Commando

Pure, unfiltered Arnold at his finest. It’s the kind of film built entirely around one man—the guy who found his niche in Hollywood, not just because he was insanely ripped, but because he had a great sense of humor too. What I wouldn’t give for a star like that today... (09/09/2024)

This movie is sometimes so unbelievably bizarre that you can't help but admire it. There are so many memorable scenes here that they alone would suffice to cement Arnold in the history of action films. A simple plot, but brilliantly exaggerated action scenes that just make you root for the invincible muscleman. Now and then you'll even laugh, but that's okay because you'll still love this piece regardless. Maybe the best movie Arnold ever made. (24/10/2014)

When I was a kid during the communist era, when simultaneous dubbed VHS copies were circulating in secret, I thought this film was pretty crap. Now, as an old geezer, I enjoy it, this Arnold flick has aged like wine. Commando is rather dull masculine entertainment, with a great excess of violence (see the "clearing" of the island, the filmmakers went really over the top) ridiculously hidden behind a father's positive motivation to save his child. But taken as a very brisk action comedy and a perfect model example of "80s" action movies, Commando is definitely worth watching. And the logic? Pfff! Sod that this time! Also, it's undeniable that some of Arnold's one-liners, delivered in contrast to his typically stony-faced persona, are irresistible - "You are funny guy, Sully. I like you. That’s why I’m going to kill you last." (11/05/2003)

Guilty pleasure. A pure-blooded B-movie which became a classic of the action movie genre. That pumped up torso Arnold reels out one wisecrack after another, takes out one villain after another and still manages to look like everything was just “by the way". And Horner’s music of genius with it. Just superb. The funniest and bloodiest of Arnold’s movies and also my heartfelt favorite. :-) "We’ll take Cook’s car. He won’t be needing it." (01/12/2006)

A film practically only usable for fans of the action genre. Both the script and the acting performances are worthless. After all, Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't even capable of a decent character performance. It's a one-dimensional affair that elicits unabashed enthusiasm in some and restrained smiles in others. I admit to being in the second category. Overall impression: 15%. (01/12/2007)