Review of Commando (1985) by Harry W — 04 Feb 2014

After recently witnessing the very poor quality Arnold Schwarzenegger venture The Running Man and then the awful contemporary action film Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, I had to find a way to escape memories of both awful films and find something simply action packed and fun. Commando sounded like a viable option.

Commando proves to instantly separate itself from other action films when an enemy terrorist asks John Matrix if he'll comply with his demands. Instead, he shouts "Wrong" and shoots the man in the head at point blank range. It certifies that John Matrix is a badass and that Arnold Schwarzenegger's charm for a cheesy 1980's line delivery will be present. And although Commando didn't hit my highest expectations, director Mark L. Lester spend the limited budget of $10 million well so that it was a certified good action film.

Commando has two elements to it: the elements of an action film and the elements of a film from the 1980's.

As an 80's film, it has plenty of kinetic energy and a great lead character. The story moves along so quickly since it has to act quick before the characters realise what John Matrix has done and audiences realise that there is practically no story to it. And thanks to the sleight of hand of Mark L. Lester, Commando has the visual appeal to entertain audiences that can appreciate a simple minded action film.

The action is mostly entertaining, as it is never excessive but features just enough blood and explosions , if a little bit too much slow motion. But still, it's shot nicely and edited very well with all the necessary visual appeal. Action junkies will appreciate it.

The wooden acting may tend to be annoying from time to time, but whenever it's coming from Arnold Schwarzenegger it's too perfect. He doesn't try to be anything but a muscle man with cheesy line delivery in Commando and so it works to a hilarious extent. His work with the script is great because he has so many one-liners which he delivers really well and hilariously, and he just makes John Matrix into an awesome action hero.

The presence of David Patrick Kelly is nostalgic since he was a memorable character in the 1979 film The Warriors and later the 1981 action comedy 48 HRS, even if his performance was of sub-standard calibre.

Alyssa Milano managed to do a decent job.

The only negative elements of the film are predictable, mainly the thin writing, the predictability, and the fact that sometimes the action scenes are a little conventional. There is really little more to Commando than the action, and from time to time it doesn't seem as entertaining as it should. But not often than not it does prove good.

Also, the musical score is a little weird for the film.

So Commando is nothing more than you could expect. It's simply thin plotting and wooden acting against tongue in cheek humour and constant action.