Das Phantom Kommando

When I was a kid during the communist era, when simultaneous dubbed VHS copies were circulating in secret, I thought this film was pretty crap. Now, as an old geezer, I enjoy it, this Arnold flick has aged like wine. Commando is rather dull masculine entertainment, with a great excess of violence (see the "clearing" of the island, the filmmakers went really over the top) ridiculously hidden behind a father's positive motivation to save his child. But taken as a very brisk action comedy and a perfect model example of "80s" action movies, Commando is definitely worth watching. And the logic? Pfff! Sod that this time! Also, it's undeniable that some of Arnold's one-liners, delivered in contrast to his typically stony-faced persona, are irresistible - "You are funny guy, Sully. I like you. That’s why I’m going to kill you last." (11.05.2003)

The opening scene where Arnold and his daughter feed the deer is enough to make Commando worth a watch :-D Dumb action films from the 1980s are not something I like or often indulge in, but this was one was a lot fun. (19.06.2011)

Dieser Film ist ein Killer selbst nach Jahren, weil sein Magazin an Debilitätsgeschossen unerschöpflich ist und die rutschige Haube einfach nicht durchgequetscht werden kann. Es ist faszinierend zu sehen, wie die dementen Sprüche in Zusammenhang mit Arnies saudummer Darbietung eine Art magischen Brackkult rezitiert. Auf die gleiche Weise interessiert es mich immer noch, wie sehr der Film arrangiert ist, damit Arnold sich im richtigen Moment ausziehen und eine Bodybuilding-Pose darbieten kann - eigentlich ordnet sich dem alles unter. Wenn denn verstehen möchte, worin die widerliche Verführung der 1980er Jahre besteht, muss das Phantom-Kommando verstehen. Und verstehen werden wir es nur, wenn wir uns ans schreckliche Trauma erinnern, dass alle Ihre Klassenkameraden den Streifen bereits gesehen haben, aber Ihre Mutter hat ihn diesen in der Zwischenzeit verboten. (22.08.2010)

If someone of the present male gender tells me that they haven't tried Arnold's armament after landing on the island when they were younger, I won't believe them. (20.02.2006)

Film usable practically only by fans of the action genre. The script, as well as the acting performances, are crap. After all, Schwarzenegger is not even capable of a character acting performance. It's a one-dimensional matter that will evoke unabashed enthusiasm in one person and a restrained smile in another. I admit to being in the second category. Overall impression 15 %. (01.12.2007)

Guilty pleasure. A pure-blooded B-movie which became a classic of the action movie genre. That pumped up torso Arnold reels out one wisecrack after another, takes out one villain after another and still manages to look like everything was just “by the way". And Horner’s music of genius with it. Just superb. The funniest and bloodiest of Arnold’s movies and also my heartfelt favorite. :-) "We’ll take Cook’s car. He won’t be needing it." (02.12.2006)

An excellent example of the stupidity of some action flicks of the 80s. But also an excellent example of how entertaining and funny they were!! 75% (21.03.2012)

This is at times unbelievably bizarre film that you can't help but admire. There are so many memorable scenes here that would be enough for Arnold to go down in action movie history. Simple plot, but brilliantly exaggerated action scenes that simply make you root for the invincible muscular guy. And here and there, you'll even laugh, but that doesn't matter because you'll still love this piece. Perhaps the best film Arnold ever made. (24.10.2014)