A moonwalker's legacy
Being a child of the '80s afforded me myriad memorable experiences involving fashion, film, music and popular culture of that period. There are a flood of memories remaining clear of the everlasting impressions a certain artist, film, video game, comic book, animated series or action figure had on me during those formative years.
I still remember the first time my eyes and ears became mesmerized by the innovation and electricity of Michael Jackson, seeing him stand on stage wearing his iconic fedora, black sequin jacket, white glittery glove and socks, complete with classic loafers. Any other figure wearing such attire would come off as odd. Jackson, on the other hand, personified what it meant to be "cool." There was not anyone nor anything like him nor will there ever be again. Listening to his music and attempting to replicate his dancing was my daily routine during my childhood.
When I first watched his music video for "Thriller," to say it scared me deeply would be an understatement. It frightened me to the point that I still remember my father getting annoyed, frustrated and amused at how the video made such a memorable impression. Of course, as an older man in 2026, the video does not bring a sense of fear. If anything, it is an impressive reminder of how, given its 1982 release date, it does not feel dated, the make-up design for the zombies gives off a realistic appearance, the music is timeless, the dance sequence is iconic, and I venture to say it is still the greatest music video of all time.
I am forever grateful to have lived during Jackson's meteoric explosion during the '80s, '90s and even watched him perform live in concert during our military station assignment in Germany. My father and I took a bus to Cologne, Germany, when Jackson was on his 1992 World Dangerous Tour. The words of my father echo in my mind after we left the show with him saying, "You know, Isaiah, I forgot all about my feet and back hurting when Michael catapulted from underneath the stage." During my childhood, my heroes of the '80s were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jackson. Both were influential figures on me during those formative years. I found myself obsessing over wanting to be exactly like them.
April 24 this year is going to be a memorable experience for the ages in the world of cinema. Jackson's music has this magical component of bringing people of the world together of all races and religions, both genders and all ages for one commonality, which is embracing the escape he provided with his music, performances and videos. On that day, the first official theatrical biopic focusing on Jackson's beginning in the Jackson 5 on the way to becoming the global phenomenon will premiere. The last legitimate rendition of Jackson was the mini-series titled "Jacksons: The American Dream." Other depictions focused more on controversies, rumors or added a manipulative twist that served a nefarious agenda. The film titled "Michael" stars Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca and Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson. Jaafar Jackson is Michael's nephew and Jermaine Jackson's son.
The fact that the family has personally overseen this project and has his nephew portraying his late uncle solidifies it being a serious project focusing on the principal elements of Jackson's life. I do believe there is complete understanding that Jaafar will never capture every single aspect of Michael's essence. Based on the trailers, he is about as close as the world will witness. He looks, sounds and even moves like him in the scenes that have circulated online. Jackson's life was eccentric, difficult, complicated and iconic, making it impossible to tell the story with one singular film. There will be a second part focusing on the era after "Bad" transitioning into Dangerous, HIStory, Invincible, and the unfortunate allegations that followed. I do not believe he was guilty of any of the accusations under any circumstances.
This column offers a reflection on the beautiful music, innovative videos and dancing that made him an untouchable legend as well as builds anticipation for the film release on April 24. Hearing Jackson through state-of-the-art theater speakers and watching the audience relive his memorable sound will be a beautiful experience. His Jackson 5 beginnings, "Off the Wall," "Thriller," Victory Tour and "Bad" receiving a sincere treatment is going to be a refreshing take as it will move away from the sensational rumors and allegations. "Michael" is going to be the biggest, most successful and record-breaking film of 2026, bringing in more than a billion dollars worldwide. I am looking forward to Jaafar's performance along with experiencing Michael Jackson's artistry with fellow fans. April 24, 2026, is the official day of remembering a moonwalker's legacy.
To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.