"Commando" is a 1985 action movie that stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix, a retired special forces operative who is forced back into action when his daughter is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries. The film is directed by Mark L. Lester and was released during the peak of Schwarzenegger's career in the 1980s.
At its core, "Commando" is a movie that is all about pure, unadulterated action. From the moment the film begins, we are thrust into a world of intense violence and non-stop thrills. There's hardly a moment to catch your breath as the film hurtles from one action set-piece to the next.
The plot of "Commando" is straightforward, but it's effective in its simplicity. Matrix's daughter Jenny (played by Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries led by a former colleague named Bennett (Vernon Wells). The kidnappers demand that Matrix carry out a political assassination in exchange for his daughter's safe return, but Matrix has other plans. He sets out to rescue his daughter and take down the bad guys, one by one.
One of the things that makes "Commando" so enjoyable is the performance of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. This was at the peak of his career, and he delivers a performance that is both charming and intimidating. He's the ultimate tough guy, but he also has a softer side that is revealed in his interactions with his daughter. Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast in this role, and it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the part.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Rae Dawn Chong as Cindy, a flight attendant who helps Matrix in his quest, and Vernon Wells as Bennett, the main villain. Wells is a fantastic villain, delivering a performance that is both menacing and campy at the same time. He's the perfect foil for Schwarzenegger, and the scenes between the two of them are some of the most memorable in the film.
The action scenes in "Commando" are expertly choreographed and filmed. From the opening scene, where Matrix single-handedly takes out an entire army of soldiers, to the final showdown between Matrix and Bennett, the film is a non-stop thrill ride. The film's stunts and practical effects are also impressive, and they help to make the action scenes feel visceral and real.
One of the things that sets "Commando" apart from other action movies of its time is its sense of humour. While the film is certainly violent and intense, it also has a playful, self-aware tone that is refreshing. Schwarzenegger delivers some iconic one-liners throughout the film, and there are also some great moments of physical comedy that help to break up the action.
That being said, "Commando" is not without its flaws. The film's plot is thin, and the characters are not particularly deep. While Schwarzenegger is excellent in the lead role, most of the other characters are one-dimensional and underdeveloped. The film also has some pacing issues, with some scenes feeling rushed and others feeling overly drawn out.
Despite these flaws, "Commando" remains a classic of the action genre. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and is all the better for it. It's a movie that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy for what it is: a fun, entertaining, and action-packed thrill ride.
In conclusion, "Commando" is a movie that is well worth watching, especially if you're a fan of '80s action movies or Arnold Schwarzenegger. While it's not a perfect film, it's a classic for a reason, and it still holds up
