Parents' Guide to Blackbird

Movie NR 2022 88 minutes
Blackbird movie poster: Michael Flatley stands with a cut eye and lip while other characters from the film are projected onto his body amid an explosion

Common Sense Media Review

Stefan Pape By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Cult crime thriller has violence, drinking, bad acting.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Blackbird: Michael Flatley with a bloodied shirt and an undone bowtie
  • Blackbird: Michael Flatley smiling in a suit and hat
  • Blackbird: Characters dressed in black suits and ties attend a funeral

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

BLACKBIRD is the story of a secret agent, Victor Blackley (Michael Flatley) -- aka "Blackbird" -- who has left his dark and troubled past behind him, moving to the Caribbean to open up a nightclub. But his past soon catches up with him, as an old flame in the form of Vivian (Nicole Evans) arrives, on holiday with her fiancé Blake (Eric Roberts). Their arrival sparks an escalation of events that sees Blackbird falling back into old habits.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This flawed spy thriller is an entire project with the singular aim of massaging the ego of its maker. Blackbird is written by, directed by, and stars Irish American dancer Flatley. It's the sort of project you'd devise at the age of 10 when making movies with your younger siblings, where you, naturally, are the hero. The self-indulgence is hard to look past. The film has generated a cult-like following since its release, with the "so bad, it's good" line being used. But in truth, this movie is just so bad that it's bad, and if you are going to spend your time and money watching something, watch something that is good because it's actually good.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Blackbird. How did it make you feel? What did the movie have to say about violence? Did it glorify it? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How were women portrayed in the movie? Did you find anything problematic with their roles? Why representation matters in kids' media.

  • How was drinking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Why does that matter?

  • The film has developed something of a cult status, becoming renowned for being so bad that it's good. Do you agree with this sentiment? What do you think were the filmmaker's motivations for making the film?

  • The spy genre is a real classic in cinema. What are your favorites? How did this compare?

Movie Details

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Blackbird movie poster: Michael Flatley stands with a cut eye and lip while other characters from the film are projected onto his body amid an explosion

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