Summary
- Despite initial mixed reviews,
Land of Bad
found fame on Netflix with a star-studded cast. - The film’s realism comes from real-life JTAC elements and consultant Jason Kinney’s influence.
- The action-packed military thriller
Land of Bad
pays homage to ’90s films with accurate details.
As a film enthusiast and former military officer myself, I must say that “Land of Bad” is a thrilling ride that truly resonates with me. The level of accuracy and attention to detail in the portrayal of military operations is commendable. It’s clear that the team behind this production took the time to understand the day-to-day life of soldiers, which is something I can appreciate from personal experience.
In a surprising turn of events, William Eubank’s movie “Land of Bad,” which was first released in February 2024 and initially received mixed reviews, gained widespread popularity upon its Netflix release on July 18, 2024. During the week from July 22 to July 28, this action-packed thriller made it onto Netflix’s Global Top 10 list. The film boasts a high-profile cast including Liam Hemsworth and Russell Crowe in pivotal roles, along with his brother, Luke Hemsworth, Milo Ventimiglia, Ricky Whittle, Chuka Ikogwe, and Daniel MacPherson.
As a passionate cinephile, diving into the world of “Land of Bad” was an exciting new chapter for me, marking director Eubank’s first foray into an action-packed film. Known for his work in sci-fi, such as “The Signal,” and horror, like “Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin,” Eubank has always faced unique challenges with each project. The making of “Land of Bad” was no exception.
Is Land of Bad Based on a True Story?
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While “Land of Bad” is predominantly a fictional tale that isn’t based on real events, it incorporates some factual details. For instance, the character Kinney, in the story, holds a genuine role within the U.S. Armed Forces – that of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). In this role, Kinney communicates with ground support, guiding and directing military aircraft during missions by coordinating their actions and adjusting their flight paths.
The main attraction of the movie “Land of Bad” comes from its central character, JJ ‘Playboy’ Kinney, played by Liam Hemsworth. The character bears some resemblance to a real-life person named Jason Kinney, who served as a consultant for the film while stationed at Fort Irwin, California. However, beyond sharing a name, most of the character’s traits and experiences are fictional. The storyline for the movie was developed before the creators met the real-life Jason Kinney, and he never undertook a rescue mission in the Southern Philippines as portrayed in the film. Unlike Hemsworth’s character, the real-life Jason Kinney was highly skilled, confident, and qualified.
Military Accuracy in Land of Band
In my role, I’ve learned that the heart of our project, Land of Bad, revolves around the topic of drone warfare and the evolving role of human soldiers in a technologically advanced military. Interestingly, the concept for this film was conceived years before its actual production. However, as more research was conducted and we interacted with real-life drone operators, it became apparent that the original storyline had certain gaps when it came to drone warfare. Recognizing our oversight, I decided to discard the initial script for Land of Bad and instead focus on achieving military accuracy in our narrative.
In a chat with Task and Purpose, Eubank explained how, upon contacting Jason Kinney, the team immersed themselves in intricate details of daily operations to gain a comprehensive grasp. This comprehension, in turn, impacted the creation of drone controller props, as Russell Crowe had the opportunity to observe real-life pilots, thereby enhancing his portrayal of Reaper. When speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Eubank put it this way:
“Jason Kinney, a former JTAC instructor stationed at Fort Irwin, reached out to us and invited us to witness their operations firsthand. After spending two weeks on site, we were directly communicating with F-35s using 9-line calls. This experience significantly altered our perspective, not just about the script, but also about everything else. We encountered genuine drone operators, prompting us to discard our initial screenplay and start anew.”
Land of Bad Is a Military Thriller Reminiscent of the ’90s
The “Land of Chaos” certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to high-octane action, featuring guns, explosions, and intense combat scenes. This movie is set in the southern Philippines and chronicles a four-member Delta Force squad dispatched on a rescue operation. Among them is Liam Hemsworth’s character, Kinney, also known as Playboy, who surprisingly joins the extraction team. The JTAC operator initially lacks experience with ground missions, but he gradually adapts and transforms into the hero his team requires. To accomplish this, he partners up with Russell Crowe’s Air Force drone pilot character, Reaper, along with Staff Sgt. Nia Branson (Chika Ikogwe), who function as the team’s aerial eyes in the sky. In essence, the JTAC operator evolves into the hero his squad desperately needs.
Despite incorporating advanced technology for its action and combats, the movie “Land of Bad” retains the vibe of classic ’90s military films, as intended by director William Eubank. In an interview with Task and Purpose, Eubank revealed his fondness for ’90s jungle action, which inspired him to set “Land of Bad” in the South Philippine jungle instead of the typical Middle Eastern or Afghan desert locations. Eubank aimed to provide audiences a unique storyline distinct from the settings of recent military thrillers. To achieve this, he chose to emulate the style of ’90s action films, and based on viewer feedback, it seems Eubank has successfully accomplished his objective.
The fact that the creators of “Land of Bad” have strived for military authenticity in the movie, placing it among the top contenders for essential viewing in the category of military thrillers. In addition to setting Liam Hemsworth within a military backdrop, pairing him with Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, and evoking a 90s action aesthetic, “Land of Bad” effectively gets many aspects right.
Although the plot may seem familiar, the way Eubank unfolds the story, the authenticity woven throughout, and the intriguing dynamic between Hemsworth and Crowe make “Land of Bad” an engaging and thrilling viewing experience. Don’t forget to check it out on Netflix!
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2024-08-11 06:31