THE LAND OF BAD (2024)

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Stumbling upon a movie poster, my curiosity led me to a captivating trailer, and the decision to download became inevitable. Watching the film, Kenny, the rookie air force soldier's unwavering determination left a lasting impression. Amidst bullets and explosions, he persisted, sparking a reflection on applying such resilience in life. The relentless pursuit of his goals, undeterred by adversity, inspired a newfound motivation. It's a reminder that, much like Kenny facing challenges head-on, our own determination can propel us forward despite life's metaphorical bullets and grenades.

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INTRO

Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth headline a covert Special Forces mission in the South Philippines, escalating into a relentless 48-hour fight for survival. As an elite extraction team faces ambush deep in hostile territory, rookie officer Kinney (Hemsworth) stands resolute in ensuring no one is left behind. With an imminent air strike, Kinney's survival hinges on the guidance of Air Force drone pilot Reaper (Crowe), navigating perilous terrain where every decision holds life-or-death consequences. In this intense thriller, danger lurks at every turn, with the seasoned Reaper providing a lifeline in a battle against the clock.

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RECAP

In the military movie "Land of Bad," there are two main characters, but one seems more believable than the other. The story revolves around a hostage extraction mission that goes wrong, where the heroes face terrorists led by Hashimi. These terrorists, who brutally behead a hostage named Petrov in the beginning, later ponder the differences between them and the heroes. The movie explores themes of frustration, survival, and moral reflection in the challenging setting of the "Land of Bad."

"Land of Bad" is most engaging when it focuses on the capable yet inexperienced Air Force Sergeant J.J. "Playboy" Kinney, portrayed convincingly by Liam Hemsworth as the number 1 hero. Hemsworth brings authenticity to his action-packed role, enhanced by strong choreography and filmmaking. Russell Crowe, as co-star and hero 2, Captain Eddie "Reaper" Grimm, delivers a commendable performance, although it's challenging to fully appreciate due to his character's socially awkward and somewhat irritating nature. Crowe's portrayal involves guiding Kinney away from threats and towards rescue as a proficient drone pilot.

Staff Sergeant Nia Branson (Chika Ikogwe)
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Crowe shines in "Land of Bad" when he's earnestly engaged, wide-eyed at mood-lit banks of computer monitors, alongside his supportive wing-lady, Staff Sergeant Nia Branson (Chika Ikogwe). However, Grimm's charm diminishes when explicitly driving home the movie's poignant message about the military's failure to support capable professionals like him, forcing a fight uphill for credibility. Despite marketing itself as a post-"Black Hawk Down" rescue mission thriller, "Land of Bad" frequently veers into a baggy dramatized lecture on the challenges within the American military and modern warfare.

Grimm helps guide Kinney, a skilled soldier played by Hemsworth, as they go through tough situations like shooting, climbing, and moving through enemy territory. They're on a mission to rescue a CIA spy who has important information about a dangerous Russian arms dealer. The enemies they face are described as some of the most violent extremist groups in Southern Asia.

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In "Land of Bad," the creators often portray the antagonists as mere challenges for Kinney, with only a handful of scenes attempting to highlight why they are truly menacing. These villains briefly showcase their cruelty by indulging in psychopathic acts, such as torturing and executing prisoners in a cave prison reminiscent of the movie "Saw." A particularly sadistic terrorist proudly declares, "I look a man in the eye and I make my choice intimate," right after Kinney urges, "That's not the conversation we should be having right now."

In "Land of Bad," hero #1 seldom pauses to clarify himself, and hero #2, Grimm, seems better off doing the same. Grimm, a jittery loner fueled by energy drinks, clashes with the snarky Colonel Virgil Packett, portrayed by Daniel MacPherson. Attempts are made to humanize Grimm, mainly through light-hearted moments that humorously depict his less-than-noble yet relatable qualities.

Grimm is meticulous about his choice of work chair, emphasizes the importance of Keurig-style coffee pods, and genuinely expresses his belief in weddings as a significant social ritual. Despite being the only one capable of ensuring Kinney's safety, the excessive focus on Grimm's character becomes tedious, especially considering the slow and frequent scenes featuring him. The question arises: why is there an abundance of hero #2 in the movie, and why is it necessary to delve so deeply into his background for his connection with hero #1 to be meaningful?

Inadvertently capturing the source of irritation in many of his scenes, Grimm touches on the essence of the problem. Discussing his fourth wife, he humorously shares the classic joke about identifying a vegan: "They will tell you," he chuckles to himself.

Any “Land of Bad” scene where characters show you why they’re the best at what they do is usually enticing, at least compared when they desperately try to make you see pulpy cyphers as flesh-and-blood people. Director William Eubank already proved his technical finesse and solid understanding in earlier features, like the Kristen Stewart-led 2020 disaster adventure “Underwater.” So it’s not surprising to see that “Land of Bad”’s action scenes are eerily poised and even beautiful because they're dynamically lit and paced, and generally full-throated in their sensationalism. An airborne missile strike that takes out and ignites a hillside of militants (and their truck!) serves as a strong showcase for what Eubank’s latest has to offer.

CONCLUSION

To its slight credit, "Land of Bad" offers straightforward joys, such as the moment when Milo Ventimiglia, also part of the cast, dispatches a terrorist by stabbing their neck with a broken dinner plate. However, "Land of Bad" currently stands as a somewhat indulgent drama with sporadic action movie excitement.

In certain professions, a lapse in communication can be a matter of life and death. Regardless of the gravity or fascination of one's work, it's crucial to heed and respond to messages. The realization that if Grimm hadn't acted swiftly, Kinney, Bishop, and the CIA captive might have faced fatal consequences profoundly altered my perspective on the significance of timely communication.