Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uninformative docu on athlete's murder; violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Untold: The Murder of Air McNair
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Quarterback Steve "Air" McNair led the newly formed football team Tennessee Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl in its first season in the league and nearly won it for the team. That fame, UNTOLD: THE MURDER OF AIR MCNAIR suggests, is what makes his violent death at age 36 suitable material for an episode in Netflix's Untold series. Although several suspects were questioned, no one was arrested or charged with his 2009 killing or the death of Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi, 20, the deceased girlfriend found with him. His infidelities may have played a role in his demise, police surmise, and Jenni's dissatisfaction with her role in his complicated love life may have led her to shoot him and then shoot herself. Or perhaps her other boyfriend, a convicted felon, may have killed them both. Perhaps it was an old teammate and friend who owed him money who did the deed. No answers are offered. The police investigated, but according to a private detective, they may have done a shoddy job. The movie leaves us unenlightened about the events of that tragic day.
Is It Any Good?
Untold: The Murder of Air McNair doesn't provide much more information than what was already known about the puzzling murder. With regard to the murder cited in the title, there's a surprising lack of depth and investigation. A lot of screen time is spent on McNair's rise as an NFL star quarterback, good for those who know nothing about him, but probably a snooze for those who do. The story of the talented athlete who made it to the big time from his Historically Black University-playing years also seems designed to explain the significance of his untimely violent death to those who have never heard of him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the documentary suggests lifestyle could lead to violent death. Do you think that's true? Why, or why not?
Who do you think killed Steve McNair? Do you think the documentary presents enough information for a viewer to make an informed guess? Why, or why not?
What information do you think the filmmakers could have added to make this more engrossing and enlightening?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 20, 2024
- Directors : Rodney Lucas , Taylor Alexander Ward
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 58 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2024
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