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- What Is Land of Bad About?
- Land of Bad Is Action-Packed
- Russell Crowe and the Rest of the Cast is Fantastic
As a passionate movie enthusiast with a soft spot for action films, I have been thoroughly impressed by the under-the-radar gem that is “Land of Bad.” Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, this Netflix addition has left an indelible mark on me.
As a huge fan of action movies, I’ve seen my fair share of adrenaline-pumping films that leave me on the edge of my seat. This year has been particularly impressive with some real gems gracing the silver screen. Among them are “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” “The Fall Guy,” and “Monkey Man.” But let me tell you, there’s a newcomer that deserves a spot on this list – “Land of Bad.”
As a seasoned film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of cinematic masterpieces and box office flops. But among all the films I’ve reviewed, “Land of Bad” stands out as a true diamond in the rough.
What Is Land of Bad About?
In the film “Land of Bad,” directed by William Eubank, a U.S. Army special forces team, led by Liam Hemsworth as Sergeant JJ Kinney, embarks on a clandestine mission in the Philippines to recover a CIA asset. As the newcomer, Kinney communicates with the drone pilot, Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm, portrayed by Russell Crowe. A grouchy veteran with a penchant for grumbling, Reaper despises his teammates’ basketball allegiances differing from his beloved Ohio Buckeyes, and is on the brink of marriage number four. Despite this, he holds a soft spot for Kinney and will go to great lengths to ensure his survival.
When the operation begins, things proceed normally. However, unexpectedly, Abu Sayyaf, an extremist organization, intercepts the military objective, leading to a fierce gunfight. Sergeant Abell (Luke Hemsworth) is wounded, and even though help is called in, both Sergeant Bishop (Ricky Whittle) and Master Sergeant John “Sugar” Sweet (Milo Ventimiglia) are captured. As of now, it appears that Kinney is the sole survivor and can only depend on Reaper to locate a safe exit in treacherous terrain. Without giving away too much, this marks the beginning of an exhilarating struggle for survival.
Land of Bad Is Action-Packed
The title “Land of Bad” derives from Bishop’s early statement in the film: “War is essentially about one thing: humans harming other humans…. Welcome to this land of conflict.” The movie does not engage in a discussion of our reasons for fighting; instead, it offers an uncomplicated military experience filled with captivating action sequences.
In this movie, due to the presence of soldiers, it’s no wonder that numerous scenes consist of gunfights. However, these gunfights are far from monotonous. For instance, the skirmish between the four soldiers and Abu Sayyaf at the film’s outset and the shootout in the enemy camp during a botched rescue mission display remarkable diversity and excitement. Additionally, when Kinney and his team aren’t engaging in gun battles, there are plenty of scenes featuring the drone dropping bombs. Although these scenes can be harsh and gritty, they serve a purpose and offer justification for the violence, provided one doesn’t seek a debate on the merits of war.
Russell Crowe and the Rest of the Cast is Fantastic
In a budget movie like “Land of Bad,” the casting is remarkably effective. With just a few exceptions, most of the actors are not American. Among the four men in the squadron, only Milo Ventimiglia hails from the United States. Nevertheless, all of them deliver authentic performances as American military personnel. Ricky Whittle and Luke Hemsworth shine as disillusioned Special Forces soldiers with extensive experience. Their roles may be limited, but they leave a lasting impact. The same applies to Chika Ikogwe, who portrays Staff Sergeant Nia Branson supporting Reaper. Her character has minimal opportunities to stand out, yet she seizes these moments and shines brilliantly.
Milo Ventimiglia shines as the character Sugar. His versatility as an actor is evident from his roles as Jack Pearson in “This Is Us” and Peter Petrelli in “Heroes.” In “Land of Bad,” he convincingly portrays a military man. Liam Hemsworth delivers an impressive performance as Kinney, a person who finds himself struggling at the beginning but manages to adapt to a challenging situation.
While other actors deliver noteworthy performances, Russell Crowe truly steals the show as Reaper. His portrayal of the character earned him an Oscar for a reason, making Reaper a beloved figure to audiences despite his unpopularity among his colleagues. The heartfelt exchanges between Crowe and Liam Hemsworth, such as their shared Ohio connection, add depth to the film. A scene where they bond over this commonality is particularly touching and humanizes Reaper beyond the office grump. Moreover, a scene towards the movie’s end, featuring Reaper in a grocery store, is both hilarious and demonstrates his deep affection for his wife. I strongly recommend watching this exceptional film – you certainly won’t be disappointed.
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2024-07-22 23:31