Bright (2017)

A detective must work with an Orc to find a powerful wand before evil creatures do.

Sam’s Review

Slaughtered by the critics. I mean, they waged war on Bright. Unfairly, perhaps. As it seems the intriguing blend of magical and real-world that is Bright, Netlfix's big budget foray into producing blockbuster film content, had a target on it's back from day one. Criticised for just about everything that it could be, it languishes at 28% on Rotten Tomatoes while simultaneously being one of Netlfix's most streamed films.

Graffiti-strewn rundown streets, vivid imagery, reference various magical movements and events, creating a depth while also revealing a divide between the city's inhabitants. Gritty and engaging. Set in an alternate Los Angeles, it has the vibe of a fairy-tale Training Day (2001). Which was written by David Ayer, the director/producer of Bright. There's a potent parallel between the treatment of orcs and how minorities are treated, specifically in America. Painted depictions of police brutally murdering handcuffed orcs. After we're confronted with the violent imagery, we see a sign that reads 'Elves Only', luscious palm trees swaying in the background. Two minutes in and already I've got a keen sense of the world.

There's a massive social commentary in Bright. It's heavy-handed, sure. While the critics deemed that overkill, I think it may be necessary. However, it is confusing. Poorly written. Fairy lives don't matter today... The moment the words come out of Will Smith's mouth, I feel uncomfortable. Contradictory too, since mere moments later, he‘s explaining to his daughter that just because we're different that doesn't stop us from being equal. (Why did you kill the fairy then?!) That is until his orc partner shows up, Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), at which point Ward (Smith) is mouthing off that Jakoby is at his house. The message of unity and equality is needed, yet portrayed messily.

Edgerton is fantastic. The sympathy you feel for Jakoby is overwhelming at times, as you watch him battle through racism, while managing to maintain an innocence about him. While on acting, it was great to see Ike Barinholtz. Shame about his character, who isn't the most reputable. But, he's a great comedic actor and it's brilliant to see him given the chance at a more serious role.

While the story is awful, and feels like running in circles, the world they've created is overflowing with potential. Orcs in hoodies, elves in suits, centaurs in riot gear. Having elements of fantasy; orcs, elves, broadswords, wands, etc, within a present-day setting is a brilliant. It's a trip watching the Feds interrogate a suspect who is spouting prophecies.

The ending is riddled with cliches, and I can't help but feel that the wrong character was deemed 'special'. I can't say much more without spoiling it. Yet don't let the critics fool you, it's not awful. It's tacky, perhaps. Middling. And it squanders the wondrous potential it has. But it's certainly entertaining enough, and has enough fantasy in it, that any who love the genre will be intrigued.

6/10