Plot Overview:

The story follows Reaper (Russell Crowe), a seasoned Air Force drone pilot, and rookie soldier Kinney (Liam Hemsworth), who find themselves in an extremely hostile situation during a mission in the Philippines. What begins as a routine drone strike quickly spirals into a disaster when things go wrong on the ground. A team of Special Forces soldiers, sent to carry out the mission, gets stranded in the treacherous jungle, surrounded by enemies, without hope of a safe extraction.

Kinney, in over his head and ill-prepared for the chaos around him, has to rely on Reaper’s remote guidance from the drone command center. The two form an unlikely bond as they work together in an increasingly desperate attempt to complete the mission and survive. However, the more they fight to survive, the more they realize they are being hunted by enemies that are as relentless as the terrain itself.

What Works:

• Tension and Action: Land of Bad delivers nonstop action sequences that keep the audience on edge. The jungle setting adds to the atmosphere of claustrophobia and danger, with enemies seemingly lurking in every shadow. The film keeps the adrenaline high as characters must adapt to constantly changing circumstances.
• Russell Crowe’s Gravitas: Crowe’s performance as Reaper, a seasoned drone pilot, brings depth to the character, as his calm under pressure contrasts with the chaos on the ground. His mentorship of Kinney from thousands of miles away serves as a backbone for the film’s emotional narrative, creating an engaging dynamic between the two leads.
• Cinematography: The film makes excellent use of its jungle setting, creating a sense of isolation and danger. The dense, unforgiving landscape feels like another character, amplifying the tension and making the situation feel more desperate.
• The Realism of Modern Warfare: The film touches on the complexities and moral dilemmas of drone warfare, adding a contemporary relevance to the story. The stark contrast between the remote, clinical operation of drone pilots and the brutal, on-the-ground reality of soldiers is highlighted effectively throughout the film.

What Could Be Better:

• Thin Character Development: While the action is gripping, the film doesn’t dive deeply into character development beyond the surface. Many of the supporting characters feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, which may lessen emotional investment in their fates.
• Predictable Plot: While the action and tension are well-executed, the film follows a fairly standard military-thriller plotline. Some viewers may find it lacking in surprises or innovative twists.
• Limited Exploration of Themes: The film hints at moral questions around drone warfare and the psychological toll on soldiers, but it doesn’t fully explore these themes. A deeper dive into the ethical implications could have added more complexity to the narrative.

Conclusion:

Land of Bad is a solid military action-thriller that excels in delivering intense, fast-paced action and a gripping survival story. The performances of Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth provide strong central pillars for the film, though the narrative follows familiar beats. For fans of high-octane military thrillers, Land of Bad offers an entertaining, if somewhat predictable, ride through the dangers of modern warfare in hostile terrain.