“Land of Bad”- Stunning visuals, action sequences, and a unique story

Directed by: William Eubank

Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth, Ricky Whittle, Milo Ventimiglia

Synopsis: When a Delta Force team is ambushed in enemy territory, a rookie officer (Liam Hemsworth) refuses to abandon them. Their only hope lies with an Air Force drone pilot (Russell Crowe) as the eyes in the sky during a brutal 48-hour battle for survival. 

Land of Bad (2024) - IMDb

William Eubank’s “Land of Bad” will have you on the edge of your seat. Not only does it contain some of the best explosions this side of 2024, but it also brings some great intense action sequences and some nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moments.

Liam Hemsworth leads the cast as rookie officer Kinney, who hasn’t had any combat experience but finds himself thrown in with some seasoned Tier One Operators. The team consists of three operators: the leader, Sugar (Milo Ventimiglia); the Sniper, Bishop (Ricky Whittle); and Abel (Luke Hemsworth). As explosions rock the screen and bullets fly, Kinney’s initial naivety clashes with the harsh reality of combat.

Director and writer William Eubank brings together a story where we invest in characters, and right from the movie’s beginning, we find ourselves instantly drawn to Hemsworth’s Kinney. A man who, when we first meet him, can’t decide if he wants Fruit Loops or Frosted Flakes, displays a genuine innocence that we know will be tested to his very limits.

Russel Crowe delivers a knockout performance as Reaper, the eye in the sky that is trying to keep Kinney alive. Kinney and Reaper’s interactions were one of the highlights of this movie; Crowe brings life to the character, and while Reaper is serious about his job, he delivers some funny one-liners that help ease the tension. As director William Eubank weaves a story of survival and camaraderie, Russell Crowe’s Reaper adds a touch of humor to the gripping tale of explosions, intense gun battles, and unyielding loyalty.

There are three operators in the film, each with their own characteristics that make them extremely likable and badass. Milo, portraying Sugar, delivers some very cool action moments throughout the movie, sure to have action fans screaming and punching the air with excitement.

The action is very well done; this movie isn’t a run-and-gun. The action scenes are intense and quite realistic; there aren’t any hero moments, every character is expendable once the bullets start to fly. Eubank doesn’t hold back on the explosions either; we are treated to some wonderful practical explosions that would have even impressed Michael Bay! There are also some really tense moments where you end up at the edge of your seat, half screaming at the TV, something which always makes a movie that bit more fun. Many action movies lack this kind of tension, and you don’t have as much compassion for the characters as you do here. The film delivers heart-pounding action and edge-of-your-seat intensity, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping war dramas.

Buckle up for “Land of Bad,” a pulse-pounding thriller where Liam Hemsworth’s Kinney joins forces with Tier One Operators led by the tough-as-nails Sugar (Milo Ventimiglia). Director William Eubank crafts intense action sequences and character dynamics, with Russell Crowe’s Reaper serving as the eyes in the sky. Explosions, humor, and unrelenting tension make this film a rollercoaster of emotions and excitement. With stunning visuals, action sequences, and a unique story, “Land of Bad” is sure to keep you entertained and captivated until the very end. It kind of felt like “Lone Survivor” meets “13 Hours.” Filled with intense gun battles and great characters, “Land of Bad” is a movie that is well worth investing your time in.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out our interviews with director, William Eubank and actor Ricky Whittle

Author