Review of Commando (1985) by Aaron N — 20 Jan 2010

Matrix: Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last?

Sully: That's right, Matrix. You did.

Matrix: I lied.

In what has to be one of the thinnest of action plots, Arnold stars as John Matrix, a former Commando, who just wants to be left alone to spend time raising his daughter. Of course a number of people have other plans, as some villains invade Matrix's home, kidnap his daughter, and force him to go on a mission to assassinate some political leader. Matrix has other plans, for as soon as they think he's out of sight, Matrix changes the deal, secretly working his way back to where the bad guys have taken his daughter, killing anyone who gets in the way.

This is all basic 80s cheese. Lots of macho man filmmaking present, as Arnold flexes his guns, uses his guns, and takes out the hired guns throughout the 90 minutes of entertainment. The dialog his hilariously awful, the characters, especially the main villain are amazingly lame, and yet, this movie is a lot of fun to watch.

The action of course builds up to the one man army showdown, which has Arnold literally take out dozens upon dozens of enemies. Explosions and bullets galore.

James Horner's score, which includes steel drums, only helps to complete the package of this 80s action bonanza.

Cooke: You scared, motherfucker? Well, you should be, because this Green Beret is going to kick your big ass!

Matrix: I eat Green Berets for breakfast. And right now, I'm very hungry!