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 insights and opinions on five movies you should definitely avoid on Netflix. These films, despite their high production values and star-studded casts, fall flat in terms of storytelling and message. Let's dive into why these movies are not worth your precious minutes.
6 Underground
Michael Bay's 2019 Netflix original, "6 Underground," is a prime example of a movie that fails to engage. With a massive budget of $150 million, the film stars Ryan Reynolds as a reclusive billionaire who assembles a team of vigilantes. The premise, while intriguing, is executed poorly. The movie lacks a compelling story and a clear message, reducing itself to a series of explosions and action sequences. The talented cast, including Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Dave Franco, is underutilized, leaving viewers with a sense of wasted potential.
Bright
David Ayer's "Bright," released in 2017, attempts to tackle serious themes like policing and race but falls short. The movie, set in a fictional Los Angeles where humans coexist with magical creatures, stars Will Smith as a police officer. While Smith delivers a solid performance, the world-building is incredibly lazy, and the story fails to explore the potential of its unique setting. The film's messages about racially divided societies are muddled and superficial, making it a disappointing watch.
Red Notice
Another Ryan Reynolds film, "Red Notice," is a glossy yet lifeless action movie. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, it stars Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot in a cat-and-mouse game involving a stolen artifact. Despite the presence of charming leads, the movie lacks substance and a clear message. It's a shallow, vapid experience that fails to engage viewers, as even Chris Evangelista, the chief film critic at /Film, found it lacking.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
This 2019 film, directed by Joe Berlinger, tells the story of Ted Bundy, a notorious serial killer. While Zac Efron's performance has earned some praise, the movie's casting of a handsome and likable actor as a killer is problematic. It flatters Bundy and makes him seem more appealing than he should be. The film's attempt to humanize Bundy through his relationship with Elizabeth Kendall falls flat, as the true crime aspect is overshadowed by the romanticized portrayal.
Uglies
Finally, we have "Uglies," a 2024 Netflix original based on a dystopian novel. Directed by McG, it stars Joey King in a story about a society obsessed with genetic modification. The movie fails to deliver a compelling narrative and a meaningful message. It's a shallow imitation of other dystopian young adult films, and even talented actors like King and Laverne Cox cannot save it. The 'happy ending' twists the intended message, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment.
In conclusion, these five movies are prime examples of how Netflix's vast library can sometimes include duds. While the platform offers a wide range of content, it's essential to be discerning and avoid films that fall short in storytelling and message. These movies are not just bad; they're a waste of time and talent, leaving viewers with a sense of regret for watching them.
