There are a lot of movies based around the special forces do incredible things format. And, honestly, it's a genre that's a bit overcooked, IMHO. Land of Bad is an exception.
Land of Bad, while not pushing boundaries, delivering exceptional performances, or providing a particularly insightful look into this world, does deliver an engaging slice of entertainment. It's an action film that is devoid of melodrama.
Russell Crowe delivers a solid performance, as a passionate drone operator who battles against bureaucracy and for the special forces unit under his watchful gaze. But none of the actors have space to stretch their legs and deliver meaningful performances.
I was surprised this was a Cert 15, there are some scenes that are quite violent, beyond the to-be-expected shoot-them-up scenes.
If you like these kinds of action films, you will not be disappointed with this one. It's a solid piece of cinema that will keep you engaged.
Plot summary
When a Delta Force special ops mission goes terribly wrong, Air Force drone pilot Reaper has 48 hours to remedy what has devolved into a wild rescue operation. With no weapons and no communication other than the drone above, the ground mission suddenly becomes a full-scale battle when the team is discovered by the enemy.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
July 09, 2024 at 11:21 AM
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Top cast
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Pleasantly surprised
Not Bad
"How do you know when someone's a Vegan? They will tell you!"
'Land of Bad' is not bad, thanks to a very adult script by David Frigerio and William Eubank and very taut direction from the self-same William Eubank.
Liam Hemsworth (AF Sgt J. J. Kinney) does a nice job, but it's Russel Crowe, as an implausible Air Force Captain (AF Captain Eddie Grim aka 'Reaper'), who steals the show. The funny vegan references are dry and very funny. Crowe's trip to the supermarket should be taught in acting Master Classes!
Unlike many action films, this one doesn't require too much buy-in and the dialogue is not loaded up with cheesy cliches-vegan, or real!
It's actually good!
This must have received awful marketing - I stumbled across it and I watch EVERYTHING!
Good bits. It is relentless, heart stopping action from start to finish - just what a good war film should be. It is unique and despite the foreboding that tech would play a larger role than we first think, it is really enjoyable and kept me hooked throughout (I didn't look at my phone even once).
Bad bits. Attention to detail is annoying. For example. Not even five minutes in and we learn that the main character will be making a HALO (high altitude, low opening) jump without any experience. Firstly, this technique takes a lot of training and preparation. Secondly they jumped with sleeves up etc - HALO jumps are incredibly cold. Maybe just me but details like this matter to me.
Other than that - go for it, you won't be disappointed.