Much celebrated film, ‘Michael,’ just posted a new record, at $217.4 million, as the highest grossing opening film for a musical bio-pic worldwide.

The Michael Jackson film, ‘Michael,’ is a totally entertaining film that can move you in every direction, although its material, though sanitized, is common knowledge. Nostalgia is evoked by his timeless music, all those terpsichorean skills, while the dynamic of a family ruled by an authoritarian father and the inner turmoil of an evolving artist, played perfectly well by Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, blur the line between sympathy and empathy.

The film, however, tells only half the story of the life of the King of Pop. Untouched are the controversial issues that surrounded his success, including charges against child molestation and drug abuse.

Nonetheless, the movie ends with a promise. His story continues, it says. That’s probably a hint for a more sensational chapter 2. Meanwhile, we can only hope that now that Michael’s gone and everything has been said and done, we can all ‘Heal the World.’

We caught the film during one of its screenings last weekend at Powerplant-Rockwell in a theater with a surprisingly good attendance. Outside, we spotted a crowd lining up for tickets, prompting us to think that people must truly be missing the experience, the beauty, of watching films in theaters instead of just scrolling through them on their cell phones.

A week or so prior, "Project Hail Mary" similarly caused a stir at the box office. Of course, you’ve also heard about how many have been anticipating the coming of "Devil Wears Prada 2."

But, wait a second there. All of these movie hits are of foreign origin, sadly. Do we have to wait for the next Metro Manila Film Festival to witness the comeback, perhaps the revenge, of Filipino movie box office blockbusters? Heard that the 2026 line-up will be quite promising, with the likes of Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto partnering for the first time in a strictly fun-fun, laugh-all-you-can project.

Also in the works are a Dingdong Dantes-Marian Rivera romance drama and yet another one starring Coco Martin daw.

Thank you, Michael Jackson, your music, your moving life story, for helping propel people back to the cinema.