When a Delta Force special ops mission goes terribly wrong, Air Force drone pilot Reaper has 48 hours to remedy what has devolved into a wild rescue operation. With no weapons and no communication other than the drone above, the ground mission suddenly becomes a full-scale battle when the team is discovered by the enemy.
Land of Bad (2024) Movie Review: High-Octane Action with Flaws
Introduction
“Land of Bad” (2024), directed by William Eubank, is a military action thriller starring Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth, and Milo Ventimiglia. The film follows a special forces unit on a mission in the Philippines that quickly goes awry, leading to intense survival scenarios and brutal combat. The movie is available in theaters and will be streaming on various platforms soon.
Plot Summary
The plot centers on AF Sgt. JJ Kinney (Liam Hemsworth), a relatively inexperienced air force soldier who finds himself separated from his unit during a high-stakes mission to retrieve a CIA asset. With support from Reaper (Russell Crowe), a seasoned drone operator back at the base, Kinney must navigate enemy territory, survive relentless attacks, and regroup with his squad to complete the mission.
Performances
Liam Hemsworth delivers a solid physical performance, embodying the role of a soldier thrust into life-threatening situations. His portrayal adds a sense of urgency and authenticity to the film’s action scenes. Russell Crowe provides a steady presence as Reaper, although his character’s subplot involving personal issues tends to distract from the main narrative. The supporting cast, including Luke Hemsworth and Milo Ventimiglia, contribute to the film’s dynamic ensemble with credible and engaging performances.
Themes and Style
“Land of Bad” explores themes of survival, camaraderie, and the brutal realities of modern warfare. The film attempts to balance high-octane action with deeper reflections on the psychological toll of combat and the evolution of military technology. However, some critics argue that these thematic elements are overshadowed by the film’s straightforward action focus.
Visuals and Cinematography
The film excels in its action sequences, which are well-choreographed and visually impactful. Director William Eubank utilizes fluid camera movements and dynamic lighting to create a sense of immersion and intensity. The jungle setting is effectively used to heighten the tension, providing a visually rich backdrop for the film’s numerous firefights and explosions.
Reception
Critics have given “Land of Bad” mixed reviews. Some praise its action-packed sequences and the performances of Hemsworth and Crowe, highlighting the film’s ability to deliver on its promise of thrilling combat scenes (Flickering Myth, CBR). However, others criticize the film for its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, suggesting that it falls short of being a standout in the military thriller genre (RogerEbert.com, Inverse).
Overall, “Land of Bad” is seen as an entertaining, if somewhat formulaic, action film that caters to fans of military thrillers. Its strengths lie in its intense action and the chemistry among the cast, while its weaknesses include a lack of narrative depth and occasional pacing issues.
Conclusion
“Land of Bad” (2024) offers a mix of high-energy action and moments of suspense, anchored by strong performances from its lead actors. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it provides a solid and entertaining experience for those looking for a straightforward military thriller. Stream it on your preferred platform to enjoy this adrenaline-fueled ride.
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