Commando (1985) Movie Review
Synopsis:
Col. John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is living a peaceful life with his daughter, Jenny (Alyssa Milano). After a group of assassins kidnaps her, Matrix takes up arms against them. This includes his former associate, Bennett (Vernon Wells).
Review:
James Cameron’s The Terminator (1984) made famed Austrian Arnold Schwarzenegger a star. In 1985, Arnold looked to portray Col. John Matrix in Commando.
Commando remains a brisk, fun, and often quotable action flick. This is despite it never receiving a sequel.
Every aspect of Commando epitomizes 1980s action films.
This includes its one-liners and the film's outrageous action sequences. It also has a gritty visual style.
Commando has many action sequences, from impactful hand-to-hand fights to the use of guns.
James Horner’s score helps to elevate them beyond this. This is despite the simplistic approach to the film's action as a whole.
Horner’s score contains many instruments. These include the use of saxophones, steel drums, and synths.
It is a melodic score, also highlighting Commando’s brisk nature.
Yet another highlight of Commando is Arnold’s physical performance as John Matrix. This should not be surprising considering the actor's stature.
Arnold also drops a reference to The Terminator in this film with “I’ll be back, Bennett.”
Speaking of Bennett, Vernon Wells commits to the over-the-top nature of his character. With it, he provides a charismatic presence.
Bennett is not an intimidating threat by any means. Regardless, Vernon’s personality makes up for these shortcomings.
Commando also includes another antagonist in the former dictator, Arius (Dan Hedaya).
Although Hedaya’s appearance as Arius in the film is brief. Despite this, his cold-hearted personality is always on display.
Once Matrix dispatches him and several dozen of his soldiers, though, it is satisfying. Beyond this, he is not a very memorable antagonist.
Other antagonists in the film include David Patrick Kelly’s Sully and Bill Duke’s Cooke.
Rae Dawn Chong is the flight attendant Cindy and acts as a secondary protagonist in Commando.
Rae is a welcome presence in the film. As an example, her character becomes more resourceful as the film progresses.
Conclusion:
To conclude, Commando is a brisk 1980s action flick that never relents in its action and other tropes of the time.
James Horner’s soundtrack is also exciting. With it, Horner elevates the film’s good yet simplistic action sequences.
Arnold, as expected, suits this film’s action due to his physical on-screen presence.
Bennett as an antagonist isn't very intimidating. Despite this, Vernon Wells delivers a fun performance.
Dan Hedeya’s Arius doesn’t have the same charisma. Still, he does display some ruthlessness during the film.
Rae Dawn Chong as Cindy is a good secondary protagonist, becoming more useful later on in the film.
Commando’s plot or characters may not have the same levels of ingenuity as The Terminator (1984). Despite this, it is still a fun action flick.
For any Arnold fan or those seeking brisk 1980s entertainment, sit back and "let off some steam.”
Sam’s Action Reaction score:
Characters - 7/10
Story - 6.5/10
Action - 7/10
Visuals - 7/10
Soundtrack - 7.5/10
Overall score: 7 out of 10
