My quick rating - 6.1/10. "Badland Hunters" thrusts viewers into a post-apocalyptic Seoul, transformed into a chaotic wasteland after a devastating earthquake. The story follows Nam-San, a fearless huntsman, played by the ever-reliable Dong-seok Ma, who embarks on a perilous mission to rescue a teenager abducted by a deranged doctor. While Dong-seok Ma's commanding presence and charismatic performance are highlights, they aren't enough to salvage this film from its myriad shortcomings.
From the moment Nam-San steps onto the screen, he exudes the raw power and intensity that fans have come to expect. Dong-seok’s performance is a masterclass in action-hero bravado, and his scenes crackle with energy. However, these moments of euphoria are sporadic and fail to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the film.
The post-apocalyptic setting relies heavily on CGI, creating a fast-paced but visually artificial environment. While the digital effects are competent, they can't mask the film's lack of originality and depth. The narrative is a mishmash of end-times tropes, dystopian survival, action-packed sequences, mad scientist antics, zombie horror, mutant monstrosities, and ill-timed comedic elements. This chaotic blend results in a story that feels more hare-brained than innovative, lacking any real "aha" moments or fresh perspectives. The cast, apart from Dong-seok Ma, struggles with overacting, which detracts from the film's intended tension and drama. This over-the-top approach might have been intended to heighten the sense of urgency and desperation, but it often felt hammy and distracting to me. Despite these flaws, Badland Hunters does manage to keep boredom at bay. The sheer audacity of its crude mixture of genres and the relentless pace ensures that there's never a dull moment. Gorehounds will find some solace in the brutal and graphic scenes sprinkled throughout the film, particularly during the finale, which offers a few satisfyingly gory payoffs. I just found the whole thing to be a mixed bag. It's a film that promises much but delivers little beyond the surface-level thrills. Dong-seok Ma’s stellar performance is the primary reason to watch, but even his magnetism can't elevate the film to a must-see status. If you are seeking a mindless, action-packed diversion with a dash of gore, it’s worth a watch. Otherwise, check out his Roundup films.
You'll find this one on Netflix exclusively for now (6.26.24)
