“Badland Hunters,” a post-apocalyptic disaster film now streaming on Netflix, is a disjointed mix of corny effects and spaghetti western elements that struggles to find its footing. Directed with an overambitious plot that buries any potential for fun, the movie tries to balance action and humor but falls short on both fronts.
Set in a dystopian Seoul ravaged by a deadly earthquake, the story follows a fearless huntsman who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue a teenager abducted by a mad doctor who runs a camp full of dangerous cultists. It’s a chaotic premise that holds promise, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
The film’s special effects are more laughable than impressive, with many scenes marred by low-budget CGI that will pull viewers out of the narrative. The action sequences, though decent, are overshadowed by the convoluted plot that tries to do too much. Instead of focusing on a tight, engaging story line, the film spreads itself thin, resulting in a movie that’s hard to follow and lacks emotional impact.
Despite some major flaws, the film does attempt to inject a sense of humor into its bleak setting, but a lot of it misses the mark and comes off as forced rather than genuinely funny. The spaghetti western influences add a unique flavor, but they are not enough to save the film from itself.
For viewers looking for a better post-apocalyptic experience, check out “Concrete Utopia,” a similar film that finds much greater success. It delivers on action, plot, and character development in ways that this movie simply does not.
“Badland Hunters” ends up as a low-level streamer that might serve as a mildly satisfying, casual watch for those with a penchant for disaster films and dystopian settings. Despite some decent action, it lacks the substance and coherence to leave a lasting impression.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 