The verdict on “ Michael ” is in, and it is blunt. A 38% Rotten Tomatoes score has landed with a familiar critique: The film avoids the most controversial chapters of Michael Jackson’s life. But with a projected $85 million or more global opening, the film has secured its place in the cultural zeitgeist, and the harsh reviews it suffered won’t doom its awards prospects. Despite the critical lashing, the audience score has been propped up by faithful fans and is sitting at 96%. It’s worth going