Director: Mark L. Lester
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger (John Matrix), Rae Dawn Chong (Cindy), Alyssa Milano (Jenny Matrix), Vernon Wells (Bennett), Dan Hedaya (Arius)
Genre: Action, Adventure
Release Date: October 4, 1985

Overview: Commando is a classic 1980s action film that solidified Arnold Schwarzenegger’s status as one of the biggest action stars of the decade. Directed by Mark L. Lester, this adrenaline-pumping film is known for its intense action sequences, sharp one-liners, and a straightforward yet thrilling plot.

Schwarzenegger plays John Matrix, a retired Special Forces colonel whose quiet life is upended when his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped by a former associate, Bennett (Vernon Wells), under the orders of an exiled dictator, Arius (Dan Hedaya). Matrix is forced to embark on a high-octane mission to rescue her, leaving a trail of destruction and memorable moments in his wake.

Plot Summary: John Matrix is living a peaceful life in the mountains with his young daughter Jenny after leaving behind his military career. However, his past comes back to haunt him when his former comrades are systematically killed, and Jenny is kidnapped by mercenaries led by Bennett, a vengeful ex-Special Forces soldier.

Arius, a deposed South American dictator, forces Matrix to assassinate the president of his country to help him regain power. In return, Jenny will be freed. Instead of complying, Matrix uses his elite skills to escape and sets off on a mission to track down the kidnappers and rescue his daughter before time runs out.

Key Themes:

• Relentless Pursuit: The film’s central theme is Matrix’s determination to save his daughter at any cost. His love for Jenny fuels his relentless pursuit of the villains, and his unstoppable nature gives the movie its intense pace.
• Revenge and Redemption: The dynamic between Matrix and Bennett is one of the film’s most memorable aspects. Once comrades, Bennett’s jealousy and desire for revenge add a personal touch to the action, culminating in a final, explosive showdown.
• Father-Daughter Bond: Despite the film’s action-heavy focus, the emotional core lies in the relationship between John and Jenny. Their bond is the driving force behind the plot, giving Matrix’s mission a sense of personal urgency.

Iconic Scenes:

• Mall Fight: One of the standout moments is the mall scene, where Matrix singlehandedly takes on a group of security guards and mercenaries. Using brute strength and his environment to his advantage, the scene showcases Matrix’s ingenuity and physical dominance.
• Arnold’s One-Liners: Schwarzenegger delivers some of the most memorable one-liners in action film history. From “Let off some steam, Bennett” to “I eat Green Berets for breakfast,” the dialogue adds a sense of humor and style to the nonstop action.
• Final Assault: The movie’s explosive finale sees Matrix storming Arius’ island compound. Armed with military-grade weapons, he takes on an army of soldiers, dispatching them with ease in a wildly over-the-top sequence that epitomizes 1980s action movies.

What Makes Commando Stand Out:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Charisma: Arnold’s larger-than-life presence is the heart of the film. His physicality, combined with his charm and humor, make John Matrix one of the most iconic action heroes in film history.
• No-Nonsense Action: Commando wastes no time in setting up its premise and dives straight into the action. The movie is filled with high-stakes sequences, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
• Over-the-Top 80s Style: From the excessive firepower to the cartoonish villainy of Bennett, Commando embraces the exaggerated style of 1980s action cinema. It revels in its larger-than-life attitude, making it a quintessential example of the genre.

Impact and Legacy: Commando became an instant hit upon its release and is still considered a benchmark for action films. It set the template for many of the “one-man army” movies that followed, with its mix of explosive action, humor, and larger-than-life heroics. The film’s success helped cement Arnold Schwarzenegger as a global action icon, following his previous hit The Terminator (1984).

Its blend of action and quippy dialogue has made it a favorite for fans of 1980s cinema, and its influence can be seen in many films that followed. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of John Matrix, in particular, has been referenced and parodied in countless forms of media.

Conclusion: Commando (1985) is a must-see for any action movie fan. It combines all the essential elements of the genre—high-octane thrills, a compelling hero, and explosive set pieces—with a sense of humor that makes it a fun ride from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of Schwarzenegger or simply love the energy of 1980s action films, Commando is a classic that continues to entertain audiences decades later.