Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't just flexing his muscles in the gym; he was also flexing his acting chops on-screen in the late '80s. Enter 'Commando', a 1988 action-packed film that dropped hefty doses of adrenaline right amidst the suburban tranquility of America. Set in an era when action movies were all about big biceps and even bigger explosions, 'Commando' became an unforgettable piece of cinematic bravado. Directed by Mark L. Lester and shot across various locations including the iconic Hollywood Hills, the movie encapsulated everything one could ask for in an action flick: danger, drama, and a daring escape plan.
'Commando' follows the story of John Matrix, a former elite commando who's forced back into action when his daughter, played by Alyssa Milano, is kidnapped by a rogue ex-military group. Creatively peeling back the layers of military life and personal turmoil, the film stands out for its high-octane sequences and irrepressible energy. Despite being criticized by some for its lack of depth and over-the-top elements, it holds an endearing place in the hearts of many because of its unapologetic approach to entertainment.
On the surface, 'Commando' might seem like just another action film of its time, basking in testosterone-fueled moments and audacious shootouts. However, it cleverly intertwines elements of a father-daughter relationship and personal redemption. Through its fast-paced narrative and action sequences, it challenges the audience to question what lengths are justified in the name of family and loyalty. This juxtaposition of explosive drama and tender loyalty tugs at the heartstrings and adds depth, albeit in a subtle way, to Matrix’s character.
Yet, with a liberal mindset, one cannot ignore the film's underlying commentary on issues that were both reflective of its time and relevant today. It hints at themes of American masculinity, militarism, and the politics of interventionism. The protagonist, a former elite soldier, is a symbol of this era’s portrayal of the American hero—strong, brave, and somewhat defiant against bureaucratic structures. This persona is both celebrated and critiqued, acknowledging its glory while examining the reckless glorification of violence as the ultimate remedy.
There's an interesting angle on the portrayal of its antagonists as well. The film's villains are not ethereal monsters but humans shaped by their circumstances, sometimes reflecting a misguided sense of justice. This dimension offers viewers an opportunity to understand characters beyond their face-value evilness, pushing them to empathize, or at least see the complexity of human motivations.
Some viewers raised eyebrows at its depiction of masculinity as action-driven and emotionally stunted. While this was undeniably typical of 1980s glorified cinema, the film also presents an early glimpse of vulnerability through Matrix’s bond with his daughter. It touches base on a father’s love and the ways it propels someone into danger's path—an emotion that resonates across generations.
In grappling with its legacy, 'Commando' serves as a reminder of an era where cinema served pure adrenaline without necessarily needing the plaudits for sophistication or complexity. It's an evocative snapshot of a world where action heroes were cultural icons, revered and emulated. The film’s charm lies in its ability to bridge the gap between grandiosity and grounded human elements, turning it into a timeless relic for movie buffs craving both nostalgia and chaos.
For the Gen Z audience, 'Commando' offers both a peek into cinema's past and an exploration of timeless human emotions. While it packages itself in an outdated shell of action tropes, the core still pulsates with relevance, speaking to the trials of love, loss, and the courage it takes to fight for what one holds dear. Although not a fit with today’s much-needed nuance in action narratives, it remains a beloved classic that lays down the groundwork for reflecting on the human elements within those layers of Hollywood glitter and bombast.