Kandahar the Movie – What to Watch Instead

I really like Gerard Butler and whenever he’s in a movie, I’m going to watch at least once. My favorite of his is Hunter Killer, an intense action movie that had me on the edge of my seat. The most recent movie I’ve seen starring Butler is Kandahar. I wanted to love it but just never quite got there. Here’s the trailer if you haven’t seen it yet…

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You know when you watch a movie and pretty early on you are rooting for the protagonist? Maybe you can picture yourself in their situation, or it’s a classic tale of good vs. evil, or an underdog story. This movie wasn’t a classic tale as much as it was an overused theme in the past few years or decade. All the same elements of an “us vs. them” military movie but very few surprises. I’d even venture to say that Butler’s character isn’t even very likable. But one scene I liked a lot was all at night, with Gerard using night vision to outwit the enemy. Besides that, it was a predictable military guy who’s gone from home too long so his wife is divorcing him and he misses a child’s important event. Of course, when he’s about to go home another mission pops up that derails his plans of making it to his daughter’s school graduation. Saw that coming from a mile away.

I’ve seen this type of theme done right, though. Have you seen The Covenant yet? Fabulous movie with a similar good guy behind enemy lines theme. If you’re debating whether to watch one or the other, go with The Covenant. I was very impressed with Jake Gyllenhaal. Less predictable and just when you think the story is wrapping up, there’s a whole other part unraveling.

If you’ve seen Kandahar, chime in with your thoughts below.

-Out of the Wilderness