When we were in the eighth grade, back in the very early 1970s, we had a terrific music teacher, Mr. Stine. He invited us to bring in records of our favorite contemporary songs, so that we could listen to them and could discuss them. My classmate Mark brought in a copy of "Fire & Rain" by James Taylor. A whole bunch of us still remember -- to this day! -- Mr. Stine's insightful analysis of what are now the lyrics of a classic work. What 45 rpm record did I take to eighth-grade music class? "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5 ... which surely couldn't compete with James Taylor, either then or now. But their song was on the radio, and I liked it well enough to spend my allowance so that I could hear it whenever I wanted. Alas! Mr. Stine didn't think as highly of it as I did.

It was the only Jackson record I ever bought. My musical tastes of favor went in other directions. But of course, I couldn't escape the sound of Jackson music. No one could. After Michael went solo, he and his music were everywhere. And we couldn't help but follow some of the stories about his personal life, too. Considering the phenomenon of Michael again now proves to be a trip down memory lane for us all. It's an absorbing, emotional and delightful one.

This film is a family saga. It covers 22 years of life and music, from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s. It could also be considered to be a fish-out-of-water story, as well as the tale of a presumed underdog. Because at center stage is a unique individual who is smart, sensitive, creative and truly talented. And he's constantly kept in a tight hold by an overbearing and controlling father.

Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo) deliberately trains his five sons to become a musical act of precision. He demands perfection. He lashes out if he doesn't get it. Michael (Jaafar Jackson) is an easy target for his father's anger, since he is the smallest and the youngest. And he's different. Nevertheless, together, the boys find success as The Jackson 5. Within a few years, the family is able to move out of its small home in Gary, Indiana, and into a gated mansion in Encino, California.

The music comes first, always. Otherwise, the circumstances of the situation cause Michael to befriend animals -- and not many people. His mother Katherine (Nia Long) is one of his closest friends. So is his bodyguard and confidant, Bill Bray (KeiLyn Durrel Jones). Producer Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson) and eventual manager John Branca (Miles Teller) also come into his small fold. The question always remains. Will Michael EVER be able to remove himself from Joseph's controlling thumb? We're rooting for him.

We witness the origins of his albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad. Michael finds joy in creating his own music and in producing spectacular videos. Yet even after gaining superstar acclaim, it's not all fun and games. There's always Joseph's attitude and temper to deal with. And when we in the audience hear the words "Pepsi" and "commercial" in the same sentence, we know what lies ahead. Michael doesn't know. And the visuals on the screen are even more horrific than we could imagine at the time of the accident. How DID the real Michael deal with it?

These characters are quite well cast. Jaafar Jackson has gotten much publicity, since he's not only the main focus but also Michael Jackson's nephew. His father is Jermaine Jackson. And yet: kudos should ALSO be forwarded to Juliano Valdi, who portrays the younger version of Michael to a tee. He's energetic and believable. We should note that all of the performers in the movie lip-synch to the original recordings. Jaafar nailed down all of the complex dance moves, too, and this is enough. We hear Michael's real voice performing the songs. How did HE do both at the same time, back then?

By the way: be sure to catch a disguised Mike Myers in the near-comic role of Walter Yetnikoff, president of CBS Records. This scene is all too funny.

"I'll Be There" shows up three times, including as a slow melodic background during one heart-wrenching moment. The song could even be interpreted as one of the running themes of the film. How about THAT, Mr. Stine?

Michael regularly sets our heads a-bobbin' and our toes a-tappin'. If you aren't a Michael Jackson fan on your way into the movie theater, you may very well be one, on your way out. At the very least, you will have gained some perspective and some appreciation for his against-all-odds rise to fame and to stardom. And when you get home afterward, you might even want to try to moon walk across the kitchen floor. Be careful!

A sequel to this story is already in the development stage.