In Gerard Butler’s latest action flick, Kandahar (formerly Mission Kandahar), directed by Ric Roman Waugh, we follow the story of Tom Harris (played by Butler), an undercover CIA operative trapped in hostile territory in Afghanistan. When his true identity and mission are exposed, he embarks on a perilous escape alongside his translator Mohammad “Mo” Doud (Negahban), racing against time to reach an extraction point in Kandahar while being pursued by elite special forces. While Kandahar may not reach the pinnacle of Butler’s or Waugh’s careers, their involvement elevates this film to a decent and serviceable action thriller.
Butler injects more depth into his character than what is initially written, engaging audiences and making them genuinely care about Tom in a way that only a true action star can achieve. Negahban also delivers an impressive performance, portraying a compelling character with a tragic storyline. The chemistry between Butler and Negahban is palpable, convincingly selling their friendship and the growing bond they share through heartfelt and surprisingly emotional scenes. Fimmel’s portrayal of Roman Chalmers is another highlight, stealing the spotlight with his cocky energy, likability, and charisma.
The action sequences are well-crafted and entertaining, culminating in an intense and satisfying climax. However, Kandahar falls short of generating the expected thrills, tension, and excitement that a film with such a premise demands. The first act drags and becomes convoluted, introducing unnecessary story beats and characters who ultimately serve little purpose. Despite these flaws, the film’s 2-hour duration doesn’t feel excessively long, but it could have benefitted from a tighter runtime or better exploration of the relationship between Tom and Mo.
While not groundbreaking, Kandahar remains a decent watch, particularly for action enthusiasts. It adheres to the conventions of the genre without attempting to revolutionize it. Although it may not rank among Butler’s best works, fans of the actor will find it worthwhile to check out. Visit afdah movies for more!
