In the vast landscape of streaming services, Netflix has become a behemoth, offering a seemingly endless array of movies and TV shows. However, amidst the gems, there are also some duds that deserve a place on the 'Avoid' list. Here's a deep dive into five Netflix movies that are best left unwatched, each for their own unique reasons.
6 Underground
Michael Bay's 2019 Netflix original, "6 Underground," is a prime example of a movie that should be avoided. With a staggering budget of $150 million, the film stars Ryan Reynolds as a reclusive billionaire who assembles a team of vigilantes to combat state-perpetrated horrors. The premise, while intriguing, quickly falls flat. The movie lacks a coherent story, with its sole focus seemingly being on explosions and action sequences. The talented cast, including Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Dave Franco, is underutilized, leaving viewers with a vapid and unengaging experience. Bay's signature style, often criticized for its over-the-top action and lack of substance, shines through here, making "6 Underground" a movie that will leave you wishing for your time back.
Bright
David Ayer's 2017 Netflix movie, "Bright," attempts to tackle serious themes like policing and race but ends up falling flat. The film, set in a fictional Los Angeles where humans coexist with magical creatures, stars Will Smith as a police officer navigating a racially divided society. The premise, while intriguing, is executed poorly. The worldbuilding, as explained by YouTube's Lindsay Ellis, is incredibly lazy, and the movie fails to deliver a compelling message. The performances, despite being stellar, are wasted in a script that lacks depth and clarity. "Bright" is a prime example of a movie that tries too hard to be serious but ends up being silly, leaving viewers with a superficial understanding of complex social issues.
Red Notice
Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson team up in the 2021 Netflix film "Red Notice," a cat-and-mouse game between an FBI profiler and an art thief. The movie, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, suffers from a lack of substance and a weak script. The talented cast, including Gal Gadot, fails to save the day. The film's sole "message" seems to be that good looks are enough, which is a shallow and unengaging take on the art of thievery. The movie's glossy and lifeless nature, as noted by Chris Evangelista, only adds to its emptiness, making "Red Notice" a movie that should be avoided.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
The 2019 Netflix movie "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" takes on the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. Directed by Joe Berlinger, the film stars Zac Efron, who, despite his talent, cannot escape the shadow of Bundy's charm. The movie's attempt to humanize Bundy, as seen through the eyes of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall (Lily Collins), is problematic. Efron's performance, while praised, only highlights the allure of Bundy, which is a dangerous and disturbing aspect of the movie. The film's title itself is a warning, as it fails to capture the true horror of Bundy's crimes, making it a movie that should be approached with caution.
Uglies
Based on the dystopian novel, the 2024 Netflix movie "Uglies" aims to explore society's beauty standards but ends up being a deeply flawed treatise. Directed by McG, the film stars Joey King as a young woman in a world where genetic modification is the norm. The movie's premise, while intriguing, is executed poorly, with a weak script and underwhelming performances. The movie's message about beauty is twisted by its "happy ending," leaving viewers with a sense of unease. The film's lack of depth and its superficial take on a complex theme make it a movie that should be avoided, especially for those seeking a thought-provoking dystopian experience.
In conclusion, Netflix, while offering a plethora of choices, has its fair share of misses. These five movies, each for their own reasons, should be avoided to ensure a more enjoyable viewing experience. From action to drama, these films fail to deliver on their promises, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a desire for better storytelling.
