Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Biopic celebrates bad behavior; drugs, sex/nudity, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Dirt
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 36 kid reviews
Kids say this film is both a celebration and cautionary tale about a famous rock band, presenting the glamorous but destructive lifestyle associated with fame, including graphic portrayals of drugs, sex, and violence. While fans appreciate its honest depiction of the band's struggles and fallout, many warn that it is not suitable for younger viewers due to its explicit content.
- explicit content
- glamorization of drugs
- cautionary tale
- not for kids
- fan appreciation
- realistic struggles
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Nikki Sixx (Douglas Booth), Tommy Lee (Machine Gun Kelly), Mick Mars (Iwan Rheon), and Vince Neil (Daniel Webber) take the 1980s Sunset Strip rock scene by storm in THE DIRT. Their band, Mötley Crüe, with its penchant for shocking behavior and explosive musical performances, catapults from Los Angeles to international stardom with lightning good luck and a boost from a major record label. But these young men, unleashed and unfettered by insight or morality, implode on a grand scale. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and criminal behavior lead to a horrific downfall ... both victims and perpetrators of their fame and misfortune. After a series of near-death experiences and calamitous lapses in conscience, the men resolve to get sober, renew their vows as "family," and begin again, ultimately grinding out a decades-long musical career.
Is It Any Good?
If viewers get past the terrible writing, bad performances, one-dimensional characters, and overall inept filmmaking, what's left is self-destruction, depravity, and a little music on the side. Director Jeff Tremaine brings all the subtlety and skill he showed in his Jackass movies to rock and roll's lower depths. In a startling lack of responsibility, the misbehavior, graphic drug use, drunkenness, sexual degradation, and disrespect for others make up about 80 percent of the film. The other 20 percent consists of sparse musical numbers, and one shot of the exterior of the Betty Ford Clinic represents their "journey" to sobriety. The Dirt is awful in every way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the extensive alcohol and drug abuse portrayed in The Dirt. Is it romanticized? What consequences are there for the characters? Why is that important?
Think about how filmmakers choose their projects. What were these filmmakers hoping to accomplish by making The Dirt? Who is their intended audience? If you are a Mötley Crüe fan, did the movie add to your understanding of the band members or your enjoyment of their music? Why or why not?
What is a "cautionary tale"? In what way(s) is this movie a cautionary tale? When does a portrayal of bad behavior cross the line and become exploitation of that behavior? How much is too much?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 22, 2019
- Cast : Douglas Booth , Iwan Rheon , Colson Baker , Daniel Webber
- Director : Jeff Tremaine
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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