(1987) Directed by John McTiernan Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Kevin Peter Hall, Bill Duke, Sonny Landham, Jesse VenturaRating: ******
5/6
A Muscular Carl Weathers, In Atlas shape, Is told by a more muscular Arnie That he’s out of shape. Carl and Arnie used to be pals. Both are still in the Military now, But Carl has been put behind a desk, While Arnie still wears his jungle vest. They’re to hit a compound filled with soldiers, And Carl, the CO, is taking over. Into the jungle go Arnie’s team, All fit, and muscular, tall and lean, Except for one guy who tells dirty jokes, But like them, he’s a tough little bloke. Big as wrestlers and armed to the teeth, Testosterone flows through every piece.
Bill Duke, Sonny Landham, and Jesse Ventura, Tough, seasoned killers from California, Steal every scene they’re in, And when they kill can’t help but grin. They invade the camp and kill all the men, And discover that they had a girl with them. They take her along for her protection, Though they’ll soon discover that they themselves need protecting. They have caught the attention of something hidden An invisible visiting hunter alien Who wants to pick them off one at a time. He’s very patient and he has lots of time. The super soldiers discover quite soon That they’re not alone this afternoon And no matter how strong they think they are, They’re nothing compared to the space warrior. This movie has action, thrills and suspense, With a plot that’s lucid and makes a lot of sense. A bit overrated, it’s still pretty terse. I give it a five. You could do worse.