Unleashing Arnold Schwarzenegger's Greatest Powerhouse Performance: A Jaw-Dropping 1985 Action Film

Arnold Schwarzenegger is renowned for his unparalleled star power in the world of acting. From his iconic role in action flicks to his participation in lesser-known and questionable projects, Schwarzenegger has left a lasting impact on the genre. Despite the wide range of his filmography, it is often the forgotten gems that truly showcase his talent, with Commando serving as the ultimate example of a thrilling action blockbuster in the middle ground.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Schwarzenegger gained international fame as a bodybuilder. However, it was in 1982 when he truly made a name for himself as an actor with his leading role in Conan the Barbarian. Just two short years later, he cemented his status with his unforgettable performance as the iconic Terminator. And in 1985, Commando solidified Schwarzenegger's cinematic legacy, encapsulating his remarkable career.

What Is Commando About?

Retired US Army Special Forces Colonel John Matrix, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, leads a peaceful life with his daughter, Jenny, in a beautiful mountain estate. However, his tranquility is shattered when his former commanding officer warns him about a group of mercenaries who have killed all members of Matrix's unit. The mercenaries, led by Matrix's former ally Bennett, storm his home and kidnap Jenny.

Matrix learns that the mercenaries are working for President Arius, a South American dictator he helped overthrow. Arius demands Matrix's assistance in assassinating a political rival, threatening to harm Jenny if he refuses. Determined to save his daughter, Matrix escapes his captors and embarks on a mission for revenge. Along the way, he teams up with a young flight attendant and takes on the powerful forces opposing him, using his skills as a one-man army to defeat Arius's mercenaries. After all, he is called the Commando for a reason.

What Makes Commando So Good?

How Does Commando End?

The definition for "action movie" in any reputable dictionary should showcase Commando, the full 90-minute feature presentation. Not because it surpasses all other action films starring Schwarzenegger, who himself has appeared in multiple superior flicks of the genre. Instead, Commando serves as the quintessential embodiment of what an action movie should be. It adheres to the formula so closely that it teeters on the brink of parody, yet manages to execute every scene with near-perfection. Every moment in Commando serves its purpose without any unnecessary elements. Schwarzenegger adeptly portrays the ideal action hero, while the antagonist, Bennett, played by Vernon Wells, is the perfect foil. The chemistry between them is reminiscent of the dynamic between Schwarzenegger and Jessie "The Body" Ventura in Predator, making it a disappointment that they haven't collaborated more frequently. Commando epitomizes the action blockbuster, delivering perfectly timed fireworks in the form of shootouts, fistfights, set pieces, and flawlessly executed one-liners. It offers no frills, no unnecessary distractions, and no character development. Commando is purely focused on delivering a thrilling experience from start to finish.

Spoilers for Commando follow. Matrix and flight attendant Cindy embark on a mission to locate Arius's mercenaries and uncover his whereabouts. They start by locating and interrogating Sully, granting them access to a hotel room. Further investigation leads them to a former Green Beret at the hotel, who reveals the location of Arius's warehouse. With this information, they are able to track down his island fortress. In order to arm themselves, Matrix and Cindy break into an Army surplus store and acquire a substantial arsenal, capable of overthrowing the local government. To prove their point, they detonate a police car and commandeer an aircraft. Arriving at Arius's island, Matrix initiates a final rampage, eliminating all of Arius's men and ultimately executing the former dictator. Matrix plans to escape with Jenny and Cindy, but their plans are interrupted by Bennett. Matrix, appealing to Bennett's violent nature, challenges him to a knife fight. Bennett, consumed by bloodlust, gives in and is ultimately impaled by Matrix with a metal pipe. Matrix leaves the island, returning to his ordinary life and rejecting his commanding officer's offer to rejoin his former unit.

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There is no need for any discussion about Commando. After watching it, the only words that come to mind are, "That was absolutely amazing." This film effortlessly captures the essence of 80s action, making it a flawless and enjoyable experience. While Arnold Schwarzenegger is often praised for his roles in Total Recall or Terminator, his portrayal in Commando truly solidifies him as the ultimate action movie star.