Oxford Bad Film Club are proud to present Michael Flatley’s Blackbird. In his legendary 2018 vanity project, Michael Flatley plays a retired spy who wears many hats but must face up to his past when confronted by an old flame.

Oxford Bad Cinema Club brings the fine art of artless filmmaking to the City of Dreaming Spires. TS Elliot, JRR Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, William Morris and Hugh Grant – the heights of these great artists pale in comparison to the magnum opus of Michael Flatley. In his first (and likely last) cinema outing, as financier, producer, writer, director and star, the Lord of the Dance delivers a 90-minute “tribute to the golden age of cinema.” (His words.) Flatley’s self-insert, Victor Blackley, lives out the fantasy of a teenage boy who’s seen Casablanca and Casino Royale one too many times. Women. Weapons. Whisky. We love this modern entry into the bad films canon because it shows the beauty that can flow from a singular artistic vision, and too much Irish dancing money.

Reviews

‘One of the worst films I’ve ever seen’ – Mark Kermode, Kermode and Mayo’s Take

‘The acting and writing are like the non-sexy bits mthat come between the sexy bits in a porn film made in 1985.’ – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

‘Almost as boring as it is hilarious’ – Donald Clarke, The Irish Times

‘Down the line there will be glorious participation screenings of Michael Flatley’s magnum opus, but for now it’s just a clichéd, risible mess to avoid.’ -Ian Freer, Empire

‘So joyously lacking in self-awareness that it is an absolute riot’ – The Irish Daily Star

‘Almost mythical’ – Hollywood Reporter

‘I think the big twist in Earth’s last season is going to be that Michael Flatley’s Blackbird is good. “Shit, this is good,” we’ll say, as Trump becomes Prime Minister and all the ducks go on fire or something.’ – Patrick Freyne

‘Why can’t I give zero? How are people giving this more than one star?’ – donalennisu on IMDB

‘You keep underestimating him! He’s the blackbird, you fool!’ – some fella in the film