266 - Michael & the Thriller

In episode 266 of *Drink the Movies*, hosts Brian and Michaela dive into the new biopic *Michael*, a film chronicling the early life and rise of Michael Jackson from his childhood in the Jackson 5 through his breakthrough as a solo artist up to 1988. The episode opens with a playful exchange about the film’s title, clarifying it’s not about John Travolta’s *The Angel*, but the King of Pop. They then craft a custom cocktail called the 'Thriller'—a bourbon-based drink with pomegranate juice, ginger syrup, and lemon juice—inspired by the iconic music video. The hosts praise the film’s visual spectacle, particularly Jafar Jackson’s mesmerizing performance as Michael and Coleman Domingo’s chilling portrayal of Joseph Jackson. While they commend the film’s emotional core and production design, they critique its failure to fully capture Michael Jackson’s global cultural impact and its abrupt ending that hints at a sequel without resolving the story of Neverland. Despite these shortcomings, they agree the film is a compelling, visually rich portrait of a young artist striving for independence from a controlling father, and recommend it to fans of music biopics and Michael Jackson’s legacy. The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of adapting complex lives into films, the importance of balancing artistry with authenticity, and the potential for a follow-up exploring Jackson’s later years. The hosts also highlight the film’s strong performances, meticulous costumes, and nostalgic music, while acknowledging its limitations in scope. They encourage listeners to share their thoughts on the film, their favorite music biopics, and to try the Thriller cocktail at home. With upcoming Star Wars-themed episodes and a vibrant Patreon community, *Drink the Movies* continues to blend film critique, cocktail culture, and audience engagement.