COMMANDO (1985): A Non-Stop Action Classic That Defined Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Star Power

When it comes to the pantheon of Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, Commando (1985) proudly holds its place as one of the ultimate action flicks of all time. This is the film where Arnold became the action genre, delivering a performance so over-the-top, so relentlessly entertaining, that it cemented his status as the reigning king of cinematic badassery.

While Predator (1987), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Total Recall (1990), and True Lies (1994) might top many people’s rankings (and I agree, they are extraordinary films), Commando deserves its spot as Arnold’s fifth-best movie—not just because of its explosive action and one-liners, but because it embodies everything we love about the Schwarzenegger persona. It’s the action movie distilled to its purest form: ridiculous, unrelenting, and unapologetically fun.

Let’s dive deep into why Commando is the epitome of ‘80s action cinema, and why it remains an iconic, endlessly rewatchable classic.

A Plot That’s Simple Yet Perfect for Maximum Carnage

The plot of Commando is as streamlined as a bazooka shot: Arnold plays John Matrix, a retired Special Forces colonel living a quiet life in the mountains with his daughter Jenny (a young Alyssa Milano). But when Jenny is kidnapped by a band of mercenaries led by Bennett (Vernon Wells), Matrix has 11 hours to rescue her before she’s used as leverage to coerce him into assassinating a foreign leader.

Does the plot make much sense? Not really. Does it matter? Absolutely not. The brilliance of Commando lies in its simplicity: it’s a non-stop excuse for Arnold to punch, shoot, and blow up everything in sight while delivering one of the most memorable performances of his career.

The stakes are personal—Matrix isn’t saving the world, but his daughter—which gives the film an emotional throughline amid all the chaos. Arnold’s genuine chemistry with Alyssa Milano in the opening scenes adds heart to the story, making Matrix’s rampage feel like more than just mindless carnage.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix: The Ultimate Action Hero

If you could take everything great about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career and condense it into a single performance, it would be John Matrix in Commando.

This is Arnold at his most physically intimidating. The film wastes no time reminding us why Schwarzenegger was the perfect action star, with the opening scene showing Matrix casually carrying an entire tree trunk on his shoulder.

Every great Arnold movie has its share of iconic quips, but Commando takes the cake. From “I eat Green Berets for breakfast, and right now I’m very hungry” to the legendary “Let off some steam, Bennett,” Arnold’s deadpan delivery is pure gold. These lines aren’t just quotes—they’re etched into the DNA of action movie history.

Matrix isn’t just a soldier—he’s an unstoppable force of nature. Whether he’s taking on an entire island of mercenaries singlehandedly or jumping out of a plane mid-takeoff, there’s nothing he can’t do. This superhuman quality would later define Arnold’s most iconic roles, from the T-800 in Terminator 2 to Dutch in Predator.

Vernon Wells as Bennett: The Campiest Villain Ever

Every great action hero needs an equally memorable villain, and Commando delivers with Vernon Wells as Bennett. Dressed in a chainmail vest and brimming with unhinged energy, Bennett is a fascinating mix of camp and menace.

Wells plays the role with such over-the-top bravado that he feels like a live-action cartoon character—but in the best way possible. His homoerotic obsession with Matrix (“John, I’m not going to shoot you between the eyes. I’m going to shoot you between the balls!”) adds a layer of weirdness that makes him one of the most unique villains in Schwarzenegger’s filmography.

While Bennett doesn’t have the raw terror of the Predator or the cold efficiency of the T-1000 (T2), he’s a perfect match for Commando’s tone. His final showdown with Matrix is a battle of testosterone-fueled insanity, culminating in one of the most satisfying deaths in action movie history.

Action Set Pieces That Define the Genre

The action in Commando is nothing short of spectacular, even by today’s standards. Directed by Mark L. Lester, the film is a masterclass in crafting larger-than-life set pieces that keep the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.

Watching Arnold dismantle an entire group of mall security guards is pure catharsis. Whether he’s swinging from a giant balloon or tossing grown men like rag dolls, this scene is peak Schwarzenegger.

In one of the film’s most iconic moments, Matrix jumps out of a moving plane into a swamp, unscathed. It’s ridiculous, but it perfectly sets the tone for the insanity to come.

The final act of Commando is an orgy of explosions, gunfire, and body counts. Armed with rocket launchers, grenades, and an endless supply of ammo, Matrix singlehandedly takes on an entire army. By the end, the body count reportedly reaches over 100, cementing the sequence as one of the most gloriously excessive climaxes in action history.

Every scene is elevated by Arnold’s sheer presence and the practical effects that define ‘80s action cinema. There’s no CGI here—just real stunts, real explosions, and real carnage.

The One-Liner Olympics: Pure Schwarzenegger Gold

If Terminator 2 gave us “Hasta la vista, baby” and Predator gave us “Get to the chopper!”, Commando is an all-you-can-eat buffet of iconic one-liners. Some of the most memorable include:

“Let off some steam, Bennett.”

“Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last? I lied.”

“Don’t disturb my friend—he’s dead tired.”

These quips are more than just jokes—they’re part of what makes Commando endlessly rewatchable. Schwarzenegger’s comedic timing is impeccable, and the film’s self-aware sense of humor perfectly complements its over-the-top action.

The Music: Synthwave Perfection

The score, composed by James Horner (Aliens, Titanic), is an essential part of Commando’s identity. Combining pulsing synth beats with steel drum rhythms, the music is as ‘80s as it gets, perfectly capturing the film’s high-energy tone. It’s the kind of score that sticks in your head long after the credits roll, becoming as iconic as the movie itself.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Schwarzenegger has often stated that Commando was one of his favorite roles to play because it was so pure and unpretentious.
• Matrix racks up an incredible 102 kills in the film, making Commando one of the most violent action movies of the ‘80s.
• The role of Matrix was originally offered to Nick Nolte and Gene Simmons of KISS fame before Arnold came on board. Thank goodness they passed.
• Commando marked one of Alyssa Milano’s first major film roles, paving the way for her career in TV and film.

Why Commando Holds Its Place in the Top 5

While Predator, Terminator 2, Total Recall, and True Lies are all masterpieces that showcase Arnold’s range as an actor and action star, Commando represents the purest form of what made Schwarzenegger a legend. It’s the quintessential ‘80s action movie: ridiculous, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining.

Where Predator gave us tension, T2 gave us groundbreaking effects, and True Lies gave us a perfect blend of action and comedy, Commando delivers something simpler yet equally satisfying: an unapologetic celebration of excess and heroism. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it is and embraces it with open arms (and a rocket launcher).

Final Thoughts: A Glorious Explosion of ‘80s Action

Commando is the kind of film you watch with a big grin on your face, reveling in every explosion, every one-liner, and every absurdly awesome moment.

For anyone who loves action movies, Commando is essential viewing. It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger at his most iconic, delivering a performance that’s larger-than-life in a film that’s as bombastic and over-the-top as the genre gets.

Fifth best Arnold movie of all time? Absolutely. And on the right day, with the right mood, it might even climb a little higher.