Land of Bad (2024) Movie Review

In the military action film "Land of Bad," two heroes emerge amidst the chaos of a hostage extraction mission gone awry. Air Force Sergeant J.J. "Playboy" Kinney, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth, embodies the capable yet inexperienced soldier navigating treacherous terrain with conviction and skill. His counterpart, Captain Eddie "Reaper" Grimm, played by Russell Crowe, assumes the role of the socially awkward drone pilot, whose guidance becomes pivotal in the mission's outcome.

Hemsworth's portrayal of Kinney exudes credibility, thanks to well-executed action sequences and strong filmmaking techniques. Conversely, Crowe's performance as Grimm, while competent, is hindered by his character's grating tendencies, particularly his role as the film's mouthpiece for military critique. Although Crowe shines in moments of technological expertise alongside his wing-lady, Staff Sergeant Nia Branson (Chika Ikogwe), his character's incessant pontification on military shortcomings detracts from the film's overall impact.

The narrative centers on Kinney's quest to rescue a high-priority CIA spy held captive by violent extremists in Southern Asia. As Kinney and his team confront their ruthless adversaries, the film occasionally delves into the psychology of the antagonists, albeit in a somewhat superficial manner. Moments of brutality and sadism are juxtaposed with Kinney's unwavering determination, highlighting the stark contrast between heroism and villainy.

However, the film's focus on Grimm's personal quirks and struggles feels disproportionate, overshadowing Kinney's heroic exploits. Grimm's idiosyncrasies, such as his fixation on mundane details and strained interactions with colleagues, detract from the narrative's momentum, leaving audiences yearning for more of Kinney's compelling journey.

Director William Eubank's expertise in crafting visually stunning action sequences is evident throughout "Land of Bad." From dynamic aerial assaults to intense combat sequences, Eubank's direction elevates the film's excitement and spectacle. Yet, amidst the adrenaline-fueled action, the film struggles to strike a balance between its dramatic and thrilling elements.

While "Land of Bad" offers moments of visceral entertainment, such as Milo Ventimiglia's character dispatching a terrorist with a broken dinner plate, it ultimately falls short of its potential. Eubank and his collaborators might have achieved greater success by focusing on delivering a streamlined action thriller rather than attempting to blend elements of drama and military critique.

In conclusion, "Land of Bad" presents a mixed bag of cinematic elements, with its strengths and weaknesses shaping the overall viewing experience. While Liam Hemsworth's portrayal of Air Force Sergeant J.J. "Playboy" Kinney brings a sense of authenticity to the action-packed narrative, Russell Crowe's character, Captain Eddie "Reaper" Grimm, struggles to resonate with audiences due to his distracting idiosyncrasies and heavy-handed dialogue.

Director William Eubank's adeptness in orchestrating visually stunning action sequences is undeniable, injecting moments of adrenaline-fueled excitement into the film. However, the narrative's uneven focus on Grimm's personal struggles and thematic messaging detracts from the overall pacing and impact of Kinney's heroic journey.

Despite its shortcomings, "Land of Bad" offers viewers fleeting moments of entertainment, particularly within its intense combat scenes and dynamic set pieces. Yet, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and immersive cinematic experience, leaving audiences craving a more streamlined and focused approach to storytelling.

In the end, "Land of Bad" remains a flawed yet serviceable addition to the military action genre, providing fleeting thrills but failing to leave a lasting impression due to its narrative inconsistencies and thematic heavy-handedness.