Gerard Butler’s latest action film, Kandahar (formerly Mission Kandahar), directed by Ric Roman Waugh, follows the story of Tom Harris (played by Butler), an undercover CIA operative trapped in dangerous territory in Afghanistan. When his cover is blown, he must escape alongside his translator Mohammad “Mo” Doud (Negahban) and reach an extraction point in Kandahar while being pursued by elite special forces. While Kandahar may not be the pinnacle of Butler’s or Waugh’s careers, the film benefits from their involvement, resulting in a decent and serviceable action thriller.
Butler brings more depth to his character than what is written on the page, making audiences care about Tom in a way only a true action star can. Negahban delivers a great performance as well, portraying the film’s most compelling character with a tragic storyline. The chemistry between Butler and Negahban is strong, selling their friendship and growing bond through heartfelt and surprisingly emotional scenes. Fimmel also shines as Roman Chalmers, stealing scenes with his cocky energy and likable charisma.
The action sequences are well-executed and entertaining, with a climactic ending that leaves a strong and exciting impression. However, the film falls short in generating the expected thrills, tension, and excitement that a film with this premise should have. The first act drags and becomes convoluted, introducing unnecessary story beats and characters that serve little purpose. The film’s 2-hour running time is barely felt, but it could have been improved by better developing the relationship between Tom and Mo.
Despite its faults, Kandahar is a decent action thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers an enjoyable experience for action enthusiasts. While not one of Butler’s best films, it is still worth checking out for his fans. Visit fzmovies for more!