Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen) directs Kandahar from a script by Mitchell LaFortune. LaFortune's experiences as an operative in Afghanistan and both Waugh and actor Gerard Butler's veteran status with other action films make the movie an engaging and entertaining mission that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. Tom Harris (Butler) is an MI-6 operative on loan to the CIA and in deep cover in Afghanistan. But when a security leak by a careless reporter puts him in the sights of Iranian intelligence, he must find his way out of the country without help from the US government. One of his only allies is Mo (Navid Negahban), the translator assigned to him, who traveled to Afghanistan to look for his wife's sister but now wants to escape back to the home he has made in the United States. Together, they must evade or fight through the Taliban, ISIS, tribal leaders, and untrustworthy associates to make it 400 miles to Kandahar before the only flight they can catch leaves them stranded. LaFortune is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne and the Defense Intelligence Agency. He served several tours in Afghanistan, pulling from his personal experiences to write the script. His long service and association with the people of the Middle East give him a unique perspective, allowing him to show the motivations of the protagonists and the many antagonists. Unfortunately, he could not delve very deeply in two hours with so many players in the game. Audiences know who everyone is and their primary motivations, but they aren't fleshed out enough to build a connection with them. There isn't as much action as is typical for this type of film, and this will leave some viewers disappointed. But the exchange of admittedly limited empathy is worth it. Some characters do a fantastic job expressing the pain and discomfort someone in a position of authority must feel. In contrast, others show the brutality that comes with taking advantage of any and every situation they can. The action it does have is well rendered and more believable than many of this type of movie, although a few things stretch reality. The amazing moments happen during combat scenes, where everything from IEDs to helicopters and black-tinted motorcycles give chase, sometimes in the complete darkness of the desert sands. It's sometimes shown through the lens of night vision technology, making it feel even more tense. There's a natural sensation of immersion where, as a member of the audience, one feels caught in the middle of it all and is fighting for survival. Some unexpected twists and turns create even more danger and chaos. The film has some music, but it doesn't help the pace and sometimes seems out of place or poorly chosen. Kandahar is a good film that lightly explores the complexities and factional nature of the Middle East, giving the audience a taste of why the region is so problematic. It doesn't have non-stop action like the typical modern war film, but for viewers tired of the same old formula, this movie is a great escape.
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