Bright

What it's about:

In an LA rife with interspecies tensions, a human cop and his orc partner stumble on a powerful object and become embroiled in a prophesied turf war.

What we thought:

Director David Ayer is back with his Suicide Squad star, Will Smith, who plays Daryl Ward and is the glue that holds the film together as it tries to blend two worlds. Part buddy cop flick, part fantasy epic Bright straddles some strong themes but does it all with a fun wink. Will’s partner in the film is Joel Edgerton who plays Nick Jakoby. Nick is the first orc on the police force and is partnered with veteran Ward. In this world Orcs are some of the most marginalised members of society while fairies are on the upper echelon. 

Nick and Daryl contend with colleagues and a public that distrusts orcs while they try and do their job everyday. On one patrol Daryl is shot and everyone blames Nick for not having his partner’s back and then for letting the perpetrator escape. 

The critics haven’t been kind to Netflix’s multimillion dollar action film sighting a slew of problems. I have to say I do agree that it might not be for everyone, but I do think the people who enjoyed End of Watch and Suicide Squad will enjoy it. I also think people who enjoyed Charmed and other magical shows will enjoy. 

It has explosions, humour and a great dynamic between it’s two leads. What’s wrong with it? The fantasy world seems a little underdone. Some of the running jokes get a bit thin and some others are problematic. For instance, in the opening Will Smith’s Ward says: “Fairy lives don’t matter”, after killing a fairy on his porch.

The film really shines during the displays of tension between the gritty police world and the outlandish fairy and orc world. Joel Edgerton is completely unrecognisable in his role as nice guy Nick but still manages to exude a very likeable character. The energy between Edgerton and Smith is the type of thing people who enjoyed The Lethal Weapon film franchise will enjoy. 

I really think that if you’re the type of person who wants an action-packed watch with a light message and a few ups and downs then this movie is for you.