LOS ANGELES, April 27 -- Michael, the much-anticipated biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson, debuted atop the North American box office this weekend with a thriller-ing US$97 million (RM385 million), industry estimates showed Sunday.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, chronicles the legendary artist's rise from a child star to one of the world's most famous pop icons.

In the starring role is Jaafar Jackson, the popstar's nephew.

"This is a record-shattering opening for a musical biography," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

The film has strong audience approval, "playing as a feel good, nostalgic appreciation," he said, but "reviews are weak."

"Most critics fee...