Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.