Rather than tracing his entire life, the film tracks Jackson's origins with the Jackson 5 through the beginnings of his solo career.

The biopic of the pop singer crushed box-office records on its opening weekend as admirers moonwalked to a movie that critics have savaged.

“This record-breaking performance is a testament to the incredible filmmaking team of producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, an amazing cast led by Jaafar Jackson’s singular performance, our...