The internet has reacted with expected ridicule after the trailer for Michael Flatley's debut action movie starring himself dropped online.
The official trailer for Blackbird was released on Thursday with the spy-thriller expected to hit Irish cinemas on Friday, September 2.
Blackbird is the debut feature film from celebrated Irish dancer Michael Flatley in which he also stars as Victor Blackley, an ex-MI6 operative who is pulled back into the world he left when an agent connected to his past turns up to his place of business in Barbados.
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The film had its world premiere at the Monaco Film Festival where Flatley picked up the Best Actor award for his role.
The thriller boasts a heavyweight cast including Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables), Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With The Enemy, Patriot Games), Nicole Evans (Captain America) and Ian Beattie (Game of Thrones).
Despite the fanfare, Twitter has not reacted with the same enthusiasm as the judges over at the Monaco Film Festival with early reactions mixed at best.
One person wrote on Twitter describing the movie as "The most Michael Flatley thing to ever happen," while another joked, "I doubt that the Michael Flatley produced and directed movie written by Michael Flatley starring Michael Flatley which is made by Michael Flatley’s production company and financed by Michael Flatley is going to return any money to Michael Flatley.
However, another commented: "Looks like a fun watch actually! Fair play."
Speaking ahead of the movie hitting Irish cinemas, the Lord of the Dance himself said: “I’m thrilled to be releasing Blackbird in cinemas across Ireland. The pandemic has brought about many unprecedented production delays, but we’re finally there. As well as filming on location in Barbados and the UK, we filmed many scenes in Ireland, so premiering here was always the first choice. There’s nothing more breath-taking than the Irish landscape.”
Speaking of his personal connection to the project, Flatley continued: “I was surrounded on set by great talent in Eric Roberts, Ian Beattie, Patrick Bergin, Nicole Evans and Mary Louise Kelly. Sinéad O’Connor who recorded the most beautiful track for the outro, is truly one of Ireland’s treasures.
"Thanks to all the cast and crew for their commitment to the project, and to all of our partners bringing the film to cinema audiences. We’ve all put a lot into this project, and for me it’s very personal. This was a new endeavour for me professionally and something I’ve always wanted to do. My mother, when she was alive, always encouraged me to pursue this dream. Sadly, she will never get to see it, but I know she is watching over me. I’ve had great support from the industry, especially in Ireland, and winning Best Actor at the Monaco Film Festival was very rewarding.”
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