Few controversies have generated more debate this year than Michael, by Antoine Fuqua, but it seems that hasn’t stopped the public from talking. With 611 million dollars at the box office, the film has managed to dethrone Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ as the fourth highest-grossing biopic in film history. Although Gibson’s film was undoubtedly more profitable. With just a 30 million budget, the 610 million it made at the box office is more impressive in context than the 200 million budget that Michael had. The king of pop, also of […]
Few controversies have generated more debate this year than Michael, by Antoine Fuqua, but it seems that hasn’t stopped the public from talking. With 611 million dollars at the box office, the film has managed to dethrone Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ as the fourth highest-grossing biopic in film history. Although Gibson’s film was undoubtedly more profitable. With a budget of just 30 million, the 610 million it made at the box office is even more impressive in context than the 200 million budget that Michael had.
The King of Pop, also of the Box Office
It is far from achieving higher rankings beyond that. The third place is held by the Chinese film Hi, Mom, by Jia Ling, which grossed just over 840 million, and to reach the second and first places, it would have to surpass Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer, which earned 910 and 975 million dollars at the box office respectively.
None of this takes away from Michael, who is one of the great phenomena of the year. Well positioned as the fourth highest-grossing film of the year—only behind Pegasus 3, Project Hail Mary, and Super Mario Galaxy: the Movie—it has been a spectacular commercial success. Although not critically. Receiving numerous attacks for the partial and very unaware representation of the artist’s image and legal issues, creating a mythologized image of him.
In any case, it doesn’t seem to matter much to the public and fans. And given Michael’s success, it is to be expected that future biopics of artists will continue to seek to hide their dirty laundry to ensure they offer exactly what, it seems, audiences want today: a triumphant representation of the idols they adore.
Spike Lee has come to the defense of the biographical film about Michael Jackson, titled Michael, produced by Lionsgate, in light of the criticism that has arisen due to the omission of the child sexual abuse allegations in the narrative of the King of Pop. During a recent interview with CNN, Lee shared that he enjoyed the film very much and that he watched it twice, highlighting his appreciation for the cinematic work. It ends before what they accuse him of The American director argued that the film concludes in 1988, a period that precedes the first child abuse allegations that […]
Spike Lee has come to the defense of the biographical film about Michael Jackson, titled Michael, produced by Lionsgate, in light of the criticism that has arisen over the omission of the child sexual abuse allegations in the narrative of the King of Pop. During a recent interview with CNN, Lee shared that he enjoyed the film very much and that he watched it twice, highlighting his appreciation for the cinematic work.
Ends before what they accuse him of
The American director argued that the film ends in 1988, a period that precedes the first allegations of child abuse that emerged in 1993. According to Lee, this temporal cut is significant, as it is not deemed relevant to include events that did not occur within the same timeframe of the artist’s representation. The film focuses on the early years of his career and does not address issues that occurred later, Lee stated, thus justifying the creators’ decision.
Despite the focus on Jackson’s artistic career, critics have insisted that it is essential to also address the dark episodes of his personal life. The controversy is not limited to this biopic; Michael Jackson’s legacy remains a subject of debate and deep analysis, especially in the context of the multiple accusations that arose after his death. While Lee praises the film, others believe that the adaptation of his life should include a broader and more comprehensive perspective.
With the release of Michael, Lionsgate has sparked renewed interest in the life of the iconic artist, but it has also opened the door to questions about how public figures are represented in contemporary culture. The narrative of the King of Pop remains complex, and Lee’s comments only emphasize the polarization that still exists around his figure.
The movie Michael, a biopic about the life of the iconic artist Michael Jackson, has reached an impressive milestone of $217 million at the box office during its opening weekend, becoming the biggest opening of all time for a biographical musical. This record figure stands out not only for its magnitude but also for the remarkable international performance of the film, which grossed $120.4 million in 82 markets outside North America. A film pursued by controversy In its home territory, Michael also shone, generating $97 million in the United States and Canada. This box office success reflects the impact […]
This record figure stands out not only for its magnitude but also for the remarkable international performance of the film, which grossed $120.4 million in 82 markets outside North America.
There’s a new box office king.
“Michael” arrived in theaters as an instant sensation with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its first weekend of release. These ticket sales rank as the best start of all time for a biopic, smashing the record set by 2015’s… pic.twitter.com/ogG6yKOUez
In his home territory, Michael also shone, generating $97 million in the United States and Canada. This box office success reflects the lasting impact that Jackson’s legacy has on the public, as well as the ongoing interest in narratives that explore his complex life and career.
The unexpected positive reception in terms of box office also raises questions about the relationship between reviews and commercial success in the film industry. Often, audiences seem to disconnect from specialized criticism, choosing to value their own experience and emotional connection with the material. This phenomenon could place Michael at the center of a broader debate about what truly drives the public’s decisions when it comes to buying tickets.
In summary, Michael has not only set a record in its debut, but has also demonstrated the ability of biographical cinema to resonate with the audience despite adverse reviews, highlighting the cultural phenomenon that Michael Jackson continues to be. The film is expected to continue its box office trajectory as audiences explore the life of this legendary artist.
Michael, the movie that has taken the box office by storm this weekend and presents a highly sugar-coated version of Michael Jackson’s life, ends in 1988. It is to avoid discussing the child abuse charges that it sidesteps as best it can, of course, but in doing so, it leaves out one of the most exciting stages of his life and the key piece of Jackson as pop culture: when he was at the top and decided to try his luck in movie theaters, making films like The Wiz (a unique adaptation of The Wizard of Oz), the short film Captain EO […]
Michael, the movie that has taken the box office by storm this weekend and presents a highly sugar-coated version of Michael Jackson’s life, ends in 1988. This is to avoid discussing the child abuse charges, which it sidesteps as best as it can, of course, but in the process, it leaves out one of the most exciting stages of his life and the key piece of Jackson as pop culture: when he was at the peak of his career and decided to try his luck in cinemas, making films like The Wiz (a sui generis adaptation of The Wizard of Oz), the short film Captain EO (directed by Francis Ford Coppola and shown in Disney parks), and, of course, Moonwalker.
Kidnapping… saving children
Moonwalker, released directly on video in 1988, was actually a compilation of short music videos featuring the singer as the main character, with no connection between them. It was more interesting than it seemed, mind you: there was even a half-animated sequence in clay with his song Speed Demon, and another that won the award for best visual effects at Cannes, Leave Me Alone. In fact, although the producers did not want to release it in theaters, the truth is that it was number 1 on the VHS rental charts in the United States for 22 weeks, and 14 weeks on the sales chart. Obviously, something more had to be done with the prodigy in question.
The singer himself contacted SEGA in the hope that they would make a video game about him. Just like that, without any ego. In 1990, they already had Moonwalker ready, based on the movie, obviously, and particularly on his Smooth Criminal music video. But how do you make a video game based on a music video, in an era when Dance Dance Revolution hadn’t even been invented yet? It was very simple: by following Jackson’s instructions and creating a beat’em’up. Well, actually two: one for arcades and another for Mega Drive and Master System. It was a success, yes, but three years later things started to smell rotten.
In the short in question, Jackson, along with a girl, accidentally discovers the hideout of Mr. Big, an evil mobster who wants to make the entire Earth addicted to drugs, starting with children! Of course, the singer’s job is to stop him. And that is also what we see in the video game, with a small problem: it seemed that Jackson, instead of saving them, was kidnapping them in a move that in 1990 was harmless and in 1993, after the first sexual harassment allegation, began to be seen as something shady. Certainly, it did not help his defense.
In fact, in its console version (not in the arcade), the core of the gameplay was to find children and rescue them, many of them being hidden behind objects in the scene. Additionally, rescuing them increased Jackson’s health, and after finding them all, Bubbles would appear and take Michael to fight against Mr. Big. All of this, of course, to the pixelated rhythm of his songs. Was it a fun game? Certainly. Did no one notice anything strange at the time? Of course. Was it their intention? Absolutely not. Has it aged poorly and does it not seem likely to be released in Michael 2? Yes.
The good part is that this relationship between Jackson and SEGA led to his collaboration on the soundtrack of Sonic 3 (although he ended up leaving the project), he appeared in Space Channel 5, and even after his death, a MMORPG exclusively based on him titled Planet Michael was considered. Fortunately, this money grab did not come to light and his memory was ultimately respected. With or without video games about kidnapping children.
The highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has caused a stir in the entertainment world and a notable absence has generated various comments: the lack of Janet Jackson as a character in the film. The sister of the King of Pop, who has an impressive music career, has not been represented in this cinematic project that narrates the life and legacy of her brother. The great absence During the premiere of the film at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, LaToya Jackson, another of Michael’s sisters, expressed her wish that all members of the Jackson family […]
The highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has caused a stir in the entertainment world, and a notable absence has generated various comments: the lack of Janet Jackson as a character in the film. The sister of the King of Pop, who has an impressive music career, has not been represented in this cinematic project that tells the life and legacy of her brother.
The great absence
During the premiere of the film at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, LaToya Jackson, another of Michael’s sisters, expressed her wish that all the members of the Jackson family were in the film. I wish everyone were in the movie, LaToya commented while interacting with the attendees, hinting at the importance that each of the siblings’ stories could have in the context of the biopic.
Despite Janet’s absence, the film has generated excitement for its focus on the life and career of Michael Jackson, an icon of pop music who left an indelible mark on the industry. Fuqua’s direction has been praised for its ability to portray the complexity of the artist, although the controversy surrounding the representation of his family may influence public perception of the film.
In the context of the premiere, speculations may arise about whether the absence of familiar characters like Janet is a reflection of unresolved tensions within the Jackson family or simply a creative decision by the director. The truth is that the focus on Michael’s figure has sparked a variety of opinions among fans and critics. The film will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation, and the shadow of family absences only increases the interest in what is presented on the big screen.
The highly anticipated biographical film about Michael Jackson, produced by Lionsgate and Universal, will finally premiere globally on April 24, 2026. This production, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, aims to provide a deep and moving look at the life and career of one of the most influential pop music artists. It’s a shame it won’t be a thriller The global release of the biopic marks a milestone in the film industry, as many Jackson fans have been waiting for a project of this magnitude for years. The film promises not […]
The long-awaited biographical film about Michael Jackson, produced by Lionsgate and Universal, will finally be released globally on April 24, 2026. This production, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, aims to provide a deep and moving look at the life and career of one of the most influential artists in pop music.
Too bad it’s not going to be a thriller
The global release of the biopic marks a milestone in the film industry, as many Jackson fans have been waiting for a project of this magnitude for years. The film promises to not only explore his music and achievements but also address the personal challenges and controversies he faced throughout his life. The choice of Fuqua, known for his work on acclaimed titles like Training Day and The Equalizer, suggests a bold and innovative approach to telling Jackson’s story.
In addition to the biopic set to premiere in 2026, it has been confirmed that a second film about Michael Jackson is currently in development, although a release date for this new project has not yet been defined. This news has fueled expectations among the artist’s fans, who are eager to learn more about his life and legacy. There may even be distribution plans underway for this second film, although, so far, no further concrete details have been revealed.
With the lasting influence of Michael Jackson on pop culture and music, the productions from Lionsgate and Universal seem well positioned to capture the attention of audiences around the world. Both films aim to pay tribute to his legacy while offering a narrative about the man behind the myth.
Minecraft Live, the annual event that celebrates everything related to the popular video game, will return on March 22, just two weeks before the anticipated release of A Minecraft Movie. Mojang, the game’s developer, has promised that this year the event will include exclusive content linked to the movie, which could give fans a sneak peek of what awaits them in this new cinematic project. A rather peculiar announcement The announcement of the event was made in an unusual way, through a dance video that references classics like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Around […]
Minecraft Live, the annual event that celebrates everything related to the popular video game, will return on March 22, just two weeks before the ¿anticipated? release of A Minecraft Movie. Mojang, the game’s developer, has promised that this year the event will include exclusive content linked to the movie, which could give fans a sneak peek of what awaits them in this new cinematic project.
A rather peculiar announcement
The announcement of the event was made in an unusual way, through a dance video that references classics like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Daft Punk’s Around the World. This creative approach aims to appeal to different generations of Minecraft fans, culminating in the curious image of an Enderman performing the dance known as “floss.” This nostalgic touch seeks to capture the attention of both veterans and new players.
During Minecraft Live, which will be streamed on minecraft.net/live at 1 p.m. (ET), fans can expect never-before-seen gameplay content, as well as developer commentary that will provide insider information about future updates and the direction the Minecraft universe will take. Mojang has assured that the event will be full of surprises, which promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the day of the broadcast.
In addition to the revelations about the game and the movie, Minecraft Live will also serve as a context to explore other updates and news about the game. From potion crafting to villager management and their trades, fans will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich experience that Minecraft offers. Don’t miss the chance to tune in and get the latest news from this beloved franchise.
There’s no better way to wrap up the holidays than by revisiting gaming’s best winter levels (there are probably better ways, but let’s forget about those for now). Many games over the years have tried to capture the spirit of the holiday season, but these five games showed the greatest holiday cheer.
5 best winter levels in video game history
5. Cool Cool Mountain – Super Mario 64
So cool, it had to be said twice, Super Mario 64’s Cool Cool Mountain was the first time gamers got to see a well-done winter level in 3-D. This iconic winter romp has Mario fighting snowmen and searching the mountain for lost penguin babies. The challenge that most gamers probably remember is the intense slide race against the giant mama penguin. You can slide into a certain spot on the wall to skip half the course, but the penguin will see through your treacherous ways and scold you for cheating. In retaliation, you can hurl her precious baby off of a cliff.
I’m sorry, little one
You can listen to Cool Cool Mountain’s iconic music below, but it’s not quite the same without the ear-piercing shrieking of the baby penguins.
4. Ice Cap Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Many fans consider Sonic 3 to be the best in the trilogy (yes, trilogy. There never was a Sonic 4). The game expands upon the fast-paced, momentum-based platforming of previous entries by adding plenty of power-ups and more complex, explorable levels. Ice Cap Zone is a particular standout. The level ramps up the attitude right away by putting Sonic on a snowboard.
Back in the ’90s, Sonic’s cocky attitude let him stand out against other video game mascots and putting him on something as tubular as a snowboard solidified him as the coolest of the cool. Sure you’re forced to crash the snowboard pretty quickly, but it’s still pretty awesome. Oh, and we need to discuss the music:
The game’s soundtrack had input from none other than Michael Jackson. For the Ice Cap Zone, in particular, Jackson brought in Brad Buxer, keyboardist of The Jetzons. While some have said that Ice Cap Zone contains interpolations/samples of MJ’s Smooth Criminal, there is no doubt that the song is a repackaging of The Jetzons song “Hard Times”.
“Hard Times” didn’t actually get a formal release until 2008 as part of a Jetzons compilation record. Both versions of the song sound amazing, and Sonic’s connection to Michael Jackson is definitely one of the more mysterious pieces of gaming trivia.
This list entry is a little bit different, as I don’t actually like this level at all. In fact, I despise Snow Barrel Blast with every fiber of my being, and now I finally have a chance to talk about it. The slippery ground and the barely-controllable barrel cannons were the bane of my existence when I was 8 years old, and it still took me like 20 tries to beat this level as a grown-ass man.
The Donkey Kong Country games are amazing, but they are filled with absolutely brutal levels. Even among all the other BS levels, Snow Barrel Blast stands out as a Herculean test of patience and rage control. There is nothing more soul-crushing than seeing your helpless Kong fly into the freezing abyss because you missed one barrel cannon shot out of 25109837. I wish I could meet the designer of this level so I could rip their cold, black heart out of their chest with my bare hands.
Music’s pretty great though.
2. Your Town – Animal Crossing
This entry may not technically be an actual level, but the Animal Crossing games handle winter so well there’s no way I could leave them off the list. The Animal Crossing games run in real time, so the in-game seasons reflect the real-life ones. Various festive items pop up around your town in winter. Pine trees suddenly become covered in Christmas lights. Snowmen heads appear, requiring you to roll them an appropriate body. Villagers build igloos where they host cozy minigames and cook delicious chowder.
The whole winter season culminates in Toy Day, a non-denominational winter celebration that features a reindeer named Jingle dressed as Santa. In New Leaf, Jingle lets the player dress as Santa and deliver the presents directly to their neighbors, giving them the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
The chowder song soothes my soul and it’ll probably soothe yours too.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time turns 20. Here’s how it changed gaming forever
The best winter level of the 64-bit era, Freezeezy Peak is a masterpiece of theming and level design. The level features a friendly giant snowman that you can climb and slide down, in addition to several very unfriendly snowmen who chuck snowballs at you with unflinching accuracy. Seriously, those snowy bastards could hit a gnat’s eye three miles away while blindfolded, and it doesn’t help that you constantly hear their evil laughter echoing throughout the level.
In addition to snowmen, the level also features defenseless talking Christmas lights, sliding walruses, and sledding polar bears. The level absolutely nails the Christmas atmosphere, which is really impressive considering the limitations of early 3-D game design. As with most levels in Banjo-Kazooie, the level feels more like a lived-in world than a 3-D playground, giving the game plenty of character. Freezeezy Peak is gaming’s standout winter level even with all of those hellish snowmen.
Plus, the music sounds like something out of a stop-motion Christmas classic.
This list entry is a little bit different, as I don’t actually like this level at all. In fact, I despise Snow Barrel Blast with every fiber of my being, and now I finally have a chance to talk about it. The slippery ground and the barely-controllable barrel cannons were the bane of my existence when I was 8 years old, and it still took me like 20 tries to beat this level as a grown-ass man.
