Netflix, the streaming giant, has a vast library of movies, but not all of them are worth your time. In this article, I'll be sharing my personal opinions on five movies that I believe are best avoided. These films, despite their high production values and star-studded casts, fall short in terms of storytelling, message, and overall entertainment value. So, if you're looking to save your time and energy, here are the movies you should steer clear of:
6 Underground
I must admit, I'm not a fan of Michael Bay's work, and '6 Underground' is no exception. With a massive budget of $150 million, this Netflix original movie stars Ryan Reynolds as a reclusive billionaire who assembles a team of vigilantes. The premise is unoriginal, and the movie fails to deliver any substantial story or message. It's all explosions and action, with no substance to back it up. The talented cast, including Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Dave Franco, is wasted in this vapid and unengaging film. Avoid it at all costs.
Bright
'Bright' is a 2017 Netflix movie that attempts to tackle serious themes like policing and race but ends up being a disappointment. Directed by David Ayer and written by Max Landis, the film stars Will Smith as a police officer in a fictional Los Angeles where humans coexist with magical creatures. The world-building is incredibly lazy, and the movie fails to convey any meaningful message. The performances, despite being strong, are let down by a shallow and muddled narrative. It's a cop buddy comedy with a magical twist, but it falls flat. I'd recommend watching YouTube essays instead.
Red Notice
Another Ryan Reynolds movie on this list! 'Red Notice' is a 2021 Netflix film that stars Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. It's a cat-and-mouse thriller about an FBI profiler searching for a stolen artifact. The movie is empty and lacks any substance, despite the charming leads. The story is predictable, and the performances, while enjoyable, cannot save the film from its emptiness. It's a glossy action movie with no depth, and I agree with Chris Evangelista's review on /Film. Avoid this one if you want to preserve your cinematic experience.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
This 2019 movie, directed by Joe Berlinger, stars Zac Efron as the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. The film is based on a true crime memoir and attempts to humanize Bundy, which is a problematic approach. Efron's performance is praised, but it only makes Bundy seem more appealing than he should. The movie's intention to explore Bundy's charm and looks is disturbing and flatters the killer. It's a disturbing watch and a poor representation of a deeply evil figure. I'd rather not discuss this movie further.
Uglies
'Uglies' is a 2024 Netflix original movie that wants to be a beautiful treatise on society but ends up being deeply ugly. Based on a dystopian novel, it stars Joey King as a young woman in a world where genetic modification is the norm. The movie's message about appearance is twisted, and the story is a pathetic rip-off of other young adult dystopian fare. Even talented actors like King and Laverne Cox cannot save this film. It's a shallow and confusing watch, and I'd recommend avoiding it in favor of 'The Hunger Games' movies.
In conclusion, these five Netflix movies are better left unwatched. They lack substance, have shallow narratives, and fail to deliver on their intended messages. It's important to be discerning about the content we consume, and sometimes, it's better to avoid a movie altogether. I hope this article has helped you make informed choices and saved you from a cinematic disappointment!
