Writer: Steven E De Souza (Screenplay) Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman, Steven E De Souza (Story)
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells, James Olson, David Patrick Kelly, Alyssa Milano, Bill Duke
Plot: A retired special agent named John Matrix led an elite unit and has left the armed forces to live in a secluded mountain home with his daughter Jenny. But now he is forced out of retirement when his daughter is kidnapped by a band of thugs intent on revenge! Unbeknownst to Matrix, the members of his former unit are being killed one by one. Even though Matrix’ friend General Franklin Kirby gives Matrix armed guards, attackers manage to kidnap Matrix and Jenny. Matrix learns that Bennett, a former member of his Matrix’ unit who was presumed dead has kidnapped him to try to force Matrix to do a political assassination for a man called Arius (who calls himself El Presidente), a warlord formerly bested by Matrix who wishes to lead a military coup in his home country. Since Arius will have Jenny killed if Matrix refuses, Matrix reluctantly accepts the demand.
Verdict: 80s Classic Action
Story: One man killing machine needs to hunt down everyone to save his daughter, simple story to follow. There isn’t much more to look at here it does what it says on the tin. Sit back and enjoy Arnold Schwarzenegger does best kick arse and spit out a few one liner. You don’t need to think at all you will learn to like this no nonsense hero. (7/10)
Actor Review
Arnold Schwarzenegger: John Matrix the ex-commando who is forced into killing a man by people including an old friend who have kidnapped his daughter. John most fight through everyone involved before his time runs out and save his daughter. Good performance from Arnold doing what he does best. (8/10)
Rae Dawn Chong: Cindy who gets caught up in the middle of John’s mission and joins his quest to save his daughter. Good performance offering a good partner in crime for Arnold. (7/10)
Dan Hedaya: Arius the man behind the kidnapping who forces John to kill a man. Good villain performance. (7/10)
Vernon Wells: Bennett the ex-partner of John who was kicked out of the unit but he gets a chance to get revenge on John by being part of Arius plan. Good supporting villain with much more personally touch. (7/10)
Director Review: Mark L Lester – Good direction to create a simple no nonsense action film. (7/10)
Action: All action typical 80s stuff. (10/10)
Thriller: Good thrilling side to the story wanting to see how long it takes him to save his daughter. (8/10)
Settings: Basic setting used to help build the body count. (6/10)
Suggestion: This is one for all the action fans out there, it is the perfect relaxaction film. (Action Fans Watch)
Best Part: The cliff scene
Worst Part: Not a very deep story.
Action Scene Of The Film: Final Battle
Funniest Scene: Cliff Scene
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $57 Million
Budget: $10 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Tagline: Somewhere… somehow… someone’s going to pay
Trivia: There are 54 stunt performers listed in the credits ; 17 more people than the actual cast.
Overall: 80s Action Fun
Rating