Review of The Jacksons: An American Dream

First, this mini-series was produced by Suzanne De Passe who played by Vanessa Williams in the mini-series. I didn't realize so much about the Jacksons as a family before. Angela Bassett gives a moving performance as the family's matriarch that Katherine is both strong and loving. Her controversial husband, Joe Jackson, becomes more sympathetic to the viewer. Maybe his portrayer Laurence Hilton Jacobs has done a brilliant job in showing his complex relationship with his children. Holly Robinson is casted as Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams plays the legendary Berry Gordy (founder of Motown and not inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors is bewildering). Once the Jacksons win the amateur night at the Apollo Theatre then they get to go to Detroit, home of Motown Records, and first sing for Suzanne who must persuade Berry to listen to them. He was hesitant at first but he liked what he saw. From there on, the Jacksons were going to be big but there were problems in the family as always. Since the loss of Michael Jackson, this mini-series is a tribute for both him and the family.