Michael Flatley's 'Blackbird': Brian Lloyd Explains Why He Gives it a 1-Star Review | Ireland AM

"Michael Flatley said "I don't watch a lot of films," and boy does it show!"
Brian Lloyd joins Muireann and Tommy to review Michael Flatley's new movie 'Blackbird.' He explains why he only gave it one star.
"At the press screening, people were laughing!"
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[@megb7758]

'The cameras were all facing the right way and the sound was on ' Damn 🥶

[@candjim]

Michael Flatley's tilted hat collection were the real star of the show

[@ryano7220]

My fan letter to Michael Flatley: "On a scale of 10 to 10, how much do you regret making this movie? I ask because of the unjustifiable criticism laid at your door. I can honestly say that your performance was the best portrayal of a secret agent by a river dancer that I have ever seen. People ridicule your status as a sex symbol in this movie. Little do they know the fact that on one single night, you had intimate relations with the writer, producer AND director. I'll cut it here. I don't want to anger you. If this turns into a fight then I'm tapping out." Yet to hear a reply. Heartbreaking.

[@earthwormjum]

The way the Irish squeeze two syllables out of the word "film" is adorable.

[@bloochoob]

We do that in Scotland too, ‘fillum’ 🤣

[@sophocles8761]

The Irish accent is the most beautiful accent in the world - it sings to me - the Scots have the second best and the French the third - and the girls are the prettiest and the humor is the riproaring best - I am English

[@fernandomaron87]

​@@sophocles8761i agree, i love some Jamaican accents as well

[@mrmervinjminky1536]

Definitely going to see this… Steve Coogan should have done a movie like this for Alan Partridge 😂

[@RugbyJackal]

It was Coogan who came up with the magic line "Flatley, my dear, I don't riverdance."

[@bellycuda]

Exactly my thoughts, 'classic Partridge'

[@mandead]

Yeah, an in-character Partridge movie he's scripted and directed as a vehicle for himself has great potential.

[@maoilscheachlainn]

Saw it in the cinema last night. It's the theatrical event of the decade.

[@c02615223]

The only shame is he didn't call the film "Threat level midnight"

[@lucasoheyze4597]

I'd pay to watch Michael Flatley Do The Scarn.

[@langleymneely]

I was just thinking this!

[@KLC6432]

I saw this for free today. Walked out half way through. It is literally the Irish version of Tommy Wiseaus The Room.

[@markholohan4446]

The Room is a masterpiece compared to this🤣🤣

[@KLC6432]

@@markholohan4446 I'm so glad I didn't pay for it 🤣

[@windupmerchant1679]

Tommy Wiseaus is a genius but no director can ever match the genius of Neil Breen.

[@Luvie1980]

Interesting since Michael flatley is American. Born and raised in Chicago I think.

[@DSPsWifesBF]

@@windupmerchant1679no direct can match the delusional ego of Breen

[@c0mbat15]

I have to say that after all of this press it's probably the most anticipation I've got for watching a film ever. I can't wait!!!

[@johnmc3862]

😂😂😂

[@RugbyJackal]

Flatley, my dear, I don't river dance.

[@jameslupton2381]

Excellent comment

[@dominicrusho]

Cliff Thorburn is an unknown quantity

[@El-mu4mt]

Nice

[@RugbyJackal]

@@dominicrusho Outstanding....a true Partridge fan.

[@dubtownman9508]

You just won the Internet today with your superb comment

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

It's just so out of nowhere. A Michael Flatley actioner!!!

[@kmadge9820]

In Ireland it's already a classic.

[@jamesangus8340]

The dynamic hat change during a heated discussion whilst walking full pace was the highlight of this film

[@mikeyk212]

If only Michael had a bit more confidence in himself. Best actor in Monaco will help.

[@SBandy]

Should be a double feature with Tommy Wiseau's The Room!

[@markholohan4446]

Tommy wouldn't touch this with a bargepole. Even he would "wow that's so bad man".

[@SBandy]

@@markholohan4446 I would not watch it, I would not. Oh hi Mark!

[@williamnantz5604]

Never heard of Brian Lloyd before, but he is fantastic😂

[@noelmaher4633]

The20 second Lidl add prior to this was more entreating than this exclusive.

[@JCJW101]

This reviewer is brilliant!

[@PositronicDiscombobulator]

After watching a couple of reviews I checked him out. It looks to me this guy has employed a massive amount of artists and techs over his career. I really respect that.

[@langleymneely]

🎶“Threat Level Midnight… makes everybody say ALL RIGHT, from Obama to Madeleine Albright…”🎶

[@windupmerchant1679]

Flatley needs to team up with Neil Breen.

[@robnewton3368]

Graham Linehan has got to do another Father Ted episode - like a Christmas Special - so they can reference this film.

[@barbarakirk3064]

Ardal O'Hanlon really had it in for Michael Flatley when I saw him do a stand-up set at Leeds City Varieties.

[@TheGeneral_LUFC]

This could be a cult classic

[@seamus2625]

The door.

[@RugbyJackal]

Mick Blackbird Flatley vs Big Joe Egan on pay per view, St Patricks day. Joe would bring the force but Flatley could jump around the ring like a leprechaun darting away from the fight. Some of these lads have a past, and what I'm trying to do with this is show them a future.

[@adamgrimsley2900]

Ahhh Ted...bet this is Dougal's favourite film

[@adamgrimsley2900]

At least he's not doing any more Riverdance

[@henrygvidonas9573]

"The cameras were all facing the right way and the sound was on..." Well, that's the movie's biggest failure. A silent movie of the crew milling about and staring at the "action" with defeated disgust on their faces would have been a better cinematic experience.

[@MrDavey2010]

Apparently Flately is an amazing electrician.

[@MrRolandMichel]

Very likely, one of the Finest attempts at Cinema, ever! (Attempts is the key word) 😄

[@richards3192]

'The egomania of Twinkle Toes'

[@vicious7462]

pretty sure this guy is plagiarizing an interview that was done on the radio about this movie. His responses the "camera pointing the right way and the lights turned on" which he almost shoehorned in there come straight from that as well as the monaco streaming festival quote which he also shoe horned in there. Very odd

[@itsmedave7815]

Maybe he..Michael Flatly..knows it's a parody 🤔🤣and the laughs maybe with him.

[@tobyhart]

It's a great Filim Begorrah

[@philyaboots1]

He likes his old self, to be sure, But theres more to Oireland den dis.

[@jamesennis8837]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Stuboy1979]

👌😂😂😂😂

[@lonniewells4801]

I finally watched Blackbird. Although I wasn't captivated by it it was interesting enough to watch from starting credits to ending credits. keeping g in mind Flatley is not a professional actor I did expect a little more. The reason I say that is for years he's performed on stage but the major difference is in dance he was himself. He didn't convince me of him being a secret agent but I have seen worse. The film isn't as bad as these people are saying it is but it also didn't knock my socks off either. I'm not a movie critic. I'm not an actor, producer or director but I'm smart enough to know this film could have been better. Hopefully dream dancer will be a winner.

[@skysedgeproductions6170]

Remember they laughed at Room.

[@reservoirdude92]

Love the dude's Steely Dan shirt.

[@TonyJBrennan]

The trailer line should have been ' top of the mournin to ya '

[@Chewligan1]

This is what happens when rich narcissists spend their money !!

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Not to be confused with Blackbird the Apple TV show

[@siobhanmcfadden3434]

I'm going to watch this. Critics don't have the power to destroy a movie any more. Thankfully.

[@denisdaly1708]

no. The movie does it all by itself

[@eoinMB3949]

I agree

[@brianthomas2434]

Critics NEVER had the power to destroy a film. That was an excuse from lousy film makers whose poorly reviewed movies happened to fail. The public almost never paid attention to criticism. If anything critics might help out obscure low budget film😢that might get lost.

[@gohumberto]

This answers the age-old question - "Mummy, what would it be like if Terry Venables played James Bond?". I mean FFS .... Flatley was out-acted by his hat.

[@eilis1969]

It reminds me of Micheal Scott’s “ Threat Level Midnight” ( The Office) ..it’s here on KZbin to watch and still looks better than this 😅😅😅

[@niamht7452]

No joke but, think it will become a movie with a cult following like Sharknado 🕺

[@georgeash4008]

Sharks invade Dublin on St Patrick's Day. Sharks vs a Dancing Flatley!

[@theheaterguyryan5052]

This looks like a classic like E.T.

[@travisr82]

Sleeping with the enemy was a long time ago 😅

[@jb6368]

Unless he tap dances in Morse code I ain't going lol

[@larryscott3982]

These days direct to streaming is the fate of many films. And streaming might recover the budget … eventually. Did he ripoff investors? Or did he bankroll it himself?

[@FiveSigma72]

All paid for by himself. It's pretty much the very definition of vanity project.

[@lovejoy3347]

Michael Flatley would have been amazing as Dutch in Predator (1987).............said no one ever.

[@jocelynharris-fx8ho]

Why not just have a dance-off with some of the James Bond actors ?

[@AugustThor438]

Is his nickname in real life Flatbird then?

[@eoinMB3949]

Heres the thing though........Michael flatley has made a feature length film, how many people can say they've done this? He wrote it, he directed it and he acted in it, which is an incredible amount of work. Even if the movie is as bad as all the reviews make it out to be, flatley has still done something most of the people laughing at him will never have the courage to do. Roosevelt's famous speech is about this exact thing, The man in the arena. And I think most of the people slating michael flately are forgetting this, that he's the man in the arena while we are the ones sitting up in the gallery judging and mocking. Its the man in the arena who matters, not you, dont you realise that? Blackbird may well be one of the worst films ever made but Michael flately has accomplished something most of if not all film critics will never have the courage to do and that is make a film. So laugh all you like, at the end of it all you're actually just one of those people who look at other people trying something you lack the courage to try and because of that the credit is due to the man in the arena, even if at first he does fail spectacularly.

[@misterbonzoid5623]

You are right. And people can laugh. Both are true.

[@seamus2625]

Michael??

[@eoinMB3949]

@Nathan Crowther you make it out as if michael flatley was handed millions of dollars to make this movie. As if he didn't earn that money himself, which he did. He earned that money through hard graft over years and years. He wasnt privileged he worked hard. And then he used this money to make his film. Anyone can do this, it's a matter of hard work and dedication. But how many choose to do this? Very few and that's why michael flatley desrves credit for what he's done. And that's why all those people criticising him are simply people sitting up in the stands while he's in the arena. And it's the man in the arena that counts, not the critics who lack courage to be in the arena.

[@eoinMB3949]

@@aophotos What I heard was he made a promise to his dying mother that he would make a film. It may well be a vanity project but nobody can know that only Michael flatley himself. But what can't be disputed is that he has made a feature film, something that most of the people (if not all of them)have never done. And I'd guess he learned a lot from making this film so that if he decides to make another one it will be better made. And if he makes another after that it will be better made. There has to be room in the world for people to try and fail(spectacularly in this case). Otherwise people will be afraid of even trying for fear of being ridiculed and dismissed(which is exactly what's happened here)and that's a tragedy that reflects badly on us all.

[@christopherjones7241]

Why didn't he just give the money to charity instead of making a fool of himself?

[@johnmc3862]

He just told no one it was comedy. 😅

[@jflsdknf]

Is Flatley aware he's a joke after this movie?

[@19Tharg76]

Soft day begorrah

[@stereotypespecialist]

If you replaced Flatley with Rowan Atkinson, it would be a funny movie on purpose.

[@mk1st]

This will turn out to be a case of “any publicity is good publicity” when it goes on to make millions

[@charlesmclaughlin4444]

2:08 Father Dougal…

[@danielmoran9902]

As soon as I saw Eric Roberts....

[@paulbaker9434]

I tell you what I saw this last night it was just so shit it was sooooo good lol

[@MrZodiac666]

This film is the new Citizen Kane 🎥

[@georgeash4008]

Yes, but only if you mean Citizen Kane the remake that was directed by a blind Parrot.

[@glo1761]

Is this this kids idea of a professional movie review at the expense of a great performer who has entertained and brought joy to thousands of people. Really?

[@paulmoneill]

I take it you have yet to see the film. He's actually being kind to it in fairness.

[@glo1761]

@@paulmoneill ty for your comment. I did see the trailers...looks campy and fun to me, can't wait to see. In regards to your question, I was simply saying was this a "professional" review? was it necessary to laugh and put down Mr. Flately so much to make his point? About the "kind" part I guess I missed that part but I'll look again. Ty Paul

[@rockstarsouth3405]

Harry Potter grew up to be a bit of a meany.

[@cianog]

Funniest film I’ve ever seen

[@markszczepanski5293]

Maybe it's meant to be a comedy film

[@freepadz6241]

Still beats festival of brexit

[@footballbabybaby]

We need more right wing movements funded !!

[@dubtownman9508]

Who is this guy.. I want to hear his reviews from now on...😀😀😀

[@heroicjourney2508]

Filum

[@markholohan4446]

No matter what, you cannot polish a huge turd.

[@andrismacs]

Is this a parody of Bond or something?

[@FiveSigma72]

Yes, In the same way that Mrs Browns Boys is a parody of Goodfellas.

[@chestypants78]

Eric Roberts is in it because of course he had to be.

[@georgeash4008]

I am guessing he needs the money.

[@OdaVenom]

I'll tell the truth as I see it: "Blackbird" looks like something you would find on VHS or DVD somewhere near a corner in a video store, you would look at the cover for 0.03 seconds without properly noticing what it is and move on. It's the same way when you watch it, trust me, it isn't Tom Wiseau or Neil Breen. The fact that it was made by a famous river-dancer that what made all this vampires notice it, latch on it. Everything about this is pathetic. The critic, that doesn't resembles human being, let alone a well-developed male, forced awkwardness passed as a "humor", the fake laughter of yes-men. It's everything why people turned off TVs and went to search something fresh on YT and such. It's a very appropriate name too, leaving you desire for a Chad Media Television.

[@Chopperwocky]

Just how deluded is Michael Flatley

[@stephenmontgomery3929]

Looks terrible

[@Johndoe10007]

I think it’s disgusting that this movie 🎥 reviewer had to express his negative opinion of of the film 🎥 in such a disrespectful way and the rest of the broadcasters and crew also . That’s just unfair especially as this guy has done nothing of consequence in Ireland 🇮🇪 the Irish tv 📺 channel should be also be ashamed for letting this on tv 📺… fair enough the film may not be great but be gracious about it . Like him or not Michael flatley has worked very hard at making a positive contribution to Ireland 🇮🇪 in Ireland and around the world 🌎

[@paulmoneill]

Have you seen the film. It's a turkey that isn't going to see the new year.

[@Wafaloo]

Your post needs more emoji

[@mkl0707]

The film has been made for tax break purposes. You will find alot of bad films get made for this reason

[@orphanoforbit7588]

The worst thing is, that there will be those extra cool people out there who say they love it because its so hilariously awful and will turn it into a cult classic as bad as the garbage Sharknado franchise which is a futile way to spend valuable time.

[@AlphaEarth]

Q: Just how bad is it? A: 2:12

[@cplcummins]

It's the modern era Fatal Deviation.. 😆 at least there's no social engineering Woke nonsense..

[@marleypumpkin4917]

Brian Lloyd hasn’t a clue about films. He has said Terminator 2 is the greatest film of all time. Also, I didn’t know he is g ay.

[@Roger-Bacon]

Give us a clue about film then please

[@southlondon86]

Terminator 2 is an incredible movie though.

[@brianthomas2434]

Homophobia, last refuge of the domestic Irish twit.