In a world where Orcs, Humans, Elves and a many other mythical creatures live side by side, old conflict is embedded across all cultures and as a consequence, hatred runs deep.
A rookie cop Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton) is partnered with veteran Daryl Ward (Will Smith), against the latters expressed wishes. Ward knows that to be seen with an Orc puts a target on his back and it’s anyone’s guess which race could take the first shot.
Jakoby on the other hand just wants to be allowed to do his job. As the only Orc police officer in a diversity initiative, he lacks friends on both sides. The Human’s don’t trust him and the Orcs see him as a traitor.
One night, answering a routine call, a Wand comes into their possession, and the scent of the limitless power the wielder will have, brings everyone out of the woodwork.
Fighting and fleeing both the power hungry and the dangerous owner of the Wand – a ‘Bright’, both Jackoby and Ward will have to put their differences aside and trust one another if they want to make it through the night.
Bright was directed and produced by David Ayer (Training Day, Suicide Squad) and so a few core elements definitely felt familiar despite the complete change in genre.
The concept for this movie was pretty damn cool, it was fantasy meets reality and I felt like this is what a present day Lord of the Rings could look like. It’s a LARPers dream come true.
Sadly that’s where the compliments for this movie ends.
It’s bizarre; all the makings of a decent film were present: impressive world building, conflicted characters, good actors and a decent enough plot. However for some reason it fell inexplicably short, mostly within the story.
There was a prophecy given that wasn’t properly realised by the conclusion, it was unclear how the rise of a certain dark power would effect the world, and half the time amidst the running and fighting, I wasn’t sure what it was the characters were trying to achieve…. and I found I honestly didn’t care.
Would I have watched this movie if Will Smith was some C-list actor that looked vaguely recognisable but I would never have been able to place without a quick Google?
No.
And yet despite general negative review about this movie… a sequel is in the works.
*Sigh*
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