In a gripping scene early in the
new war film Land of Bad, a young soldier is confronted with a challenging
decision at breakfast: Fruit Loops or Frosted Flakes. He studies the two cereal
boxes intently, comparing their nutritional value (or lack thereof). This
moment almost serves as a metaphor for the choices facing audiences at the
cinema these days.
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| Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth in 'Land of Bad.' COURTESY OF THE AVENUE |
The film, directed by William Eubank, could be likened to a Michael Bay production under financial constraints. Despite its familiar elements, Land of Bad has some strengths, notably the presence of not just one but two Hemsworth brothers (though Chris is not among them) and Russell Crowe, who spends much of the film seated and staring at a screen yet manages to steal the show entirely.
The film opens with the
inexperienced Kinney (played by Liam Hemsworth) being hastily recruited for a
perilous Delta Force operation in the Philippines to rescue a CIA asset from Islamic
terrorists. Kinney, along with fellow soldiers Sugar (Milo Ventimiglia), Abel
(Luke Hemsworth), and Bishop (Ricky Whittle), is soon airborne, preparing for a
risky parachute jump.
However, the mission quickly goes
off track, leaving Kinney seemingly alone after his team members are presumed
dead. Yet, he is not truly alone, as he receives guidance from Reaper (Russell
Crowe), a drone operator stationed in Las Vegas. Reaper, alongside his
colleague Nia (Chika Ikogwe), provides Kinney with crucial support, dubbing
himself "the eyes in the sky and the
bringer of doom."
While Kinney struggles to survive and complete the mission, Reaper faces his own challenges, including interruptions from an airman during critical moments and the distraction of a basketball game that has captured the attention of the base. Adding to Reaper's stress, his wife is about to give birth, making his remote support role even more complicated.
As Kinney's situation deteriorates
in a series of intense action sequences, Reaper is unexpectedly relieved of his
duty, giving him the opportunity to run errands. This leads to a humorous yet
juxtaposed scene where Reaper navigates a supermarket, attempting to find specialty
foods for his vegan wife, all while Kinney endures brutal torture.
Land of Bad portrays modern combat in a vastly different light compared to classic war films like Sands of Iwo Jima. Unlike more introspective war films such as Eye in the Sky and Good Kill, Land of Bad focuses more on the thrilling aspects of drone warfare, with explosions and action sequences designed to thrill audiences. However, the film subtly acknowledges the absurdity of war, such as when Kinney struggles to make a phone call to the base, only to be brushed off by a distracted staff member engrossed in a sports game.
Director Eubank demonstrates skill
in staging combat scenes, although they may not reach the intensity of classics
like Black Hawk Down. Liam Hemsworth delivers a strong performance, balancing
action heroism with vulnerability.
However, it is Russell Crowe who steals the show. Freed from the need to maintain a leading man physique, Crowe embraces his character with a quirky comedic flair, evident in this role and his performance in The Pope's Exorcist. Crowe's shift towards character roles showcases his versatility and comedic talent.
Full credits
Production: Volition Media Partners, Broken Open Pictures, R.U.
Robot Studios, Short Porch Pictures
Distributor: The Avenue
Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe,
Luke Hemsworth, Ricky Whittle, Milo Ventimiglia
Director: William Eubank
Screenwriters: David Frigerio,
William Eubank
Producers: Nathan Klingher, Ryan Winterstern, Arianne Fraser, Petr Jakl, Mark Fasano, David Frigerio, William Eubank, Michael Jefferson, Adam Beasley
Executive producers: Tracey Robertson, Nathan Mayfield, Tracey Vieira, Luke Hemsworth, Delphine Perrier, Vanessa Yao Guo, Jack Bear Liu, Jared Purrington, Sophie Jordan, Riccardo Magnoni, Martin J. Barab, Henry Winterstern, Coindy Bru, Ford Corbett, Joshua Harris, JJ Caruth, Wes Hull, Dave Lugo, Bennett Litwin, Ruthanne Frigerio, Kyle Smithson, John Stalberg, Jr.
Director of photography: Agustin Claramunt
Production designer: Nathan Blanco Fourax
Editor: Todd E. Miller
Costume designer: Phill Eagles
Composer: Brandon Roberts
Casting: Mary Vernieu, Michelle Wade Byrd
Rated R, 1 hour 50 minutes
