In the vast landscape of streaming services, Netflix has become a behemoth, offering a seemingly endless array of movies and shows. However, amidst the gems, there are also some real duds. As an avid movie buff, I've had the unfortunate pleasure of witnessing some truly terrible Netflix originals. Here, I present to you a list of five movies that should be avoided at all costs, each for its own unique and rather sinister reasons. Let's dive in and explore these cinematic misfires.
6 Underground: A Waste of Talent and Money
I'll admit, I was initially skeptical of Michael Bay's involvement in a Netflix original. And my suspicions were confirmed with '6 Underground'. This $150 million production stars Ryan Reynolds as a reclusive billionaire who assembles a team of vigilantes. The plot, if you can call it that, revolves around explosions and action sequences, with little substance. The movie fails to deliver a clear message or story, leaving viewers with a sense of emptiness. The talented cast, including Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Dave Franco, is wasted in this vapid production. In my opinion, '6 Underground' is a prime example of how not to utilize a massive budget and a star-studded cast. It's a movie that makes you wish for your time back, and I can't recommend it to anyone.
Bright: A Cop Buddy Comedy with a Lazy Worldbuilding
David Ayer's 'Bright' attempts to tackle serious themes like policing and race but falls flat on its face. The movie casts Will Smith as a police officer in a fictional Los Angeles where humans coexist with magical creatures. The worldbuilding is incredibly lazy, and the plot is muddled. The movie fails to deliver a compelling message, and the performances, despite being stellar, are let down by the weak script. I'd recommend watching YouTube essays instead of this one. The movie's surface-level approach to racial division and its silly execution make it a forgettable watch.
Red Notice: A Glossy, Lifeless Action Movie
Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson team up in 'Red Notice', a movie that fails to live up to the hype. The plot revolves around an FBI profiler searching for a missing artifact, with Reynolds as the art thief. The movie is empty and vapid, with no substance to keep viewers engaged. Gal Gadot's performance as the second art thief is underwhelming, and the movie's message, if any, is lost in its glossy action sequences. Chris Evangelista, chief film critic at /Film, didn't enjoy it either, and I couldn't agree more. It's a movie that leaves you with nothing but good looks and no story.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile: Flattering the Killer
This movie takes a dark turn as it tells the story of Ted Bundy, played by Zac Efron. The movie's intention to lionize Bundy is problematic, and Efron's performance, while praised, only adds to the issue. The movie flatters Bundy, making him seem cooler than he should, and the story's focus on his charm and good looks is disturbing. The movie's title is an understatement, and it fails to deliver a compelling narrative. I'd argue that this movie is a dangerous portrayal of a serial killer, and its impact on viewers should not be underestimated.
Uglies: A Dystopian Young Adult Fare with a Twisted Message
'Uglies' is a dystopian young adult movie that wants to be beautiful but ends up being ugly. Based on a novel, the movie follows a young woman, Tally, in a society where genetic modification is the norm. The movie's message about beauty and transformation is twisted, and the performances, despite being strong, can't save the movie. It's a pathetic rip-off of other dystopian young adult fare, and its 'happy ending' feels forced. I'd recommend avoiding this movie and instead watching 'The Hunger Games' series, which, despite its flaws, delivers a more compelling narrative.
In conclusion, Netflix has its fair share of misses, and these five movies are prime examples. From wasted talent and lazy worldbuilding to problematic portrayals and twisted messages, these movies leave a lot to be desired. As an avid movie enthusiast, I can only hope that Netflix continues to improve its original content and delivers more engaging and thought-provoking stories. Until then, let's avoid these cinematic misfires and seek out the gems that truly deserve our time and attention.
