Commando Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Muscular grandpa goes on a very violent vacation to get his kidnapped grandkid back, leaving a trail of hilariously dead bad guys in his wake.

🍿 Commando: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Retired Life Interrupted

John Matrix, a retired special forces operative, lives a peaceful life with his daughter Jenny in a secluded mountain home. This tranquility is shattered when his former superior, General Franklin Kirby, informs him that members of his old unit are being targeted and killed. Shortly after, their home is attacked, and Jenny is kidnapped.

Forced Back into Action

Matrix is confronted by Arius, a former dictator he helped overthrow, and Bennett, a disgruntled former member of his team. They demand he assassinate the current president of Val Verde to reinstate Arius, threatening Jenny’s life as leverage. Reluctantly, Matrix agrees but quickly formulates a plan to rescue his daughter instead.

Escape and Pursuit

While on a plane headed to Val Verde, Matrix manages to escape, knowing that even if he completes the assassination, Jenny is likely to be killed. He embarks on a mission to track down Arius and Bennett, enlisting the help of Cindy, a resourceful flight attendant, along the way. Their pursuit leads them through various dangerous encounters and confrontations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A retired Special Forces colonel who unleashes his deadly skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
• Jenny (Alyssa Milano): Matrix’s daughter, whose kidnapping sets the film’s events in motion.
• Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong): A resourceful flight attendant who unexpectedly assists Matrix in his mission.
• Arius (Dan Hedaya): A ruthless former dictator who orchestrates Jenny’s kidnapping to manipulate Matrix.
• Bennett (Vernon Wells): Matrix’s former subordinate and the main antagonist, fueled by a personal vendetta.
• Sully (David Patrick Kelly): One of Arius’s henchmen, serving as a key link for Matrix in finding his daughter.
• Major General Franklin Kirby (James Olson): Matrix’s former commanding officer and friend, who alerts him to the danger and provides support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matrix: “I eat Green Berets for breakfast. And right now, I’m very hungry!” – Matrix threatens Cooke, showcasing his confidence and ruthlessness.
• Sully: “I lied.” – After Matrix drops Sully off the cliff to his death and confirms that Matrix did in fact say he would kill him last.
• Matrix: “Let off some steam, Bennett.” – Matrix’s final words to Bennett after impaling him with a steam pipe.
• Matrix: “Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last?” – Said to Sully before dropping him off a cliff.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,100,000
• Worldwide Gross: $57,491,000

💥 Commando Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Commando’ as a kid and being totally blown away. Arnold Schwarzenegger just seemed invincible! I loved the scene where he rips the phone booth out of the ground – so iconic! It’s a silly movie, sure, but it’s pure, unadulterated fun. Everytime I watch it, I feel nostalgic. Its pure fun.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action movies”
  • “Arnold Schwarzenegger fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy over-the-top action and humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Explosions”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Commando is a relic of 80s action cinema, delivering cheesy one-liners and over-the-top violence. While it lacks depth, its energy and Arnold’s charisma make it a fun, mindless watch. The plot is simple, but the action is relentless, satisfying fans of the genre. Don’t expect a masterpiece, but prepare for explosive entertainment.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Although simplistic, Commando epitomizes Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action persona. The movie is filled with memorable moments that never cease to entertain. Its one-dimensional plot is buoyed by Schwarzenegger’s charm and the film’s over-the-top approach. A must-see for fans of 80s action flicks.
• Metacritic: “Commando’s strength lies in its unpretentious action sequences and quotable one-liners. While the narrative is thin, the film delivers on its promise of explosive entertainment. It is a great film that makes no excuses and gives the viewer lots of action.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved Arnold’s over-the-top action and hilarious one-liners.: The film’s unapologetic violence and comedic moments were particularly appreciated.

The final battle scene, where Arnold takes on an entire army, was a standout.: Many found the climax to be both thrilling and utterly ridiculous.

Overall Consensus: Commando is a classic 80s action film loved for its over-the-top violence, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s charisma, and iconic one-liners. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre, offering pure, unadulterated entertainment.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alyssa Milano has stated that Arnold Schwarzenegger was very protective of her on set and even helped her with her homework.”
• “The film’s high body count and over-the-top violence contributed to its reputation as a quintessential 80s action movie.”
• “Many of the film’s locations were filmed in Southern California, including areas around Los Angeles and Mount Baldy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Commando?

Commando is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Commando, you might like these similar films:

• Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985): Shares the theme of a one-man army fighting against overwhelming odds in a rescue mission.
• Predator (1987): Features Arnold Schwarzenegger in another action-packed role, battling a deadly enemy in a jungle setting.
• Die Hard (1988): An action movie from the same era with a lone hero taking on a group of terrorists.
• Taken (2008): A modern action film where a father uses his skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
• Road House (1989): A cult action movie with over-the-top fights and cheesy dialogue that would appeal to Commando fans.

🛒 Commando Related Products

• Commando (Limited Edition Steelbook) [Blu-ray]: A collector’s edition featuring exclusive artwork and behind-the-scenes content, perfect for die-hard fans.
• Commando: The Arcade Game (Retro Edition): Relive the classic arcade experience with enhanced graphics and bonus content for modern gaming systems.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Commando’ Movie Poster (Framed): A high-quality framed movie poster, capturing the iconic imagery of Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Commando’.
• Commando: Let Off Some Steam Bennett T-Shirt: Show your love for this classic movie with a shirt featuring the quotable line.

🎧 Soundtrack

Commando features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “We Fight for Love” – performed by Power Station
• “Somewhere, Somehow, Someone’s Gotta Pay” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

SAS Soldier Breaks Down 11 Military Scenes | How Real Is It? | Insider

Curious about how realistic the action in ‘Commando’ is? A former SAS soldier breaks it down, giving us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes thought process and revealing what’s real and what’s Hollywood.

Schwarzenegger vs. Stallone Rivalry EXPOSED in Commando… #shorts

Did you know there was a rivalry between Stallone and Schwarzenegger? This short clip reveals an interesting anecdote from the set of ‘Commando’ that adds a new layer to the film.

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