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Black Widow (1987)
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dated '80s crime drama has nudity, strong language.
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Black Widow (1987)
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What's the Story?
Federal agent Alexandra Barnes (Debra Winger) suspects that a BLACK WIDOW killer is on the loose when several wealthy men die unexpectedly. Each man was married to a different woman, who then inherited all the wealth, but Barnes begins to suspect that the same woman is changing her identity with each new victim. Against her boss' wishes, Barnes goes out into the field to track down the elusive suspect. She eventually finds Catharine (Theresa Russell) in Hawaii and poses as a new friend. As Barnes gets close to Catharine, the tide begins to turn as she suspects Barnes is not who she says she is. Catharine will do anything to protect herself. When she manages to get Barnes jailed as a murder suspect, it looks like she just might get her way.
Is It Any Good?
Despite strong performances from the two main stars, this thriller comes across as more of a plodding crime drama. Instead of creating suspense over whodunnit, or even about the true identity of the villain, the plot lingers too long on things that don't really matter. This makes it harder to appreciate the real meat of the story, which ought to have been the relationship between Barnes and the Black Widow. A few scenes here and there with cheesy, clunky dialogue don't help, either.
The production quality feels more like a very special episode of Magnum, P.I. than a feature film, and the nudity comes across as an unsuccessful attempt to add sophistication. Teens may be drawn to it, but even older teens who can handle it won't find much else to hold their interest. The ending does have a surprise or two, and it's nice to see a strong female heroine on her own in the last shot instead of in someone's arms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sexual content in Black Widow. How much is OK for teens to see?
Does the amount of swearing seem realistic to you? How much is OK in movies?
Is Agent Barnes treated as an equal at work? In what ways?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 6, 1987
- On DVD or streaming: February 3, 2004
- Cast: Debra Winger , Theresa Russell , Terry O'Quinn
- Director: Bob Rafelson
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre: Thriller
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: HBO advisory for violence, language, and nudity.
- Last updated: March 30, 2022
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