‘Bright’ Director David Ayer Had an Unexpected Reaction to a Bad Review

Nicole Villeneuve
Dec 21, 2017

We’ve all binge-watched a Netflix original series or two, but the streaming service has started rolling out original feature-length movies, too. Its first big-budget movie, Bright, starring Will Smith and available on December 22, hasn’t exactly been embraced by critics, but that hasn’t stopped the director from embracing the reviews.

In a review on Indiewire, writer David Ehrlich said the film was the worst of 2017. He called it “profoundly awful,” further describing the sci-fi cop flick as “painfully derivative” and downright “dull.” They’re harsh criticisms, for sure, but when director David Ayer read the review, he reacted in the most positive way possible.

“This is going on my fridge. Highest compliment is a strong reaction either way,” he tweeted at the writer. But it didn’t stop there — the director also took the time to note Ehrlich’s writing skills. “This is a f*cking epic review. It’s a big fun movie. You can sure string words together, Mr. Ehrlich. I’d love to read any script you’ve written.”

Talk about a lesson in taking criticism well! The writer responded with much nicer words this time around, praising the director for his kindess and letting him know it was nothing personal.

“You’re a good man, Mr. Ayer,” Ehrlich wrote. “I’ll be waiting with fresh eyes for whatever comes next.”

Ayer replied earnestly, writing, “I really appreciate that. Every movie is a labor of love for me. I’ve never chased the audience, and I know my work can be polarizing. I’ve lived a crazy love and I guess my movies reflect that.”

In a time when online discourse seems to descend too frequently into anger and arguments, it’s refreshing to see two people be respectful of each other — especially when someone’s feelings are very much at stake. The best part? It actually made us want to watch Bright even more.

What did you think of the director’s reaction? Let us know @BritandCo!

(photos via Netflix + John Phillips/Getty Images)

6 Exciting One-Season TV Shows You Can Binge In A Day

Gilmore Girlsand Stranger Things may have earned their own special watch days, but who has time to binge more than one season this week? Lean in close because we're about to share the exciting one-season TV shows you can start streaming today. Called out of work for a mental health or sick day? You'll love these because they have have less than 10 episodes per watch.

Scroll to find the best TV shows you can watch in one day!

1. Kaos

Justin Downing/Netflix

Jeff Goldblum as Zeus

Where were you when you were first introduced to Zeus as being a valiant god who seemingly could do no wrong and how did you react when you realized he's kind of a jerk? Kaos does such a great job of showing his grandiose personality by way of Jeff Goldblum's amazing performance, but it's the other gods, goddesses and humans who add to the chaos.

In a dark, yet hilarious undertaking, Prometheus plans his revenge against Zeus for torturing him throughout the years and calls on a prophecy and 3 unsuspecting humans to help him take down the narcissistic ruler once and for all.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. I Am Not Okay With This

Courtesy of Netflix

Sophia Lillis as Sydney Novak and Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Barber

I Am Not Okay With This deserved more than one season, but we'll settle for the only one that introduced us to a teen's hidden powers.

Unbeknownst to Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis), all of the inner angst she feels over her father's suicide, feeling like an outcast at school, and her family's poor conditions will eventually manifest in an explosive power that has the power to do serious damage. With the help of her neighbor Stanley Barber (Wyatt Oleff), she eventually begins to understand more about her father's past and why he made the decision to end his life.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. High Fidelity

Phillip Caruso/Hulu

Zoë Kravitz as Robyn and Clyde as Jake Lacy

Have a hankering to watch a rom-com series that also touches on your love for music? High Fidelity deserves to be on your list because it follows Robyn Brooks' (Zoë Kravitz) journey as the owner of Championship Vinyl and her pursuits in the love department. From reminiscing about what went wrong in prior relationships to figuring out why she's so unsuccessful at dating, Robyn goes on a journey that ultimately leaves her changed.

Where to watch: Hulu

4. The Queen's Gambit

Phil Bray/Netflix

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon

The Queen's Gambit was short-lived, but it's earned it's place on our "best TV shows to watch" list because it's hilarious and heartbreaking for many reasons. For one, Elizabeth Harmon's (Anya Taylor-Joy) world is turning upside down when she becomes orphaned at a young age. Secondly, her addiction to the pills given to the young girls at the orphanage isn't her fault because it's a daily occurrence that she didn't have a say so in. Above all this, Beth proves herself to be a witty young woman who's a highly skilled chess player.

Where to watch: Netflix

5. The Get Down

Courtesy of Netflix

Ezekiel as Justice Smith

If you're a musical theater lover like us, you'll love binge watching The Get Down! Set in the Bronx during the '70s, it revolves around teenagers and the tumultuous times they're growing up in. The one thing that seems to unite them is their love of music which leads them to from a group called "The Get Down Brothers." They have to face the strict rules of religion, ominous gangsters, and the reality of poverty's effects on their surroundings.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. How to Die Alone

Lindsay Sarazin/Hulu

Natasha Rothwell as

We were sad when we learned Natasha Rothwell's show How to Die Alone was canceled after one season, but that hasn't stopped us from revisiting her character Melissa's determination to live a full life. Similar to Survival of the Thickest, this series touches on the reality of working to survive and making the choice to stop waiting for miracles to drop in your lap.

Albeit slightly jarring that it takes a dear-death experience for Melissa to make better decisions, we can relate that sometimes we need jarring wake-up calls that push us to stop taking the passive approach to living.

Where to watch: Hulu

What will you stream tonight?

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3 No-Fuss Ways To Get Thicker, Fuller Hair

Hers
haircare

We all want gorgeous, voluminous hair, but not every day is a good hair day — or week or month. Noticing more shedding than usual? Maybe your part's looking wider or your scalp’s peeking through a little more than it used to? You’re so not alone. The good news is there’s help that doesn’t require a doctor’s office visit (or insurance).

We teamed up with Hers to share three no-fuss tips for getting thicker, fuller hair — and yep, one of them includes their personalized hair regrowth treatments. Hers makes it simple to get started: you’ll answer some questions, 100 percent online, and a licensed provider will help you find the right solution for you, from serums to pills or chews.

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These dermatologist-approved formulas, including Hers most popularHair Vitamins + Minoxidil, include minoxidil, an ingredient proven to regrow hair in 3 to 6 months.* If prescribed you just apply once a day. Here are a few low-key tweaks to your daily routine to experience thicker, healthier hair just in time for summer.

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1. Massage Your Scalp

Healthy hair starts at the root — literally. Think of your scalp like soil: the better you treat it, the more your hair can thrive. You don’t need to overhaul your entire shower routine; just start by incorporating a gentle scalp massage when you shampoo. This helps increase blood flow and removes buildup that can clog hair follicles.

Greta Hoffman

Quick tip: Use your fingertips (not nails!) or a scalp brush.Hers Hair Blends Serums is an extra boost you can apply directly to your dry scalp to stimulate regrowth, if prescribed.

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2. Swap Out Your Pillowcase

Silk and satin pillowcases can actually help reduce friction, which means less breakage and fewer tangles while you sleep. Cotton can be surprisingly rough on your strands, especially if you're already dealing with thinning or damage. This is a quick, one-time change that can benefit your hair and your skin. Win-win.

Hers

3. Explore Prescription Treatments

Sometimes, your hair just needs a little help from the inside out. Hers offers access to dermatologist-trusted treatment options that can give you thicker, fuller hair. For example,Hers Hair Vitamins + Minoxidil can help boost blood flow to the hair follicles, extend the hair growth phase and keep stimulating regrowth to help thicken your hair. More than 90 percent of customers’ hair loss improved or stabilized with Hers treatments.**

The Hers process is simple, and all online. Take a free hair quiz today atforhers.com.

* Results vary. Based on studies of topical and oral minoxidil.

**Based on self-reported data from 2,846 Hers customers after one year of treatment.

***Hair Blends are compounded products and have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.

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8 Jane Austen-Inspired Baby Names With Timeless Elegance

For more than two centuries, Jane Austen's novels have continued to captivate readers with their wit and romance. But aside from their timeless stories and swoon-worthy affairs, her works also serve as stellar inspiration for baby names.

Whether you're drawn to classic choices like Henry or more unique surnames, such as Darcy, there's no shortage of character and charm to be found. So, for devoted Jane Austen fans or those who simply love vintage and sophisticated names, here are eight iconic picks inspired by some of her most revered works.

Scroll to see all our favorite Jane Austen-inspired baby names for 2025!

1. Anne

Mochi Mochi

Anne Elliot, the resilient heroine of Persuasion, is one of Jane Austen's most introspective protagonists. She was once persuaded to reject her true love and endured years of regret before she got a second chance at happiness.

True to her name, which means "grace" and "favor," Anne embodied quiet dignity and inner strength. This moniker is derived from Hebrew and carries a ton of other historical significance, too, from biblical figures to queens.

2. Edward

Huy Nguyễn

Loyal and kind-hearted, Edward Ferrars of Sense and Sensibility is a hero who values integrity over wealth and status.

The name Edward, which is rooted in Old English, means "wealthy guard," a fitting title for a character so protective and principled. It's perfect for a little boy who carries a sense of honor and dependability.

3. Emma

Marisa Fahrner

Emma Woodhouse is the heroine of Jane Austen's Emma. She's spirited, charming, and well-meaning, but her matchmaking endeavors lead to some trouble before she ultimately finds love of her own.

This name means "whole" or "universal" and has a history stretching from medieval royalty to modern-day pop culture icons like Emma Watson and Emma Stone. It's well-suited for a baby girl who's going to leave her mark on the world.

4. Darcy

Murat Arpacı

Fitzwilliam Darcy is the brooding yet devoted hero in Pride and Prejudice. Once reserved as a surname, Darcy has evolved into a stylish, gender-neutral first name. It has Irish roots and means "dark-haired."

Darcy carries an air of mystery and intrigue, so it will definitely command attention.

5. Henry

Анна Хазова

In Northanger Abbey, Henry Tilney is a true gentleman who's humorous and warm, making this pick all the more appealing.

Derived from the German "Heimeric," meaning "house ruler," Henry has long been linked to kings. Today, the name blends strength with approachability.

6. Elinor

Pavel Danilyuk

Elinor Dashwood is the practical eldest sister in Sense and Sensibility. She embodies quiet strength, emotional depth, and thoughtfulness.

As a variation of Eleanor, the name Elinor has French and Arabic roots. It's often associated with meanings like "light" and "brilliance," making it a beautiful choice for a baby girl.

7. George

Nicole Peri

Even though most people remember the kind and wise Mr. Knightley in Emma by his surname, his first name is actually the classic George.

This moniker, which means "farmer" or "earthworker" in Greek, has a traditional charm. It's been associated with everyone from the British royal family to George Harrison of the Beatles, and can point to a flourishing future for your newest addition.

8. Frances

Сергей Терентьев

Finally, Frances "Fanny" Price of Mansfield Park is unforgettable due to her resilience and moral compass.

The name, which means "free" or "truthful," was originally derived from Latin and became very popular in Britain. Frances has a timeless grace to it that feels sincere yet strong, and the nickname Fanny is undeniably adorable.

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