“Land of Bad” presents an electrifying narrative centered on the courageous exploits of Air Force Sergeant J.J. “Playboy” Kinney and Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm as they embark on a high-stakes hostage extraction mission. Liam Hemsworth delivers a compelling performance as Kinney, effortlessly embodying the character’s heroism in gripping action sequences. However, Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Grimm fails to leave a lasting impression, with his character’s peculiarities overshadowing his proficiency as a drone pilot.
The film seamlessly transitions between heart-pounding action scenes featuring Kinney’s daring rescues in enemy territory and slower moments exploring Grimm’s frustrations with military bureaucracy. Despite attempts to humanize Grimm through quirks like his attachment to his work chair and specific coffee preferences, these elements often feel forced and detract from the overall narrative cohesion.
Director William Eubank demonstrates technical finesse in crafting visually stunning action set pieces that keep audiences enthralled. Nevertheless, the film’s exploration of broader themes related to the military and modern warfare feels somewhat shallow, lacking the depth needed to resonate with viewers on a profound level.
“Land of Bad” offers excitement but ultimately falls short of reaching its full potential as a standout action thriller. Visit myflixer for more!
Summary: When an Army ODA team is ambushed, their only hope lies with an Air Force JTAC (Liam Hemsworth) and a drone pilot (Russell Crowe) to guide them through a brutal 48-hour battle for survival.
