Watch The Commando on Altitude.film and other digital platforms from 10th January 2022.
Synopsis
A DEA agent with PTSD returns home after a botched mission and now must protect his family from a home invasion after a recently freed convict and his henchmen come after their stash of millions hidden inside the agents home. Starring academy award winner Mickey Rourke and Michael Jai White.
Review
From reading my previous reviews, you may have noticed that I’m somewhat of an action movie aficionado. If there’s an action hero involved, say Mickey Rourke, then that only serves to amp up my enjoyment. When I received The Commando to review the synopsis intrigued me, that and the fact that the legendary Rourke was involved I was fully sold.
The film opens admirably with a flashback to give context to the story of DEA agent James Baker (Michael Jai White). It brilliantly sets the tone for what is to come. It ticks all the right boxes for action movie fans as DEA agents raid what seems to be a drug production plant. Bullets immediately start flying and I felt right at home in familiar territory.
The Commando loses its way a little in the middle. Koji Steven Sakai’s screenplay sags under the weight of competing plot threads as they begin to coalesce. Heading in to the final act it pulls back and steadies the ship just in time for Johnny (Rourke) to descend on Agent Baker’s house. He certainly doesn’t just drop in for tea and biscuits. The consequences of his attack causing the kind of carnage viewers can only find in this genre of dedicated action.
For me, The Commando works best when Agent Baker is rushing home to save his family. His one man mission to take down the gang is exactly why viewers tune in to this type of movie again and again. Is it predictable? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Hell yes I did. Steering away from complex storytelling and leaning in to the action gave both lead actors the chance to dominate the screen.
The Commando has been my introduction to Asif Akbar as a director. Here he has created an enjoyable cinematic experience. Though the storytelling seemed to struggle, the high stakes action more than made up for it. I left the film with no doubt that Mickey Rourke has still got plenty left in the tank.
Verdict
The Commando gave me the action movie experience I was hoping for. Perfect for a Saturday night alongside a beer and a pizza.
⭐⭐⭐
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