Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated but sweet 1990s comedy has language, slapstick.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Black Sheep
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLACK SHEEP, Al Donnelly (Tim Matheson) is running for governor of Washington State, trying to unseat the crooked incumbent, Evelyn Tracy (Christine Ebersole). Al's brother, Mike (Chris Farley), who works for a rec center, proudly and lovingly tries to campaign for him but continually causes trouble by accident, like crashing a truck into a movie theater. Al taps aide Steve Dodds (David Spade) to keep an eye on Mike and keep him out of trouble; Steve agrees in exchange for a spot on Al's staff. Trouble starts when news photographers make Mike out to be a criminal, contributing to the delinquency of minors and burning down the rec center. Steve and Mike head to a remote cabin to stay out of the way, but trouble continues to plague them in the form of an angry Vietnam veteran (Gary Busey) and an unwise visit to an MTV Rock the Vote concert. Al and Mike have a falling out, but when Governor Tracy tries to steal the election, Mike finds a way to redeem himself.
Is It Any Good?
It received scathing reviews upon release, and it's certainly no masterpiece, but this broad slapstick comedy has a few good laughs and a sweetness that, in retrospect, makes it somewhat endearing. Directed by Penelope Spheeris (Wayne's World), Black Sheep was accused of being big, dumb, and loud, with Farley and Spade trying -- and failing -- to fill the big shoes left behind by previous Saturday Night Live stars. (Famous film critic Gene Siskel confessed that he walked out of the movie.) And it's true that many of Black Sheep's jokes haven't aged well, and the movie's political satire is pretty naive by today's standards.
But Farley rocked SNL, he had a gift for slapstick, and he and Spade had natural comic chemistry together. Their scenes at the remote shack work especially well thanks to a merciless Mother Nature raining misfortune down upon them. Not to mention that Mike is clearly not a jerk or an idiot. He's shown working with kids at the rec center, and he's genuinely excited for his brother, selflessly wanting to help out. It's almost impossible not to find him lovable. Perhaps this is all in retrospect, thanks to time passing and the illuminating documentary I Am Chris Farley. Once you know a little more about the late star, it's possible to look at Black Sheep from a different angle. Farley's death in 1997 prevented him from making any more movies and finding ways to grow and improve, but maybe what he left behind is enough to make a few people happy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Black Sheep's slapstick violence. Why do pratfalls, stunts, and crashes often make us laugh? Are there consequences to this type of violence?
How are drinking and drug use represented? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences?
Is it always important to prioritize family over work? If so, why?
Why do you think Mike is mostly judged for how he looks and his shortcomings, rather than for his kind, loving character?
What does the movie have to say about politics in America? Is it a political satire?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 2, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2010
- Cast : Chris Farley , David Spade , Tim Matheson
- Director : Penelope Spheeris
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude language and humor, drug-related material and sexual innuendo
- Last updated : May 26, 2024
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