Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Female-led action thriller has violence, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Canary Black
What's the Story?
CANARY BLACK follows CIA agent Avery Graves (Kate Beckinsale) as she goes rogue to fight ruthless terrorists and save her husband, David (Rupert Friend).
Is It Any Good?
Directed by Pierre Morel, who helmed the original Taken movie, this action flick offers a very similar cycle of violence and vengeance, and a particular set of skills. In addition, by pitching Underworld star Beckinsale back into the familiar role of an embattled action hero, Canary Black reels off its familiar setups and payoffs like a crowd-pleasing performer working through a well-worn act. Aside from a couple of neat set pieces—one of which involves the novel use of a table leg to dispose of a booby-trapped explosive device—the action is mostly warp-speed rough and tumble, devoid of any original framing or invention. The third act reveal designed to add some depth to the relationship between Beckinsale's CIA agent Avery Graves and her kidnapped husband feels equally rushed, with Friend literally kept in the dark by his attackers until an abrupt pivot grants him a bit more relevance in the closing stages. The movie's epilogue suggests that its makers think there's enough life in these characters for a sequel. But the stakes will need to be raised if any series is to maintain interest.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Canary Black's violence. Was it thrilling? Scary? Is a certain level of violence expected in a movie like this? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
It's not often that you see a female character as the lead in an action movie. Why do you think that is? What other action movies have you seen with a strong female character as the lead?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the film? Is a certain kind of language expected in a movie like this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 24, 2024
- Cast : Kate Beckinsale , Rupert Friend , Ray Stevenson
- Director : Pierre Morel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : October 25, 2024
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