was going through it, struggling to raise his children as any single father might. To the film's credit, I felt it did a good job of showing Michael as flawed, even culpable for his own condition, but hardly deserving of what he got. I feel that it isn't the Michael Jackson story for the casual fan, rather it's a cautionary tale for those seeking to be the Michael Jackson of the future. Despite a performance by Navi that did leave something to be desired (he clearly had a British accent, doing what I felt was at best an adequate job of representing Michael), I personally feel that it effectively humanizes an individual considered a legend in his own time, and serves as a powerful commentary on the cult of celebrity. For me, MICHAEL JACKSON: SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND is moving, mesmerizing, and difficult to forget.
Bland Jackson
kirbylee70-599-5261799 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Michael Jackson was one of those mega-stars you either loved or hated. Loved because of the music he gave to more than one generation, hated because of the allegations of inappropriate behavior behind the scenes. What this film does is attempt to paint a portrait of him as a loving family man concerned more about his children than anything else.
The film is told through the eyes of Bill Whitfield (Chad Coleman) and based on the book he wrote. Whitfield was hired as personal protection for Jackson and his family when they returned to the U.S. Jackson and his children returned to the country after having move to Bahrain. With his Neverland estate a place of bad memories the family moves into a temporary home in Las Vegas. Searching for someone to trust the job of relaying the family to the home becomes a permanent protection job for Whitfield.
The movie progresses with the quirks of Jackson touched on but never too in depth with most being left out altogether. Instead we're presented with a stream of employees who eventually all fail him, some because of self-interest and others because of his own issues. The main one of those is his unwillingness to return to work even though his financial situation is in decline due to his enormous legal woes and spending habits.
As seen through the eyes of Whitfield and his second in command Javon Beard (Sam Adegoke) Jackson is nothing more than a man who wants the best for his children, struggling with the fame he created that now intrudes upon them all. At the same time Jackson comes off as childlike in his own right. While the movie never talks about it, one has to assume that not having the opportunity to truly have a childhood of his own, Jackson struggled with that while trying to be a parent at the same time.
The film follows two years in the life of Jackson, from his return to this country through his death. Told in flashbacks while prosecutors interview Whitfield and Javon, it allows them to comment on things as much as provide stories of those two years. What it doesn't do is give any depth to the story of what happened. Most all is puff pieces depicting Jackson in the most flattering way possible.
Coleman and Adegoke do the best they can with their performances here making both men very credible. The same can't be said for Navi as Jackson. A professional Jackson impersonator his acting skills are subpar level. It's apparent he's had surgery to appear like Jackson and that seems to have made his facial muscles unable to allow him to speak properly at times or to display any emotions other than full on sad or smile. The end result is to make him as eerie to watch as Jackson became after numerous plastic surgery mishaps.
Coming from Lifetime Channel I wasn't expecting much from this movie and the end result matched my expectations. Little is learned of Jackson by the end of the film and rather than take a balanced look at the man the reverence with which he is treated here is palpable.
Michael Jackson was not a simple person to understand and no biographical film will ever find a way of peeling back the onion like layers of his life and his mind. When you take a man who was robbed of a normal childhood, whose father was abusive, whose brothers (according to at least one scene in this film) treated him poorly, who was surrounded by sycophants and users and who dreamed of little more than a normal life while encouraged by those around him to live abnormally you begin to realize no simple film will do him justice. This one does less than that attempting to glorify him instead. Worse yet it does so in the most bland way possible.
The film is told through the eyes of Bill Whitfield (Chad Coleman) and based on the book he wrote. Whitfield was hired as personal protection for Jackson and his family when they returned to the U.S. Jackson and his children returned to the country after having move to Bahrain. With his Neverland estate a place of bad memories the family moves into a temporary home in Las Vegas. Searching for someone to trust the job of relaying the family to the home becomes a permanent protection job for Whitfield.
The movie progresses with the quirks of Jackson touched on but never too in depth with most being left out altogether. Instead we're presented with a stream of employees who eventually all fail him, some because of self-interest and others because of his own issues. The main one of those is his unwillingness to return to work even though his financial situation is in decline due to his enormous legal woes and spending habits.
As seen through the eyes of Whitfield and his second in command Javon Beard (Sam Adegoke) Jackson is nothing more than a man who wants the best for his children, struggling with the fame he created that now intrudes upon them all. At the same time Jackson comes off as childlike in his own right. While the movie never talks about it, one has to assume that not having the opportunity to truly have a childhood of his own, Jackson struggled with that while trying to be a parent at the same time.
The film follows two years in the life of Jackson, from his return to this country through his death. Told in flashbacks while prosecutors interview Whitfield and Javon, it allows them to comment on things as much as provide stories of those two years. What it doesn't do is give any depth to the story of what happened. Most all is puff pieces depicting Jackson in the most flattering way possible.
Coleman and Adegoke do the best they can with their performances here making both men very credible. The same can't be said for Navi as Jackson. A professional Jackson impersonator his acting skills are subpar level. It's apparent he's had surgery to appear like Jackson and that seems to have made his facial muscles unable to allow him to speak properly at times or to display any emotions other than full on sad or smile. The end result is to make him as eerie to watch as Jackson became after numerous plastic surgery mishaps.
Coming from Lifetime Channel I wasn't expecting much from this movie and the end result matched my expectations. Little is learned of Jackson by the end of the film and rather than take a balanced look at the man the reverence with which he is treated here is palpable.
Michael Jackson was not a simple person to understand and no biographical film will ever find a way of peeling back the onion like layers of his life and his mind. When you take a man who was robbed of a normal childhood, whose father was abusive, whose brothers (according to at least one scene in this film) treated him poorly, who was surrounded by sycophants and users and who dreamed of little more than a normal life while encouraged by those around him to live abnormally you begin to realize no simple film will do him justice. This one does less than that attempting to glorify him instead. Worse yet it does so in the most bland way possible.
Phenomenal Portrayal of Michael & Great Film
blockscrew26 June 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Navi was outstanding in his acting debut as Michael and was more realistic than many others I've seen in other documentaries etc. The story line was great. It was lovely to see the relationship between Michael and his security. It was also great to see Michaels sense of humour as well as his vulnerability. Navi's portrayal of the vulnerable and upset Michael was touching and brought a tear to my eyes. His relationship with his children was amazing and his protectiveness towards them. I would love to see Hollywood produce a blockbuster movie on MJ now. You have the best actor for the part as his singing and dancing is second to none and it's difficult to tell the difference between Michael and Navi if you are just listening to the track. This film was more of a success for the USA than many others about Michael. You've found your Michael in Navi. Let us all relive the King of Pop through him.
robots must have voted it above 5*
ricewithaspoon12 March 2019
"Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland": A Revealing Look at the King of Pop's Final Years
alexpeychev21 March 2024
"Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland" is a TV movie that provides an intimate glimpse into the last two years of Michael Jackson's life. Directed by Dianne Houston, the film is based on the best-selling book "Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days," as told through the eyes of Jackson's trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.
Here's what makes it noteworthy:
Devotion to His Children: The movie reveals firsthand the devotion Michael Jackson had to his children. Despite his fame and eccentricities, he was deeply committed to being a loving father.
We witness the challenges he faced during this tumultuous period.
Hidden Drama and Struggles: Beyond the glitz and glamour, the film delves into the hidden drama. It sheds light on the complexities of Jackson's personal life, including his relationships and health.
The portrayal is both compassionate and candid.
Chad L. Coleman as Bill Whitfield: Chad L. Coleman delivers a compelling performance as Bill Whitfield, one of Jackson's bodyguards. His perspective provides insight into the man behind the legend.
The film humanizes Jackson, showing his vulnerabilities and struggles.
Nondumiso Tembe as Grace Rwaramba: Nondumiso Tembe portrays Grace Rwaramba, Jackson's longtime personal assistant. Her loyalty and dedication to him are central to the narrative.
Their relationship adds depth to the story.
Emotional Impact: "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland" isn't just about the King of Pop; it's about the toll fame takes on an individual.
The film invites viewers to see beyond the headlines and remember the man who touched millions with his music.
In summary, this TV movie offers a balanced portrayal of Michael Jackson-a mix of admiration, compassion, and scrutiny. It's a poignant tribute to an iconic artist and a reminder of the complexities of fame.
Here's what makes it noteworthy:
Devotion to His Children: The movie reveals firsthand the devotion Michael Jackson had to his children. Despite his fame and eccentricities, he was deeply committed to being a loving father.
We witness the challenges he faced during this tumultuous period.
Hidden Drama and Struggles: Beyond the glitz and glamour, the film delves into the hidden drama. It sheds light on the complexities of Jackson's personal life, including his relationships and health.
The portrayal is both compassionate and candid.
Chad L. Coleman as Bill Whitfield: Chad L. Coleman delivers a compelling performance as Bill Whitfield, one of Jackson's bodyguards. His perspective provides insight into the man behind the legend.
The film humanizes Jackson, showing his vulnerabilities and struggles.
Nondumiso Tembe as Grace Rwaramba: Nondumiso Tembe portrays Grace Rwaramba, Jackson's longtime personal assistant. Her loyalty and dedication to him are central to the narrative.
Their relationship adds depth to the story.
Emotional Impact: "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland" isn't just about the King of Pop; it's about the toll fame takes on an individual.
The film invites viewers to see beyond the headlines and remember the man who touched millions with his music.
In summary, this TV movie offers a balanced portrayal of Michael Jackson-a mix of admiration, compassion, and scrutiny. It's a poignant tribute to an iconic artist and a reminder of the complexities of fame.
Amazing
graciewaters25 June 2017
This was unbelievable. Navi is not only amazing on stage but also a very good actor. I can't get over how realistic the film feels. It was very interesting and upsetting to know what happened on Michael Jacksons final days. I've seen Navi twice and he's so good but doing Searching for Neverland also shows how talented he is. He should be so proud
Michael Jackson: Searching For Neverland (2017)
dburris-4593318 October 2017
This was by far the best documentary film about Michael Jackson yet! The story was phenomenal! It made be start to draw a tear in my eye when I saw Navi as Michael Jackson for the first time. It made me feel like Michael really is back but at the same time he wasn't :-( There was a lot of great acting in it! The kids however, that took the role to play as Prince, Paris, and Blanket did a wonderful job! I literally cried at the end of the film. It was such a great movie that I'd like to give it more than ten stars, more like ten million stars!
Great movie!
alexiskyle29 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
At first honestly, I didn't think I was going to like this movie, because the last biopic of michael jackson from 2003 wasn't that great in my opinion. I smiled so much during the movie, that is amazing. I also had tissues with me just in case I was going to cry and when they mention michael's death at the end of the movie.... and the reactions and everything, you could say I spent a good 30 minutes crying afterwards. I really loved how they didn't ruin his name in this and they had truthful bodyguards. God bless..
Surprisingly good
iwalrus23 March 2021
Thought that this was going to be another one of those "let's trash the legend" stories but was pleasantly surprised at how good this poignant portrayal was told through the eyes of Michael Jackson's security guards.
It shows a sometimes naïve man who is a prisoner of his own celebrity, someone who goes to bizarre lengths to protect his children.
Both joyful and sad, this movie of the last years of Michael's life is well worth a view and not just for for Michael Jackson fans.
The best film about Michael Jackson
bishopvictoria29 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When I found out this film was being made I was so excited! I have been to a few of Navi's shows and we have spoken a few times and he is outstanding at what he does and I am so proud to be a part of the Michael Jackson Fandom. I knew Navi would be perfect for playing the role of Michael as he is the Number 1 world's best MJ impersonator (so he should be!) and I know there are other moonwalkers that go against some impersonators, and I have seen some go against this film because of mainly voice and appearance of Navi and also saying that the film made Michael appear "crazy" - that was NOT the case. Yes Navi has a British accent but that shouldn't matter, he is very talented and he played the part perfectly with really good intentions for the love of Michael and keeping his legacy alive and showing the world what Michael's last years of his life was like. Navi's appearance is amazing in this film! even when he does his shows! me and my mum are outstanded. This film was upsetting because of what Michael went through, for example: not being able to go out, and also when him and the body guards, nanny and the kids were at the swimming pool and Michael saw a camera (which wasn't connected) but he got so upset and scared because he didn't want anyone to capture his children's appearance. It is so sad that Michael felt this way, being in debt, being scared about performing, no longer having Neverland as his escape and loving home because of the situations that were accused against him, everything Michael went through, all the stress, and also being alone. People saying how much of a great friend Michael was but didn't even show up to Paris' birthday, it is heartbreaking. Such a powerful film. Makes me cry each time I watch it. It's upsetting because that man deserved so much more, he deserved privacy, he deserved love and safety. He passed away shortly before the THIS IS IT tour, most likely due to loneliness and stress, as well as Conrad Murray (don't get me started). This film really links to what Michael has been through.So powerful, and I support and respect all the effort that everyone has made to make this film a success. It is an amazing film and I shall be watching it constantly.I am so proud of everyone. Also to Navi - he done an outstanding job, I feel no other impersonator could have done any better. Don't listen to the haters, it was all perfect! xox
Great portrayal
harryselwood10 February 2019
Excellent
claire_d_solen25 June 2017
Excellent portrayal of Michael by Navi and good to see another side of the story. Brilliant actors cast throughout. So lovely to have more of an in sight about the sad times and the good times of Michael's life. If your a Michael Jackson fan this is a must watch. The scenes with the children were very real to watch and the bond portrayed between the bodyguards and Michael was very believable. I enjoyed every minute of this movie. It has to be one of the best and most true portrayals of Michael's last year's alive.
An Absolutely Brilliant and Beautiful film
jacquelinedk5 June 2017
I Loved this film, all the actors were great in it, but Navi was Absolutely Amazing as Michael. It is a wonderful film, that I will never forget. It is a mesmerizing and beautiful film showing how Michael was with his children. I think the bodyguards story of their friendship with Michael and caring about him, and showing Michael's love for his children is poignant and it should have been made into a film for the cinema.
I liked the Michael Jackson Story called Searching for Neverland,except ONE MAJOR THING*spoilers included*
gretakendalljosh29 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Great movie, well done for a LIFETIME true-story biopic.JAMAL i think his name is and the other nice bodyguard truly were so LOYAL. .Loyalty is so hard to find now a days. But the only issue with this rated NINE TV cable movie is the accent. Michael was not white.Was a black man. RIP. But the actor is white who do resemble him some scenes, not all. But, the accent was so bad. I think that was wrong to have a white dude.But he did again most times in most scenes resemble MJ later in life. But the accent was too British..Shouldn't have been done like this. The accent was making the movie almost un-enjoyable for me but overall i give it a NINE as a huge mj fan the kid scenes were so realistic sad they lost their great father so soon. RIP MJ ALWAYS REMEMBERED.
Heartfelt and passionate portrayal of the most important personal and emotional aspect of Michael's life - him as a father.
divinationwisdom14 October 2017
There have been various films, documentaries plus many other types of media endeavours (and there probably are more to come still), but this touching biopic is of different class. With a screenplay based on the book (Remember the time - Protecting Michael Jackson in his final days) written by Michael's most devoted bodyguards Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, the very few people who stood by him unconditionally, the movie brings soul-stirring insight into Michael's life mainly as a father.
Masterfully directed by Dianne Houston and with Suzanne de Passe (whom worked with Michael since he was only the wonder baby brother of the Jackson 5) as one of the executive producers, the talented entire team, from actors and all behind the cameras to lights, wardrobe, makeup and hair, has uniquely managed to recreate all the Michael Jackson magic without using any original piece of his work or otherwise related. Not only a wonderful performance from Chad Coleman, who seemed to me was playing the actual main character telling a most moving story about the greatest entertainer of all times and Navi breathtakingly playing Michael Jackson, but all the actors did a fabulous job of their role.
The end result is a great movie that takes us on a very emotional journey, soulfully and skilfully depicted. I feel is a loving, respectful tribute to Michael, but also a way for every Michael Jackson fan to grieve on a more profound level and hopefully get closure. An opportunity for anyone to learn and understand that unprecedented success comes only with tremendous effort and hard work, that the price of fame can be life threatening. Last but not least, that celebrities too are only human beings who can get easily hurt, even permanently damaged, just like we all can and that they need and deserve same level of respect and privacy everyone else does in order to feel safe and help them function properly.
Masterfully directed by Dianne Houston and with Suzanne de Passe (whom worked with Michael since he was only the wonder baby brother of the Jackson 5) as one of the executive producers, the talented entire team, from actors and all behind the cameras to lights, wardrobe, makeup and hair, has uniquely managed to recreate all the Michael Jackson magic without using any original piece of his work or otherwise related. Not only a wonderful performance from Chad Coleman, who seemed to me was playing the actual main character telling a most moving story about the greatest entertainer of all times and Navi breathtakingly playing Michael Jackson, but all the actors did a fabulous job of their role.
The end result is a great movie that takes us on a very emotional journey, soulfully and skilfully depicted. I feel is a loving, respectful tribute to Michael, but also a way for every Michael Jackson fan to grieve on a more profound level and hopefully get closure. An opportunity for anyone to learn and understand that unprecedented success comes only with tremendous effort and hard work, that the price of fame can be life threatening. Last but not least, that celebrities too are only human beings who can get easily hurt, even permanently damaged, just like we all can and that they need and deserve same level of respect and privacy everyone else does in order to feel safe and help them function properly.
Heart of gold
dvsmithf13 December 2019
Michael Jackson was a good man with a good heart. The media and the gullible people that believe everything they hear on the fake news killed this good, innocent man. No wonder he couldn't sleep with all the uneducated idiots cutting him down and threatening him and his children. What a terrible loss.
Ever notice that it's the poor kids/families that claim to have been violated by MJ? Macaulay Caulkin and Corey Feldman said he was very polite and never did anything to them.
Don't people realize all these greedy lying losers wanted was MJ's money?
And if you actually pay attention to their stories they keep crossing lines because they are LYING! There is a YouTube video that points out the lies where one minute the mother and child lie about The Grand Canyon. Years ago they said the child went to The Grand Canyon with his family, now after several years they forgot what they said and now in Finding Neverland they say the child had stayed with MJ. That's what happens when you lie. MJ is innocent and was an excellent entertainer that young and old alike all loved and enjoyed his talent. I was there, I seen it. Everyone loved Michael Jackson and he deserves to be remembered as the King of Pop. May he Rest in peace. 🙏
It was ok
aakashmichael17 March 2019
Surprisingly Good!
jaywes-510864 October 2021
Best Movie that shows the true life of MJ
robberspakistani28 December 2020
Literally this whole movie potrayed MJ the best way ever possible, the haters are going to hate, because they suck and dont know anything about MJ. They are just here to ruin fun for people. I totally recommend watching this movie. Dont listen to the haters. Its what their mom told them
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