Land of Bad: Reminiscent of '90s action film than a war drama

Hollywood's penchant for war films is evident in Land of Bad, which explores the intersection of human skills and technological prowess in modern warfare. In this latest military action thriller, two heroes take centre stage, though one proves more convincing than the other. Air Force Sergeant J.J. 

'Playboy' Kinney, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth, is the film's primary focus. Amid a hostage extraction mission gone awry, Kinney navigates enemy territory to rescue a high-priority CIA spy held captive by violent extremists in the Philippines.

The film's second hero, Captain Eddie "Reaper" Grimm, portrayed by Russell Crowe, assumes the role of a socially awkward yet proficient drone pilot guiding Kinney through the dangerous mission. While Crowe delivers a commendable performance, his character's irritating traits and divergent storyline often overshadow the riveting action. As a drone pilot stationed in Las Vegas, Reaper's scenes delve into a dramatic critique of military failures, distracting from the film's rescue mission premise. The film successfully balances thrilling action set pieces with the camaraderie between the characters, emphasizing the unique dynamics of their long-distance partnership.

Director William Eubank, known for his technical finesse, ensures that Land of Bad captivates with dynamically lit and paced action sequences. Despite occasional pandering and a propensity for dramatized lectures on military shortcomings, the film's visual prowess shines and provides the simple pleasures of adrenaline-fueled action sequences.

The film's strength lies in the chemistry between Hemsworth's Kinney and Crowe's Reaper, a rookie soldier and an experienced pilot connected digitally. Despite not sharing screen space, their chemistry propels the narrative forward. The action sequences, filled with gunfire, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat, contribute to the film's appeal. However, the film's narrative struggles when Kinney is captured; from then, it frequently uses stereotypical action film tropes.

Cinematography by Agustin Claramunt masterfully captures the contrasting settings, emphasizing the vastness of open terrain in the Philippines and the claustrophobic atmosphere of Reaper's drone control room in Las Vegas. Editor Todd E. Miller ensures seamless transitions between different locations, maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Land of Bad is a traditional action movie rather than a realistic war drama. The film explores themes of loyalty and unequivocal trust among soldiers, emphasizing survival as their primary goal. Despite the antagonists' lack of proper character development, the movie succeeds in creating tension and excitement through various action sequences.

Land of Bad is a visually captivating action thriller experience without digging deep into psychological aspects of warfare like Apocalypse Now or Saving Private Ryan. The film's focus on the chemistry between its two heroes aiding each other from worlds apart, coupled with intense action sequences, makes it a worthwhile addition to the war film genre.

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