Commando

Ah, for the days of action films that were cheesy as hell and had no real sub-plot.

One of these films was Commando. Seen as a vitally pivotal film in Arnold Schwarzeneggers career, as it required an actor that could produce a large range of emotions onscreen. At the time, many jokes were being made about Arnies acting ability; most saying that he was being typecast as a robot, because thats all he could do. This film, in a small way, showed that he had at least potential to show other emotions and showed off his talent for delivering one liners.

Ok, the story. Colonel John Matrix is living a happy life after retiring from a special military unit that he used to run. He now lives with his daughter out in the countryside. However, things go awry when the ex-members of his commando strike squad are murdered, and his daughter is kidnapped. He is then tranquillised and taken off to a secret location. He is informed that he must kill the president of some country or other, or he won’t get his daughter back. What ensues is a good, action classic; which means that there are a lot of guns, much gore and a girl – namely Rae Dawn Chong, an airhostess of all people who gets caught up in the mess.

Ok, so its not exactly Chekov or Dickens; but it is still damn good fun. Ok, so Arnie isnt on top form (did he ever really get there?), and ok, Rae Dawn Chong isnt exactly a great actress (has she been in anything else since?). But as a popcorn flick, its still very enjoyable. Which is one of the main things that a film should be. It dosnt matter if it makes you think, and moralise about everything, if it bores you to death. Fine, if a film can do both, then great. But most cant. And this is a fine example of a film that needs no thought on your behalf. The filmmakers do all that for you :- )

Plenty of action ensues, with fair directing. The soundtrack isnt great, but it is kinda catchy :- ) And if you like to watch things blow up, then this film is for you. Rae thingy is purely there as eye candy and to prevent the film from becoming too serious.

The DVD has no extras, only a theatrical trailer.

Overall, it’s a good action movie; if thats your kind of thing.

6/10

Arktic:HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6305364664/ref=ase_randomdrivel-20/104-6769052-2448733"C'mon, its a classic! You know you want it!

Added:  Saturday, April 20, 2002
Reviewer:  Arktic
Score:
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