Rating: 
Summary: Not that bad, but not worth losing sleep over
Review: The Jackson Five (circa late 60s/early 70s) was arguably the best group to come out of Motown, and this video, originally an ABC miniseries, attempts to chronicle the life and times of one of the most talented and most dysfunctional families in show business.One of the film's strongest points is its treatment of the patriarch Joseph Jackson, played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. Often characterized as a monster in real life (especially by daughter LaToya), Joseph seems more realistic here as the stern father determined to see his sons realize the dream of musical success he was never able to achieve. While some of his actions seem cruel (like not allowing the boys to attend sister Rebbie's wedding because they had a gig), some are not that bad (like have the boys pile the bricks from frontyard to backyard). It is sometime confusing, because each of the five members of the group (six, if you count Randy) are portrayed by 2 to 3 different actors as the characters age. Some are believable, excellent actors (like Bumper Robinson as the first Jackie), some are HORRIBLE actors (like whoever played Jermaine as he was leaving the group). But UNQUESTIONABLY, the best of all the brothers was Jason Weaver (who later starred in "Thea" and now plays Marcus on "Smart Guy"). He was the second Michael, the Michael from the "I Want You Back"/"ABC"/"I'll Be There" days. Weaver, who is a talenter singer and dancer in own right, makes you believe that he is an 11 year-old Michael Jackson, and the early Motown scenes seem to revolve around him; you can't wait for him to perform again, USING HIS OWN VOICE(!!!) in many of the scenes. BEST SCENCE IN THE ENTIRE FILM: The Jackson 5 at the Apollo theater on Amateur Night, performing the Isley Brothers' "Twist and Shout". You'll be on your feet shouting! But, having said all of that, the weak acting and flimsy script in the later scenes take a lot away from the film. Sadly, Angela Bassett is wasted in the role of mother Katherine Jackson (although she had done "Boyz N the Hood" at this point, this was LONG before "What's Love Got to Do With It" or "Waiting to Exhale", her two best roles) Additionally, someone had the silly idea of casting Holly Robinson Peete as Diana Ross, and Billy Dee Williams as Berry Gordy. While they are both great actors, they are miscast and sorely unbelievable in these roles. Finally, how can you chronicle the tale of the Jackson FAMILY all the way into the late 80s without giving serious attention to JANET?? By this miniseries' release in 1992, both the "Control" and "Rhythm Nation 1814" albums had been released, and Janet was a MAJOR star whose fame was obviously the result of her talent and not her last name (unlike LaToya). Ignoring her detracts from the film's impact as the story of the FAMILY. In a nutshell, if you're a big fan of the Jackson Five, especially the early years, you'll love it. But if you can only afford one miniseries about a Motown group, buy "The Temptations" instead.
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant Flim, Yet good and Bad casting
Review: The Jacksons an American Dream is entertaining MOVIE and well planned with a well thought story. Yet some of the cast wasn't that belivalbe, because some of the kids didn't even look a little bit like the real Jacksons. Even Michael wasn't that well done. the adult one had a deep voice and wasn't skinny enough. And most of all, his nose was too big. couldn't the casting crew just find an MJ inpersonator.The 2nd Micheal was great though. Like a clone. But the Jermaine was not anything like the real thing. He wasn't even that good looking. Yet kathrine was done well by Angela Basset and Joseph played by Laurence. Sussane De Passe was played by Vennessa Williams perfect as a picture. Despite some of the casting, the movie is brilliant,with, fun yet emotinal lerning things you never thought you would know about talened yet troubled Jackson Family!The movie also features some of your favorite classic hits from I Want You Back, ABC, I'll Be There, even Bilie Jean and Beat It Showing hoe MJ became the KING OF POP! If you haven't seen it, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: This film is absolutely brilliant. I have been after the proper film for ages as I have only seen it on the television. It goes through Michael Jackson's childhood and fame so unique. I recomend this to all Michael Jackson fans.
Rating:
Summary: great film, the people that play Micheal are amazing!
Review: This is an amazing mini seris! It's the perfect gift for any Jackson fan! The people that play Micheal are awesome and could pass for the real Micheal Jackson! I must also give credit to the person that played the father because that is a starnge and power person and he made the character even more amazing. The rest of the cast was cute and good! But I am just so amazed by the person that plays Micheal in 1976- 1983 that was one of the best parts of the movie but the best of best part of the movie is when Micheal performs "Billie Jean" is amazing and is actually like Micheal did it. Please see this movie you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Stuff
Review: This is the greatest TV Mini Series of all time. Michael Jackson is the greatest artist in HIStory and this is a great way to celebrate his beginnings.
Rating:
Summary: A good show
Review: This mini series is a wonderful look into the life of the Jacksons. It is funny in parts, it is often sad, and a very honest in your face film. The acting is pretty decent especially the actor who did Michael. His version of the Motown 25 performance was an impressive attempt I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Don't listen to "baldbro"...
Review: This movie was good, hands down. ESPECIALLY good was Colin Steele who played the oldest Jermaine. He is just so good-looking and hot...whatever happened to him? He was GREAT and believable in his role as Jermaine--one only has to see the real Jermaine Jackson talk, walk, and speak to see how authentic Colin's interpretation of the role was. In fact, he just about makes the movie; it doesn't really start to get "good" until the brothers grow up and enter the mid-seveties. Five stars all the way.
Rating:
Summary: The Jackson's - The American Dream
Review: This movie.... is the movie for all ages. My kids love it. When I first saw this movie I fell in love with it. I had tape both parts had it for years, then it got lost. I took it over to someon's house and they could never find it. I've always tried to tape it again but never had the opportunity to do so. Evey character is this movie was casted well. I was not disappointed at no time. This movie is a classic, and all Black Americans should have this movie in their homes. I would like to get my hand on the video for purchase, but every-where I go says that it's not availible. Why?, I do not know. This movie should be in high demand. Why doesn't the publisher make more availible to us. Why is it that this particular video is hard to get a hold of? If anyone out there, publisher, someone that has knowledge to how I could get a hold to this video, please let me know. I would really appreciate it. I've been looking off and on for about 3years, so if you know anything please e-mail me with the information.
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