The 1980s was a defining decade for the action movie genre. It was a time when muscle-bound heroes, over-the-top villains, explosive set pieces, and memorable one-liners dominated cinema screens. Among the many iconic action films of the era, Commando (1985), directed by Mark L. Lester and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, remains one of the most beloved and quintessential examples of the genre. With its simple yet engaging plot, charismatic lead, and relentless action, Commando cemented Schwarzenegger’s status as one of Hollywood’s premier action stars and influenced countless action movies that followed.
Plot Overview
The story of Commando revolves around John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a retired elite soldier and former leader of a special operations unit. Matrix is living a peaceful and secluded life in the mountains with his young daughter, Jenny (Alyssa Milano). His idyllic existence is shattered when mercenaries kidnap Jenny to coerce him into carrying out an assassination.
The kidnappers, led by the treacherous former unit member Bennett (Vernon Wells), are working for Arius (Dan Hedaya), a deposed South American dictator who wants Matrix to assassinate the current president of his country so he can return to power. They give Matrix a plane ticket and a deadline: if he does not complete the mission, Jenny will be killed.
However, Matrix is no ordinary man. During the flight to the assassination target, he kills one of his captors, leaps from the airplane during takeoff, and begins a relentless mission to rescue his daughter. With the reluctant help of Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong), a flight attendant he meets along the way, Matrix tracks down the mercenaries one by one, gathering weapons, intel, and vehicles as he prepares for a final showdown.
The film culminates in a spectacular assault on Arius’s heavily guarded island compound. Matrix single-handedly takes on an army of soldiers in an explosive climax before facing Bennett in a brutal final confrontation. As expected, Matrix emerges victorious and rescues Jenny, ending the film with the classic father-daughter reunion that reinforces the film’s emotional core.
Themes and Analysis
While Commando may seem on the surface like a straightforward action movie, several themes underpin its narrative. At its heart, the film is a story of fatherhood, vengeance, and unstoppable determination.
1. Fatherhood and Love
The relationship between John Matrix and his daughter Jenny is the emotional foundation of the film. Early scenes show Matrix as a loving, devoted father who has left his violent past behind to focus on raising Jenny. Their bond is portrayed with warmth and tenderness, providing a stark contrast to the violence that follows. The kidnapping of Jenny is not just a plot device — it becomes the driving force of Matrix’s unstoppable quest. His mission is not about ideology, revenge, or duty; it is purely about love for his daughter. This emotional grounding elevates the story beyond simple action spectacle.
2. Individualism and Heroism
Matrix embodies the archetype of the lone action hero who takes on overwhelming odds and triumphs through sheer willpower and skill. The film celebrates rugged individualism, portraying Matrix as a one-man army capable of accomplishing what entire governments cannot. This theme was common in 1980s action films, reflecting a cultural moment in the United States when self-reliance, strength, and military prowess were highly valued.
3. Revenge and Justice
While Matrix’s mission is motivated by love, it is also a quest for justice and vengeance. Bennett’s betrayal and Arius’s attempt to manipulate Matrix become personal affronts that demand retribution. The film portrays revenge not as something dark or corrosive but as a righteous and necessary response to evil — a theme that resonates strongly within the action genre.
Characters and Performances
The success of Commando rests heavily on its cast, particularly Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose larger-than-life presence defines the film.
John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Matrix is the quintessential 1980s action hero — muscular, unstoppable, and fearless. Schwarzenegger’s performance balances physical intimidation with surprising charm and even humor. His iconic one-liners (“Let off some steam, Bennett” and “I eat Green Berets for breakfast”) became part of action movie legend. Commando showcases Schwarzenegger at his peak, blending brute force with charisma in a way few actors could match.
Bennett (Vernon Wells)
Vernon Wells delivers a memorable performance as Bennett, the film’s main antagonist. Once a member of Matrix’s elite unit, Bennett was expelled for excessive violence and now harbors a personal grudge. His flamboyant personality and over-the-top dialogue make him both menacing and darkly humorous. The final battle between Matrix and Bennett is as much about personal betrayal as it is about physical confrontation.
Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong)
Cindy provides comic relief and humanizes the otherwise relentless action. Initially a reluctant ally, she becomes an essential partner in Matrix’s mission. Her presence softens the film’s tone and offers a civilian perspective on the extraordinary events unfolding around her.
Arius (Dan Hedaya)
As the exiled dictator, Arius represents the geopolitical backdrop common in many 1980s action films — the fear of foreign tyranny and Cold War-era anxieties. Though his character is more caricature than complex villain, Arius serves as a fitting adversary for Matrix’s mission.
Direction, Style, and Cinematography
Director Mark L. Lester keeps Commando moving at a breakneck pace. The film wastes little time on exposition and focuses instead on action, tension, and forward momentum. The set pieces escalate steadily, from small-scale fights and car chases to a full-scale assault on a fortress.
Cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti uses bright, saturated colors typical of 1980s cinema, contrasting idyllic suburban scenes with the gritty violence of Matrix’s mission. The pacing is tight, with a runtime of just over 90 minutes — perfect for a film that prioritizes adrenaline and momentum over complexity.
The film’s score, composed by James Horner, adds a distinctive touch. Its use of steel drums and synthesizers creates a unique soundscape that blends militaristic tension with exotic undertones, perfectly complementing the film’s mix of jungle warfare and urban mayhem.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Commando was released on October 4, 1985, and became a box office success, grossing over $57 million worldwide against a budget of around $10 million. Critics were divided upon release — some dismissed the film as formulaic and excessively violent, while others praised its pace, energy, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Over time, Commando has achieved cult classic status and is now considered one of the definitive action movies of its era.
The film’s influence can be seen in numerous ways:
1. The Evolution of the Action Hero
Commando solidified Arnold Schwarzenegger’s image as the ultimate action hero. While The Terminator (1984) had already made him a star, Commando proved he could carry a blockbuster as a heroic protagonist. It set the stage for his later roles in Predator (1987), Total Recall (1990), and True Lies (1994).
2. The Rise of the One-Man Army Trope
Although the trope existed before, Commando perfected the formula of a lone hero taking on an army to save a loved one. Films like Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Die Hard (1988), and Taken (2008) owe a debt to the blueprint Commando helped refine.
3. Pop Culture Iconography
The film’s memorable quotes, explosive action, and Schwarzenegger’s imposing presence have been referenced and parodied in countless other movies, television shows, and video games. Lines like “I’ll be back, Bennett” and “Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last? I lied” remain part of action movie lore.
4. Influence on Video Games
The one-man army concept inspired several video games in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly side-scrolling shooters like Contra and Metal Slug. The aesthetics and tone of Commando — from jungle warfare to massive explosions — became staples of the genre.
Criticism and Legacy in Retrospect
While Commando is beloved for its action and entertainment value, it is not without criticism. The plot is thin and predictable, character development is minimal, and the violence is exaggerated to cartoonish levels. However, these perceived flaws are part of the film’s charm. Commando does not aim to be a nuanced drama; it embraces its identity as a high-octane, unapologetically over-the-top action movie.
Today, Commando stands as a nostalgic time capsule of 1980s cinema. It represents an era when action films were larger-than-life spectacles built around indestructible heroes and outrageous set pieces. Its straightforward storytelling, memorable characters, and relentless energy continue to entertain audiences decades after its release.
Conclusion
Commando is more than just an action film — it is a cinematic milestone that encapsulates the spirit of 1980s Hollywood. With its relentless pacing, explosive set pieces, iconic performances, and heartfelt core, the film remains a gold standard for the genre. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of John Matrix not only elevated his career but also defined the archetype of the modern action hero.
Nearly forty years after its release, Commando continues to resonate with audiences for the same reasons it did in 1985: it is thrilling, funny, unpretentious, and endlessly rewatchable. It is a film that understands exactly what it wants to be and delivers it with style and confidence. In the pantheon of action cinema, Commando stands tall — a testament to the enduring power of a hero, a mission, and a father’s unbreakable love.
