THE BLUFF demands a bunch from viewers. First, it is set in 1846, which is very late for an accurate, historically correct period of Caribbean buccaneers. Second, although the fighting scenes are well-choreographed and fast and furious, they border on the ridiculous in how many times a person can keep rising again. And third, the story, at moments, flatlines. More content and character layers would have added immensely. The good news is Priyanka Chopra Jones can handle a blade, land a punch, and looks stunning covered in blood.ย
THE BLUFF appears to be a true homage to the power and brains of female pirates. It would be wise never to mess with Bloody Mary, but I guess Captain Connor (Carl Urban) never got that memo, especially when there is the lure of gold. The plot coyly explores the theme of whether people can change their past stripes. This has been consistently rehashed for decades in Hollywood. It depends on who you ask and how much you can suspend your disbelief.ย
THE BLUFF is cinematically attractive. It reminded me of THE GOONIES set with all its many, concealed, tricky contraptions. This was the most fun to watch, even as I rolled my eyes with disbelief and delight. If watching great fight scenes is your thing, then THE BLUFF wonโt disappoint, but donโt expect anything deeper.ย
THE BLUFF is streaming on Prime Video.ย
