The unexpected collaboration between Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth in the military action thriller "Land of Bad" was not something we had anticipated on our 2024 pop culture Bingo card, yet it appears that we are soon to mark it off as a reality. Movie buffs are eagerly anticipating the second team-up of these two Australian stars, following their successful co-starring in the 2022 thriller "Poker Face" (unrelated to the popular TV series).
This time, however, it's not a high-stakes poker game that's gone haywire, but a mission fraught with danger. "Land of Bad" takes us on a pulse-pounding journey with a group of military men embarked on a perilous extraction mission in the Philippines. When things take a bloody turn, leaving a young officer stranded and vulnerable to the elements and local militia, hope seems lost.
Fortunately, he's not alone in this fight. Russell Crowe's character, a drone pilot, is his ears and eyes in the sky, guiding him through hellish landscapes like a missile threading through the air. If this sounds like the kind of movie that tickles your fancy, read on for all the details you need to know about "Land of Bad" before it blasts into a theater near you.
Slated for a theatrical release on Friday, February 16, 2024, in the United States, rumors abound that "Land of Bad" has already made a cameo appearance in theaters as part of Regal's Mystery Movie Monday. Given the cinema chain's penchant for not repeating its surprise screenings, fans hoping to catch a sneak peek of the film early might be out of luck.
As moviegoers, your safest bet is to catch "Land of Bad" on the big screen in February or wait patiently for the film to land on home media and digital platforms at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Distributed by the indie company The Avenue, it's hard to predict which streaming service the film might eventually find a home on after its theatrical run comes to a close. Recent titles from the same company have had varying fates, with some ending up on Prime Video while others remain exclusive to PVOD. For now, the February theatrical release date stands as the only concrete detail.
On paper, "Land of Bad" carves out a familiar niche in the action movie genre. The narrative follows an elite Army special forces unit deep into the heart of the Philippines. When a Delta Force team's mission to rescue a captured CIA asset spirals out of control, a drone pilot and an air force combat controller embark on a daring rescue operation. The tried-and-true plot of military men saving each other is injected with a fresh layer of intrigue due to the fact that the rookie JTAC officer in charge of the rescue, Kinney, is remotely guided by the drone operator, Reaper (the unmanned aircraft sharing the same name as its operator: MQ-9 Reaper).
As the Delta Force team encounters fierce resistance from local militia and the mission takes a catastrophic turn, Kinney is left stranded and alone - but not completely. He still has Reaper in his ear, guiding him through treacherous terrain (as evidenced by a thrilling sequence in the trailer where he leaps off a towering waterfall) and presumably raining down drone-fired missiles on any enemy that dares cross his path.
This is where the journey of "Land of Bad" truly ignites. Liam Hemsworth, renowned for his roles in "The Hunger Games" and "The Witcher," steals the show as Kinney, a greenhorn thrust into the heart of the action on his maiden mission. In a casting coup that is nothing short of brilliant, Russell Crowe, a legend from "Gladiator" and "Cinderella Man," takes on the role of Reaper, the watchful figure looming overhead, guiding Kinney through the perils ahead.
The ensemble cast is nothing less than impressive. Milo Ventimiglia, a household name from "This Is Us" and "Gilmore Girls," appears in the trailer, radiating authority and reassurance, hinting at a fate that is all but certain for his character. Ricky Whittle, a standout from "American Gods" and "The 100," joins the fray as a member of the Delta Force, facing an unexpectedly treacherous mission. Whittle is an actor whose every move deserves our support, not just because of his immense talent but also because of his bravery in speaking out against the alleged bullying that led to his departure from "The 100."
Liam's brother, Luke Hemsworth, a former cast member of "Westworld," is also set to make an appearance in this film, while professional rugby player George Burgess reportedly has a cameo role.
The first trailer for "Land of Bad" dropped in December, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of this thrilling tale. As expected, it's filled with military men swearing to protect each other amidst danger and chaos. But it's the unexpected moments that truly stand out. Crowe's character, Reaper, is introduced with a comedic twist, declaring with utmost seriousness, "I'm your eyes in the sky and the bringer of doom," prompting his colleague to whisper, "Subtle." The trailer also features pulse-pounding action sequences, such as Hemsworth's rookie character leaping off a waterfall and engaging enemies with Crowe's seasoned expert guiding him through the fray via earpiece.
You can also witness Kinney's squad teasing him for being a greenhorn, catching a fleeting glimpse of a scene where he seems to be captured and bloodied by enemy forces. Ventimiglia's character also makes an appearance, offering Kinney words of encouragement even as he himself is injured. Some of the action shots are captured in a shaky, handheld style, adding to the intensity of the scenes, while the explosive drone sequences are smoothly filmed, displaying stunning visuals.
"Land of Bad" is set to hit the big screens on February 16, 2024, promising an action-packed thrill ride that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
