Commando (1985 film)

Commando (first released on October 4, 1985) is a Hollywood action movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It is still enjoyed today on video for its camp value, hilarious one-liners, and humorously over-the-top violence. If there's a mission that no man could survive...then he's the man for the job.

John Matrix

 * [Fighting Cooke] I eat Green Berets for breakfast and right now, I'm very hungry!
 * All that matters to me now is Jenny.
 * [Before fighting Bennett] C'mon, Bennett, let's party!
 * [After throwing a pipe through him with steam coming out of it] Let off some steam, Bennett.
 * [Cooke says, "Fuck you, asshole", but discovers his gun is empty] Fuck you, asshole.
 * You're a funny guy, Sully. I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last.
 * [Dangling Sully over the cliff] Listen. Loyalty is very touching, but it is not the most important thing in your life right now. But what IS important is GRAVITY! I have to remind you, Sully: This is my weak arm!
 * [to Cindy after dropping Sully off a cliff] I let him go.
 * [After breaking Henrique's neck on the plane] Don't disturb my friend. He's dead tired.
 * [After killing Cooke] We'll take Cooke's car. He won't be needing it.
 * ¿Cómo estás?
 * [Activating the seaplane] Come on, you piece of shit! Fly or DIE!!
 * [After activating the seaplane] Works every time.

Bennett

 * [hearing explosions] Welcome back, John. So glad you could make it!
 * John, I'm not going to shoot you between the eyes, I'm going to shoot you between the balls!
 * They offered me a hundred grand. You want to know something? When I found out I could get my hands on you, I said I'd do it for nothing.
 * John, stick your head out, one shot, right between the eyes, I'll make it quick, just for old time sake.
 * Ever since you had me thrown out of your unit, I've waited to pay you back. Do you know what today is Matrix?... Pay day!
 * John!.. I'll be ready, John!
 * CATCH... YOU!!!
 * John, I feel good!
 * NO - Not daddy...
 * What does it feel like to be a dying man?... you're a dead man, John!
 * Tranquilizers... I wanted to use the real thing!!
 * You're getting old, John. You're getting old.
 * I can beat you! I don't need the girl! I DON'T NEED THE GIRL! I don't need the gun, John! I can beat you! I DON'T NEED NO GUN! I'M GONNA KILL YOU NOW!

Jenny

 * Not nearly as nice as watching him smash your face in.
 * Got a warrant?
 * Hey there.
 * (Looking at a lavender sweater) I'm not a big fan of really the entire turquoise color tree.
 * Daddy?
 * What is that Army helicopter doing here? You said you wouldn't go away again. You said you were done.
 * Dad, that is so old.
 * Is it bad?
 * Neato!
 * (In response to "What's in this?", referring to a sandwich) You don't wanna know.
 * (General Kirby asks her to let him talk to John in private) No way, Jose

Dialogue

 * Lawson: [carrying garbage] I'm afraid you'd miss me...
 * Cooke: [drawing his gun] Don't worry. We won't.


 * Forrestal: Now that is American workmanship. You think the Japanese invented that? Bullshit. We did. Oh, for a while there we lost it. But we got it back.
 * Cooke: I like Cadillacs.
 * Forrestal: You like Cadillacs, well come round around here, brother, and get into this Cadillac. You gonna love it. This is style and beauty... Comfy, right? Oh, I know what you gonna say, that's vinyl. Take it from me, you don't want leather, brother. Leather's hot. It's uncomfortable. It cracks. Nothing but trouble. Look at the headroom you've got in here. A guy like you is not gonna have any problem. [Cooke turns the key and starts the car] Go ahead, start it up. Listen to that. That's power. That's performance.
 * Cooke: You know what I like best?
 * Forrestal: What's that?
 * Cooke: ... The price. [Cranks up the car and backs up]
 * Forrestal: Hey! Wait a minute! You can't drive that car in here! Whoa! Whoa! [Cooke speeds up and runs over Forrestal]


 * Matrix: [reading one of Jenny's teen magazines] Why can't they just call him "Girl George"? It would get rid of all the confusion.
 * Jenny: Dad, that is so old.
 * Matrix: You know, when I was a boy and rock and roll came to East Germany, the Communists said it was subversive... (thinks for a moment) Maybe they were right?


 * Matrix: [To Jenny, referring to a sandwich she made him] What's in this?
 * Jenny: (Jokingly) You don't wanna know.


 * Jenny: [After Kirby leaves] Is it bad?
 * Matrix: I'm not going away, if that's what you mean.
 * Jenny: Then it can't be bad.


 * Matrix: Where is she?
 * Diaz: Mellow out man. We can't talk business with you waving guns in people's faces... Your daughter is safe, Colonel. Now whether she stays that way is up to you. My people got some business with you. And if you want your kid back, then you gotta co-operate, right?
 * Matrix: Wrong. [shoots him between the eyes]


 * Matrix: Bennett? I thought you were--
 * Bennett: Dead? You thought wrong. Ever since you had me thrown out of your unit, I've waited to pay you back. Do you know what today is Matrix? Pay day!
 * [Bennett fires a tranquilizer at Matrix]


 * [John Matrix, fully restrained in chains, comes out of sedation from being tranquilized. Bennett, Sully, Henriques, and despotic former dictator Arius are staring down at him]
 * Bennett: Tranquilizers. I wanted to use the real THING!
 * Matrix: Where's Jenny?
 * [Matrix discovers Arius]
 * Arius: You remember me, Colonel?
 * Matrix: I remember you, scumbag! Especially the people you've tortured and killed!
 * Arius: Colonel Matrix, you do not understand a country like Val Verde. It is a country that needs a president who has an understanding of discipline.
 * Matrix: Why tell me?
 * Arius: Because you're going to return to Val Verde and you are going to kill the president that you helped to overthrow me.
 * Matrix: Why don't you have Bennett do it? Sounds like something he would get off on.
 * Arius: Because President Velasquez trusts you, Colonel. After all, he made you the hero of the revolution. Why, Captain Bennett left, shall we say, uh, under a cloud. Yes?
 * Matrix: Yeah, 'cause he enjoyed killing a little TOO much.
 * Bennett: Your training, Matrix.
 * Arius: You can get close to President Velasquez. You will kill him. You know, Colonel, we went to a lot of trouble to find you. We had to pretend Captain Bennett's death so that General Kirby would become agitated and lead us to you, and now that I have you, you will do exactly as I tell you.
 * Matrix: Fuck you.


 * Bennett: Sully will make sure you get on the plane. Henriques is to stay with you, make sure you get off. If I don't hear of either one of them, she's dead.
 * Matrix: How much are they paying you, Bennett?
 * Bennett: They offered me a hundred grand. You want to know something? When I found out I could get my hands on you, I said I'd do it for nothing...
 * Henriques: Hey, hold it! [grabs Matrix by the arm]
 * Matrix:, Bennett!...
 * [Henriques takes Matrix away from Bennett]
 * Bennett:... John, I'll be ready, John!


 * Sully: Have a nice trip, uh? Take care. Oh, here. Have some beers in Val Verde, Matrix. It'll give everyone a little more time with your daughter.
 * Henriques: Heh.
 * Matrix: You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last...
 * Henriques: Move.
 * Sully: ...Hasta luego, fellas.


 * Stewardess: Any carry-on luggage?
 * Matrix: [pointing to Henriques] Just him.
 * Henriques: [to Matrix] Open your mouth again and I'll nail it shut.


 * Vicky: [voice over] Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing for departure. If you'll please make sure all your carry-on luggage is safely stored in the overhead compartments. Make sure your seat belts are fastened and extinguish all cigarettes. Once we reach our cruising altitude, we're gonna be serving our beverages and then, a little later on, our dinner. Shortly after that, we'll be showing our feature film.
 * [When no one is looking John covertly snaps Henriques' neck. He then covers Henriques in a hat and blanket to make it look like he is snoozing]
 * Vicky: [voice over] Your flight attendants are Susan and Lance...and I'm Vicky. We're here to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Thank you, and have a safe and enjoyable flight.
 * Matrix: Excuse me, how long is the flight?
 * Stewardess: We land in Val Verde in exactly eleven hours.
 * Matrix: Thank you. And do me a favor: Don't disturb my friend, he's dead tired.


 * Stewardess: Sir! During takeoff you must remain seated.
 * Matrix: I'm airsick...


 * Arius: [To Jenny] Your father seems to be co-operating. You'll be together with him again soon. Won't that be nice?
 * Jenny: Not nearly as nice as watching him smash your face in/kick your ass. (Director's Cut)


 * [Sully is at a pay phone talking to Bennett]
 * Sully: OK boss, he got on with Henriques, he is on the plane.
 * [Sully hangs up phone then eyeballs an off-duty stewardess named Cindy]
 * Sully: You know I've got something I'd really like to give you.
 * Cindy: I'm not interested!
 * Sully: Oh, you don't know what you're missing.
 * Cindy: Well from here it looks like a nightmare, will you please leave me alone!
 * Sully: ... You fucking whore!


 * [Matrix abducts Cindy]
 * Matrix: Don't move! I'm not going to hurt you. Step aside.
 * Cindy: You said "don't move"!
 * Matrix: Do it! Get in the car.
 * [Matrix and Cindy get in a car to pursue Sully with Matrix ripping the passenger side seat and casting it away]
 * Matrix: Do exactly what I tell you to do.
 * Cindy: Listen, I've got a 7:30 advanced karate class and I can't help you.
 * Matrix: We're not gonna make it.
 * [Sully drives away and tries to escape]
 * Matrix: Follow him!
 * Cindy: I knew you were gonna say that.

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 * [In pursuit of Sully]
 * Cindy: Don't get offended by this question but, are you gonna kill me or something?
 * Matrix: No.
 * Cindy: I suppose you wouldn't tell me if you were.
 * Matrix: Sure I would.
 * Cindy: Really?
 * Matrix: Trust me.

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 * Cindy: Can you tell me what this is about?
 * Matrix: Yeah. A guy I trusted for years wants me dead.
 * Cindy: That's understandable. I've only known you five minutes, and I want you dead too.
 * Matrix: Out. Come. Hurry up.
 * Cindy: Listen, if you're in a hurry, I can just I'm almost through with you.
 * Matrix: Listen to me. My daughter has been kidnapped. He's the only chance I've got of finding her. If he sees me or I lose him, he'll kill her. What I need you to do is follow him, tell him you're crazy about him.
 * Cindy: Try to bring him over here. I will do the rest and you can go back to your normal life, got it?
 * Matrix: No. Please, help me. You're the only chance I've got. She has less than 10 hours left. Don't you understand? They're gonna kill her.
 * Cindy: Okay. All right. I'll help you.

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 * Police Officer: Attention all units, emergency on theater level, suspect six foot two, brown hair. He is one gigantic motherfucker...
 * Matrix: Here. Take the rocket launcher. Go.

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 * Cindy: You steal my car, you rip the seat out, you kidnap me, you ask me to help you find your daughter which I very kindly do, and then you get me involved in a shoot out where people are dying and there's blood spurting all over the place, and then I watch you rip a phone booth out of a wall, swing from the ceiling like Tarzan, and then there's a cop that's going to shoot you and I save you and they start chasing me. Are you going to tell me what's going on or what?
 * Matrix: No.
 * Cindy: No?! No?!

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 * Matrix: Where is she, Sully?
 * Sully: Kiss my ass...
 * Matrix: [pushes him] I can't hear you!
 * Sully: I'll say it a little louder, then: get fucked!
 * Matrix: Listen. Loyalty is very touching... [carries him to the edge of a cliff] but it is not the most important thing in your life right now! But what is important is GRAVITY! [Sully whimpers] I have to remind you, Sully—[pats the arm he holds Sully with]—this is my weak arm!
 * Sully: You can't kill me, Matrix! You need me to find your daughter!
 * Matrix: Where is she?
 * Sully: I don't know, but Cooke knows! I'll take you where I'm supposed to meet him!
 * Matrix: But you won't.
 * Sully: Why not?
 * Matrix: [dangles key in front of Sully's face] Because I already know. [Sully whimpers] Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last?
 * Sully: That's right, Matrix. You did!
 * Matrix: I LIED. [drops Sully]
 * Sully: OOH-WHOA-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!...
 * [Matrix returns to Cindy]'
 * Cindy: So now you don't have a car.
 * [Matrix returns Sully's car to its rightful position]
 * Matrix: Now I do.
 * [Matrix and Cindy get inside Sully's car]
 * Cindy: What did you do with Sully?
 * Matrix: I let him go...

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 * Cooke: You scared, motherfucker? Well you should be, 'cause this Green Beret's going to kick your big ass!
 * Matrix: I eat Green Berets for breakfast, and right now I am...[punches Cooke]...very hungry! [kicks Cooke]
 * Cindy: I can't believe this macho bullshit!
 * [a fistfight ensues which ends with Cooke getting thrown to the other room with two naked women]
 * Cooke: [gets up and pulls out a gun] Fuck you, asshole! [tries to shoot Matrix only to find that the gun is empty]
 * Matrix: Fuck you, asshole.
 * [Matrix punches Cooke and they continue fighting]
 * Cindy: These guys eat too much red meat!
 * [Matrix finally kills Cooke by punching him on a table leg, leaving him a bloody mess]
 * Matrix: Where is she? Cooke!

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 * General Kirby: Call the federal building. Have them monitor every police, aviation and marine channel in the area.
 * Soldier: What are you expecting?
 * General Kirby: World War III!

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 * Matrix: Repeat. This is Whiskey X-Ray 448 for General Kirby. Urgent you respond.
 * Marauder: Attention unidentified aircraft. This is the Coast Guard cutter Marauder. You're flying over the San Miguel Gunnery Range. This is a highly restricted area. You must change course, or you will be forced to land. Acknowledge.
 * Matrix: Urgent. Repeat. Urgent. You must contact General Franklin Kirby.
 * Marauder: You must first change course or you risk being shot down. Acknowledge.
 * Matrix: They shoot the shit out of this area all the time.
 * Cindy: All the flights out of LAX avoid it like the plague.
 * Matrix: Can you go below radar? Not marine radar.
 * Cindy: Maybe if I get us close enough to the water, the waves can camouflage us.
 * Matrix: Go down.
 * Cindy: Oh. Okay.
 * Matrix: Do it.
 * Cindy: Hang on.
 * [the seaplane descends to the ocean surface, creating waves that camouflage them from radar]
 * Radio officer: We lost them, sir.

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 * Soldier: Slitting a little girl's throat is like cutting warm butter.
 * Bennett: [to the soldier] Put the knife away, and shut your mouth.

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 * Bennett: I love listening to your little piss-ant soldiers trying to talk tough, they make me laugh. If Matrix was here, he'd laugh too.
 * Arius: Mr. Bennett, my soldiers are patriots.
 * Bennett: Your soldiers are nothing, Matrix and I could kill every one of them, at the blink of an eye - remember that.
 * Arius: Are you trying to frighten me, Mr. Bennett?
 * Bennett: I don't have to try. When Matrix finishes the job, he'll be back for his daughter - no matter whether she's dead or alive, it doesn't matter. Then he'll be after you, and the only thing between Matrix and you...is me.
 * Arius: It is you that is afraid, Mr. Bennett. You are afraid of Matrix.
 * Bennett: Of course, I'm smart. But I have an edge. I have his daughter...

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 * [John Matrix and Cindy spot an island that appears to be Val Verde]
 * Cindy: Is that it?
 * Matrix: That's the one. Land here. It's the most isolated spot we'll find.
 * Cindy: Okay, here we go.
 * Matrix: Now, you remember the message?
 * Cindy: Commando, Kirby, Code Red, Coordinates. Got it.
 * Matrix: Don't break the silence until they've seen me.
 * Cindy: How will I know?
 * Matrix: Because all fucking hell is gonna break loose.
 * Cindy: Be careful, Matrix. Good luck.
 * Matrix: Thanks.

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 * Bennett: [after he shot Matrix] John! How's your arm John?
 * Matrix: [hidden behind a wall] Come over and find out!
 * Bennett: No thanks, I think I'll take a pass. John, stick your head out. One shot, right between the eyes. I'll make it quick...just for old time's sake.
 * Matrix: Bennett, stop screwing around and let the girl go! It's me that you want! [Bennett laughs] I've only one arm! You can beat me! [gets out] Come on, Bennett. Throw away that chicken shit gun. You don't just want to pull the trigger. [holds up a knife] You want to put a knife in me [mysteriously] and look me in the eye and see what's going on in there when you turn it. That's what you wanted to do, right?
 * Bennett: [nervous whisper] I can kill you, John.
 * Matrix: Come on, let the girl go, it's between you and me. Don't deprive yourself of some pleasure. Come on, Bennett. Let's party!
 * Bennett: I can beat you! [Jenny whines] I don't need the girl! [pushes Jenny aside] I DON'T NEED THE GIRL! [nervous laugh] I don't need the gun, John. [confident evil laugh] I can beat you. [evil laugh] I DON'T NEED NO GUN! [throws it down and takes out a knife] I'M GONNA KILL YOU NOW!!!!!
 * [Matrix and Bennett fight until Bennett slices Matrix's abdomen]
 * Jenny: Daddy...
 * Bennett: You're getting old, John. You're getting old.
 * [Matrix and Bennett continue fighting until Bennett gets electrocuted]
 * Bennett: [Punching him] John, I feel good! Just like old times... What does it feel like to be a dying man? You're a dead man, John!
 * Matrix: Bull...shit! [Punches back]
 * Bennett: [Grabs his gun] John, I'm not gonna shoot you between the eyes...
 * [Matrix grabs a steam pipe]
 * Bennett: I'M GONNA SHOOT YOU BETWEEN THE BALLS!
 * [Matrix throws the steam pipe towards Bennett, killing him in the process as his body emits steam]
 * Matrix: Let off some steam, Bennett.

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 * General Kirby: Leave anything for us?
 * Matrix: Just bodies.
 * General Kirby: I'd just like you to start up your new unit again, John. All it would take is you're coming back.
 * Matrix: This was the last time.
 * [John and Jenny Matrix embrace as they leave]
 * General Kirby: Until the next time.
 * [Cindy arrives at the island by seaplane, as Matrix turns to General Kirby]
 * Matrix: No chance.

Taglines

 * If there's a mission that no man could survive...then he's the man for the job.
 * Let's Party!
 * Somewhere... somehow... someone's going to pay.
 * [from TV spot] The odds are unbeatable... but he's unstoppable.

Cast

 * Arnold Schwarzenegger - Col. John Matrix
 * Rae Dawn Chong - Cindy
 * Dan Hedaya as Arius
 * Vernon Wells - Bennett
 * James Olson - Gen. Franklin Kirby
 * David Patrick Kelly - Sully
 * Alyssa Milano - Jenny Matrix
 * Bill Duke - Cooke
 * Bill Paxton - Interceptor
 * Drew Snyder - Lawson
 * Sharon Wyatt - Leslie
 * Michael DeLano - Forrestal
 * Bob Minor - Jackson
 * Mike Adams - Harris
 * Carlos Cervantes - Diaz
 * Lenny Juliano - Soldier
 * Charles Meshack - Henriques