Netflix Original Movies: Hits and Misses - What to Watch and What to Avoid
Netflix has come a long way from its origins as a DVD rental service, now offering a vast array of original content for viewers to enjoy. Some of the standout original movies on Netflix include Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" sequels, Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma," Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," and Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog." However, not all Netflix original movies are worth your time, and there are some that you should definitely avoid.
One such movie is Michael Bay's "6 Underground," a high-budget action film starring Ryan Reynolds as a billionaire who forms a group of vigilantes to combat state-perpetrated horrors. The movie is a vapid waste of screen time with no clear message, and the talented cast is largely wasted in this explosive but empty film.
Another movie to steer clear of is David Ayer and Max Landis' "Bright," which attempts to tackle themes of policing and race but falls short in its execution. Starring Will Smith as a police officer in a world where humans coexist with magical beings, the film's worldbuilding is criticized for being lazy and its messages about racially divided societies are shallow at best.
In "Red Notice," Ryan Reynolds returns alongside Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot in a heist film that lacks substance and meaning. Despite the star-studded cast, the movie fails to deliver a compelling story or message, leaving viewers with little more than eye candy.
Lastly, "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" portrays the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, played by Zac Efron, in a way that some critics argue glorifies his actions. The film focuses on Bundy's charm and relationships, potentially romanticizing his crimes and painting him in a more favorable light than he deserves.
In conclusion, while Netflix offers a wide selection of original movies to choose from, it's important to be discerning in your choices. Avoiding films like "6 Underground," "Bright," "Red Notice," and "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" can save you from wasting your time on movies that lack substance or may send the wrong message.