The Dark Backward

  • 1991
  • R
  • 101m
movieMx RATING
5.6/1039
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Dark Backward Review

Last updated: January 23, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Dark Backward (1991) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Dark Backward features a noteworthy lineup led by Judd Nelson . Supported by the likes of Bill Paxton and Wayne Newton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Dark Backward (1991) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Dark Backward stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Dark Backward

Quick Plot Summary: The Dark Backward is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Dark Backward

Ending Breakdown: The Dark Backward attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Dark Backward reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Dark Backward?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Comedy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Dark Backward

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $2.0M
Worldwide Gross $28.7K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Dark Backward Budget

The estimated production budget for The Dark Backward is $2.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: The Dark Backward

All Cast & Crew →
Judd Nelson
Judd NelsonMarty Malt
Wayne Newton
Wayne NewtonJackie Chrome
James Caan
James CaanDr. Scurvy
Rob Lowe
Rob LoweDirk Delta
Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob ThorntonPatron at Sloppy's
King Moody
King MoodyTwinkee Doodle
Carrie Lynn
Carrie LynnNicolette
Anna Berger
Anna BergerMrs. Malt
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The Dark Backward Parents Guide & Age Rating

1991 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Dark Backward age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Dark Backward is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Dark Backward is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Dark Backward is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1991 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Dark Backward. Rating: 5.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Dark Backward worth watching?

The Dark Backward is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Dark Backward parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Dark Backward identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Dark Backward?

The total duration of The Dark Backward is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.

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How The Dark Backward Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Dark Backward

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.6
The Dark Backward
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-dark-backward-69342" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Dark Backward</div></div></a>

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