Review of Commando (1985) by Grant S — 06 Oct 2016

A retired Special Forces officer, Colonel John Matrix (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), is living the quiet life. He is happily spending his time in a remote country house where he dotes on his daughter, Jenny (Alyssa Milano). However, some mercenaries, former colleagues of his, have other plans. They kidnap Jenny and give Matrix an ultimatum - assassinate a central American leader or they will kill Jenny. Matrix has other ideas.

Incredibly weak and one-dimensional, i.e. your typical Arnie movie. Lame plot: every scene is just a set up for another action sequence. Any character depth or development is token - the scenes where Matrix interacts with his daughter are cringingly lame and superficial.

Then, of course, there's the acting, especially Arnie's. He's not there for his acting ability, and it shows. Alyssa Milano, only 12/13 years old at the time, puts in an okayish performance though. Dan Hedaya is badly miscast as the head villain - the role was beneath him and he really deserves better.

Only worth watching if you've never seen an explosion or a fight before.