Land of Bad (2024) – A Thrilling Tale of Heroes and Villains

In the movie “Land of Bad,” there are two heroes, but one stands out more than the other. They’re both involved in a mission to rescue hostages, but things go wrong. They end up fighting terrorists who are shown beheading a hostage in one scene and later discussing the difference between themselves and the terrorists in a profound way.

In “Land of Bad,” the focus is on Air Force Sergeant J.J. “Playboy” Kinney, played by Liam Hemsworth, who portrays a capable yet inexperienced hero. Hemsworth’s performance shines due to strong action scenes and filmmaking. His co-star, Russell Crowe, also delivers a solid performance, although his character, Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm, can be frustrating. Grimm is a socially awkward but skilled drone pilot who helps guide Kinney through dangerous situations.

In “Land of Bad,” Russell Crowe’s character, Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm, is most likable when he’s focused on his computer screens with his colleague, Staff Sergeant Nia Branson. However, his character becomes less appealing when he explicitly discusses the military’s failure to support skilled professionals like himself. The movie tries to present itself as a thrilling rescue mission, but it often turns into a lengthy lecture about the problems in the American military and modern warfare.

In “Land of Bad,” Captain Grimm assists Sergeant Kinney as they navigate through enemy territory to rescue a high-value CIA spy held by violent extremists in Southern Asia. Despite the spy’s mission against a Russian arms dealer, the focus shifts to survival as Kinney and his team face off against the ruthless enemies.

In “Land of Bad,” the movie’s villains are mostly portrayed as generic obstacles for Kinney, except for a few scenes highlighting their extreme brutality. These bad guys are shown torturing and executing prisoners in a grim cave prison, with one terrorist boasting about his sadistic actions. Kinney tries to redirect the conversation, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

In “Land of Bad,” there’s hardly a moment for hero #1, Kinney, to explain himself, and hero #2, Grimm, probably shouldn’t bother either. Grimm is portrayed as a neurotic loner fueled by energy drinks, clashing with Colonel Virgil Packett. While efforts are made to humanize Grimm through comedic moments, his character remains somewhat aloof and eccentric.

In “Land of Bad,” Grimm is portrayed as particular about his work chair and enjoys Keurig-style coffee pods. He expresses sincerity about social rituals like weddings and is seen as the one who can ensure Kinney’s safety. However, the excessive focus on Grimm’s character feels tedious, especially since it’s mainly to establish his relationship with Kinney.

Grimm unintentionally explains why his scenes are often irritating. He shares a joke about vegans always mentioning it, hinting at his tendency to talk about himself.

In “Land of Bad,” the scenes where characters showcase their skills are captivating, especially compared to moments where they struggle to feel real. Director William Eubank, known for “Underwater,” demonstrates his technical finesse in action sequences. These scenes are visually stunning, dynamically lit, and paced with sensationalism. For instance, an airborne missile strike on militants is a standout moment, highlighting the film’s strengths.