Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland

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.

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!

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.

"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.

This TV movie provides a great insight of the unknown years of Michael Jackson's life, great watch highly recommend