A Disappointing Dive into "In the Lost Lands"
"In the Lost Lands," a dystopian action film loosely based on a short story by George R.R. Martin, falls far short of expectations. Despite its promising premise, the movie is a lackluster effort that struggles to weave a compelling narrative. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film stars Dave Bautista as Boyce, a brooding bounty hunter, and Milla Jovovich as Gray Alys, a sorceress who hires Boyce to track down a shape-shifter for the kingdom’s young queen, played by Amara Okereke. The story follows their perilous journey, with the pair being pursued by Ash, a fanatical soldier and leader of a religious royal guard, who is determined to kill Alys. The film’s expansive desert setting is its most striking feature, but even this is overshadowed by a weak script and underdeveloped characters.
A Weak Script and Missed Potential
The script of "In the Lost Lands" is perhaps the film’s biggest letdown. It fails to build a story that matches the allure of its vast, visually stunning desert backdrop. Instead of delving deeper into Boyce’s tragic origins to create emotional depth, the director opts to keep these details hidden, only revealing them in a poorly executed third-act twist. This choice feels like a cheap attempt to shock rather than genuinely engage the audience. Furthermore, the character of Gray Alys is woefully underdeveloped, serving little purpose beyond being a lovesick romantic interest for Boyce. The chemistry between Bautista and Jovovich is nonexistent, and Bautista’s overacting only exacerbates the problem.
Anderson’s Decline in Quality
After directing the equally garish "Monster Hunter" in 2020, Paul W.S. Anderson seems to have hit a new low with "In the Lost Lands." While Anderson and his cinematographer, Glen MacPherson, are capable of framing and lighting scenes that are visually engaging, the film’s technical shortcomings are glaring. The special effects are cheap and unconvincing, with the frequent firefights and explosions resembling a messy flurry of pixels. The editing attempts to compensate by cutting rapidly during action sequences, but this only makes the scenes more incomprehensible. It’s almost as if the filmmakers are trying to distract viewers from the subpar visuals.
A Lack of Imagination and Polish
"In the Lost Lands" is not just a bad film; it’s a lazy one. Anderson’s direction lacks creativity, and the film’s pacing is sluggish. The dialogue is clunky, and the characters are given little room to grow or develop. The film’s budget constraints are evident, particularly in its poor visual effects, which detract from the viewing experience. Even the action scenes, which should be the film’s highlight, are lackluster and poorly choreographed. The editing is chaotic, and the sound design is equally unimpressive. The result is a film that feels cheap and rushed, with little attention paid to detail or storytelling.
A Wasted Opportunity
Given the talent involved, "In the Lost Lands" is a wasted opportunity. Dave Bautista, who has proven his acting chops in films like "Guardians of the Galaxy," is given little to work with here. His character, Boyce, is a paper-thin caricature of a tough, brooding bounty hunter, and his overacting only makes it harder to take the character seriously. Milla Jovovich, who has been a staple in action films for decades, is equally miscast as Gray Alys. Her character is underwritten and lacks any real agency, and her romantic subplot with Boyce feels forced and unconvincing. The supporting cast fares no better, with Amara Okereke’s young queen being little more than a prop in the story.
A Final Verdict: A Missed Mark
"In the Lost Lands" is a disappointing entry in the dystopian action genre. With a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and poor technical execution, it fails to deliver on even the most basic levels. While the film’s desert setting is visually striking, it’s not enough to save the film from its numerous shortcomings. Anderson’s direction lacks imagination, and the film’s budget constraints are evident throughout. Even fans of Bautista and Jovovich will find little to appreciate here. Rated R for violence and being an eyesore, "In the Lost Lands" is a skippable film that fails to leave a lasting impression. Running at just 1 hour and 40 minutes, it’s a brief but forgettable experience.