Commando, released in theaters on October 4, 1985, is an explosive action film that, on the heels of The Terminator, established Arnold Schwarzenegger as the definitive one-man army of his era. Combining relentless pacing, muscular heroics, and quotable one-liners, the film remains a classic of the genre.
Retired Special Forces Colonel John Matrix (Schwarzenegger) enjoys a peaceful life with his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano) in a remote mountain home. That tranquility shatters when mercenaries murder his former team and kidnap Jenny, forcing Matrix to submit to the demands of General Arius (Dan Hedaya), a deposed dictator hungry for revenge.
With only hours to rescue Jenny before she is killed, Matrix leaps into action, turning every obstacle into an opportunity to unleash spectacular mayhem.
Enlisting the help of Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong), a resourceful flight attendant who gets swept into his mission, Matrix battles through a chain of deadly henchmen including the ruthless Bennett (Vernon Wells), the coolly efficient Cooke (Bill Duke), and the slippery Sully (David Patrick Kelly).
Matrix’s crusade drags him across shopping malls, motels, armories, and eventually to a heavily fortified island fortress. Along the way, inventive set pieces stack up, highlighting not only his brute strength but also his relentless determination and paternal devotion.
The film’s action crescendos in an all-out assault, cementing Matrix’s status as an unstoppable force.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Performances and Iconic Moments
Schwarzenegger’s signature blend of stoicism, dry wit, and astonishing physicality makes John Matrix a touchstone for the modern action hero.
Chong delivers comedic timing and resourcefulness as Cindy, providing a sharp counterpoint to Matrix’s steely resolve.
Wells and Duke stand out among the villains, making the adversaries as memorable as the hero.
The script’s memorable dialogue and inventive kills ensure the film’s cult status—Matrix’s puns and single-minded focus becoming trademarks repeatedly revisited in later action movies.
Reception for Commando
Commando grossed $7.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, topping Jagged Edge, which earned $4.5 million.
The film would remain atop the box office for three weeks en route to $57.5 million worldwide.
Legacy
Commando is widely respected as a foundational ‘80s action film, influencing generations of cinematic tough guys and ramping up expectations for spectacle in genre filmmaking.
Its over-the-top violence and self-aware humor have aged into campy charm, making the movie a beloved staple at midnight screenings and nostalgia marathons.
For both its absurd bravado and Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life presence, Commando stands as an enduring symbol of Hollywood’s action heyday.
