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The Commando (2022), directed by Asif Akbar, is an action-packed crime thriller that throws viewers into a chaotic clash of violence, family stakes, and psychological turmoil. Starring Michael Jai White as elite DEA agent James Baker and Mickey Rourke as the menacing ex-convict Johnny, the film attempts to blend high-octane action with a deeper exploration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With a supporting cast including Celina Jade, Jeff Fahey, and Brendan Fehr, The Commando promises a relentless ride but struggles to balance its ambitions with execution. This 1000-word review dives into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact, analyzing its plot, performances, action sequences, and thematic depth while keeping SEO optimization in mind for movie enthusiasts searching for The Commando 2022 review, Michael Jai White action movies, or Mickey Rourke thriller films.

Plot Overview: A High-Stakes Home Invasion

The Commando centers on James Baker (Michael Jai White), a skilled DEA agent grappling with PTSD after a botched raid results in the accidental deaths of three hostages. Sent home to recover, Baker tries to reconnect with his wife, Lisa (Aris Mejías), and their two teenage daughters. Unbeknownst to them, their suburban home hides a secret: a $3 million stash of stolen money hidden by career criminal Johnny (Mickey Rourke) before his imprisonment. When Johnny is released, he and his ruthless crew, including the volatile Dominic (Gianni Capaldi), stage a brutal home invasion to reclaim the loot. As Baker’s family becomes collateral in Johnny’s quest, the stage is set for a violent showdown where Baker’s martial arts prowess and tactical skills are pushed to the limit.

The plot, while straightforward, taps into the home invasion thriller subgenre, a staple of action cinema that pits desperate criminals against a determined protector. However, the narrative stumbles with pacing issues and clichés, making it feel like a missed opportunity despite its intriguing premise. For fans searching for action-thriller movies 2022 or home invasion films, The Commando offers familiar tropes but struggles to stand out.

Performances: Michael Jai White Shines, Mickey Rourke Disappoints

Michael Jai White delivers the film’s standout performance as James Baker. Known for his martial arts expertise and roles in films like Spawn (1997) and Falcon Rising (2014), White brings authenticity to Baker’s physicality and emotional depth. His portrayal of a man haunted by PTSD is compelling, particularly in scenes where he wrestles with hallucinations and nightmares. White’s personal connection to the subject matter—having family members who are veterans with PTSD—adds a layer of sincerity to his performance, making Baker a relatable and humanized action hero. For viewers looking for Michael Jai White best movies, his work here is a highlight, even if the film doesn’t fully capitalize on his talents.

Mickey Rourke, on the other hand, is a letdown as the villain Johnny. Once a Hollywood icon, Rourke’s performance feels disengaged, with limited screen time that reduces him to an extended cameo. His scenes lack the menace needed to make Johnny a formidable antagonist, and his physical appearance—marked by cosmetic changes—distracts from the role. Critics have noted Rourke’s robotic movements and minimal dialogue, which diminish his impact. Fans searching for Mickey Rourke 2022 films may be disappointed by his lackluster presence compared to his more memorable roles in The Wrestler or Sin City.

The supporting cast, including Celina Jade as a family member (though not explicitly named in major reviews), is underutilized. Jeff Fahey’s brief role as a corrupt sheriff adds little to the narrative, while Brendan Fehr’s Sebastian is dispatched too quickly to make an impact. The young actresses playing Baker’s daughters struggle with wooden performances, which critics have called “fingernails on a chalkboard”. Overall, the ensemble fails to elevate the film beyond White’s efforts.

Action and Cinematography: Hits and Misses

For an action-thriller, The Commando delivers sporadic bursts of excitement but falters in consistency. The opening raid scene, featuring Baker’s DEA team storming a cartel’s drug lab, sets a promising tone with intense gunfire and martial arts choreography. Michael Jai White’s fight scenes, particularly in the third act, showcase his signature blend of karate and physicality, with a notable kickboxing-style bout against MMA fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. These moments cater to fans searching for martial arts action movies or Michael Jai White fight scenes.

However, the action is undermined by poor execution. Critics have pointed out shoddy cinematography, with shaky camera work and amateurish framing that detract from the intensity. The special effects, including CGI gunfire and blood sprays, feel cheap, and the sound design—described as “off and distant”—lacks polish. A particularly criticized moment involves a high schooler getting shot while urinating, spraying his killer, which is played for laughs but feels tonally jarring. The final confrontation between Baker and Johnny is disappointingly brief, with close-up shots suggesting the actors weren’t even in the same room.

Themes and Emotional Depth: PTSD Takes Center Stage

One of The Commando’s redeeming qualities is its attempt to explore PTSD, a topic rarely tackled in low-budget action films. Director Asif Akbar and co-writers Al Bravo and Koji Steven Sakai initially conceived the film as a straightforward home invasion thriller but shifted focus to highlight Baker’s psychological struggles and their impact on his family. This adds a layer of emotional resonance, as Baker’s trauma manifests in nightmares and hallucinations, making him a more complex protagonist. For audiences searching for movies about PTSD or action films with emotional depth, this aspect offers some value.

However, the execution feels heavy-handed, with PTSD scenes overused to pad the runtime rather than deepen the narrative. The film’s attempt to balance action and drama results in a talky, lethargic pace that critics have called “exhausting”. Subplots, such as the daughters’ house party and the involvement of minor characters, feel like filler, detracting from the main conflict.

Critical Reception: A Divisive B-Movie

The Commando has received largely negative reviews, with a 3.4/10 rating on IMDb and scathing critiques from outlets like The Guardian and Variety. The Guardian called it “nasty, brutish, and not-short-enough,” criticizing its reliance on home invasion clichés and implausible plot points, such as the criminals’ decision to invade during a party. Variety labeled it an “inept crime drama” with “banal dialogue” and a lack of visual style. However, some reviews, like WorldFilmGeek, praised its emotional depth and White’s performance, suggesting it redeems the actors’ previous collaboration in Take Back (2021).

For fans of B-action movies 2022 or low-budget thrillers, The Commando may still hold appeal due to its star power and occasional action highlights. However, its flaws—poor scripting, uneven pacing, and lackluster production values—make it a tough sell for general audiences.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Watchable Action Flick

The Commando (2022) is a mixed bag that struggles to live up to its potential. Michael Jai White’s committed performance and the film’s exploration of PTSD are its strongest assets, offering moments of emotional and physical intensity. However, Mickey Rourke’s underwhelming presence, shoddy production values, and a predictable script hinder its impact. At 93 minutes, it feels longer than it should, with pacing issues and unnecessary subplots dragging it down.

For fans of Michael Jai White or those searching for action-thrillers with martial arts, The Commando delivers enough fisticuffs and gunplay to warrant a watch, especially on VOD platforms like Fandango at Home. However, those expecting a polished or innovative thriller may want to skip it. If you’re curious, check out the trailer before diving in—it condenses the film’s best moments into a minute.

Rating: 5/10
Where to Watch: Available on VOD, Digital, and in select theaters via Saban Films.
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