Jude Law and Jason Bateman's 'Black Rabbit': Critics Find It Hard to Care

NETFLIX'S "BLACK RABBIT" DIVIDES CRITICS: A TALE OF TWISTS, TURNS, AND UNFULFILLED PROMISE

The highly anticipated Netflix series "Black Rabbit" has finally hit screens, but it seems that the show's creators have bitten off more than they can chew. The crime thriller, starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman as two brothers caught up in a world of loan sharks and crime, has been met with mixed reviews from critics.

A WILD RIDE WITH TOO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS

The Guardian's Lucy Mangan gave the show three stars, but warned that it's "almost impossible to care about Jude Law and Jason Bateman" as they navigate their way through a complex web of crime and deceit. She writes: "You can see what Black Rabbit is aiming for - a gritty study of loyalty, fraternity, and the warping effects of family secrets on relationships. But it's too busy trying to do too much, and loses its sharp focus in the process."

Mangan isn't alone in her criticism. The Mirror's Peter Harris notes that the show's slow burn pace can be tiresome, and that viewers may find themselves checking their watches as they wait for something, anything, to happen. "Black Rabbit seems to define the term 'slow burn thriller'," he writes. "But some will find its tendency to shuffle along at a snail's pace too much to bear."

A CRIME THRILLER THAT FALLS SHORT OF ITS PROMISE

Mashable's Belen Edwards praises the show's atmospheric setting, but notes that it fails to deliver on its promise of a propulsive crime thriller. "The series invites viewers deep into the seedy underbelly of New York," she writes, "but despite some great performances from the cast, Black Rabbit never quite gels."

Edwards isn't alone in her criticism. The Times' Tim Glanfield notes that while the show's initial action-packed cliffhanger is thrilling, it quickly devolves into a messy and confusing narrative. "It's a daring tactic to rewind a month," he writes, "but before long you're enjoying the ride so much you're happy to put the lack of jeopardy to one side."

A FLAWED BUT FAIRLY ENGAGING WATCH

The Financial Times' Rebecca Nicholson praises the show's flair for noir and sleaze, but notes that it ultimately falls short in its portrayal of the two main characters. "Black Rabbit has a timeless quality," she writes, "but elsewhere it's more of its era. The brothers were once in a successful indie band, which means viewers get to see the spectacle of Bateman on drums and Law in a blond wig, pretending to be rock stars."

Nicholson isn't alone in her praise for the show's performances. AV Club's Saloni Gajjar writes that Jude and Jason are "trapped in Netflix's undercooked Black Rabbit," but notes that they still manage to bring their characters to life with convincing performances. "Their interactions are a highlight of the show," she writes, "and they convincingly shift from annoying to vulnerable and back again."

A STAR STUDDED CAST CAN'T SAVE THIS SHOW

The Telegraph's Anita Singh praises Jason Bateman as the real star of the show, but notes that even he can't save it from its flawed narrative. "If you're looking for a more sophisticated alternative to the current glut of unhinged dramas," she writes, "then try Black Rabbit (Netflix). It stars Jude Law and Jason Bateman as two brothers caught up in a world of crime and deceit."

Singh's praise is echoed by The Hollywood Reporter's Daniel Fienberg, who notes that while the show has some great performances and a thrilling conclusion, it ultimately falls short due to its flawed narrative. "Black Rabbit begins in medias res with an audacious jewelry robbery at a loud, underlit bash," he writes, "but before long you're convinced that the series has no awareness of its main characters' lack of likability."

SO, IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

So, is Black Rabbit worth watching? While it's certainly not a bad show, it falls short of its promise in several areas. The performances are good, but the narrative is flawed and confusing at times. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, you may find yourself enjoying the ride despite its flaws.

But if you're looking for something more sophisticated, then Black Rabbit may not be the best choice. As Lucy Mangan notes, it's "almost impossible to care about Jude Law and Jason Bateman" in this show. Maybe that's because they're just too well-known, and their performances are overshadowed by the show's flawed narrative.

Whatever your opinion on Black Rabbit, one thing is certain: it's a wild ride with twists and turns aplenty. But whether or not you'll be able to care about its characters is another story altogether.

BLACK RABBIT IS NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX

Want to see for yourself if Black Rabbit lives up to the hype? Stream it now on Netflix and find out!