Arnie is and always will be a legend, he is irreplaceable! In the following reviews I will be covering his early career.
I am going to start this journey with his first big break (it hit problems early on and Arnie didn't exactly get on with De Laurentiis) Conan the Barbarian (1982) Arnie plays Conan, a Cimmerian who became a slave as a child when his village was destroyed by raiders and his parents both slain. He is eventually set free and the film follows him on his journey to avenge his parents. Directed by John Milius this epic tale is visually pleasing and immersed in its world of fantasy with warriors, thieves, witches and sorcerers all making an appearance. Cast wise James Earl Jones plays Thulsa Doom the warlord who kills Conan's parents and Sandahl Bergman as Valeria Conan's squeeze. Well worth a watch, it spawned a sequel Conan the Destroyer (1984) directed by Richard Fleischer (who did Soylent green 1973) this doesn't quiet meet my expectation's and is a shadow of the original. I still believe that Arnie could re visit this franchise and finish off with a sword wielding re emergence to a great role.
Best Quote : "Conan, what is best in life?" "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
Now we come to The Terminator (1984) and Arnie's first go at been BAD. It is directed by James Cameron, it co stars a cult favourite of mine Michael Biehn as Kyle Reese and Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor. Arnie is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese is sent to protect her simple enough, but it's never that simple. A great film made on a small budget, with a clever story that is the perfect foundation to start an epic franchise. Also his first use of his iconic line 'I'll Be Back'
Returning to fantasy in his next role he is reunited with director Richard Fleischer, he plays Kalidor in Red Sonja (1985). His role though small in this film really adds to it and makes it one to watch, that you may have missed. Brigitte Nielsen plays Red Sonja and Sandahl Bergman returns as Queen Gedren. No masterpiece, but definitely worth a watch and has some cult following.
Best Quote : "I know you are a brave girl, but DANGER is my trade".
One for the action nuts now and John Matrix in Commando (1985) adrenaline pumping action from start to finish, this film still has it's place against more recent action movies. Directed by Mark L. Lester (Showdown in Little Tokyo/Firestarter) Arnie truly comes into his own in this film. It has it all humour, action and some great music I really appreciate what Commando brought to the table. Don't get me wrong it is a simple plot and straight forward throughout, but its simplicity is its greatest asset. One to own always a blast!
Best Quote : "Don't disturb my friend he's dead tired".
Two back to back greats now, first it's Arnie as Dutch in Predator (1987). I love this film I know every line out of the film and often repeat them, it's seared in my brain forever. It is easy to see why as this is a well thought out movie. Well written by Jim Thomas and John Thomas and well directed by John McTiernan AKA the man behind Die Hard. Also you are immersed into this film by the amazing music throughout by Alan Silvestri. It also has one of the greatest aliens ever thought up. I am of course talking about the Predator played by Kevin Peter Hall (who also plays the helicopter pilot during the incursion). This film ticks all the boxes and even invents a few more, truly an iconic movie loved by more than one generation. Arguably Arnie's greatest outing!
Best Quote : "Get too the chopper"!
Another favourite of mine now in the Running Man (1987) he plays Ben Richards. Falsely accused of murdering unarmed civilians. He is forced to go through a public execution in the form of a TV show. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser this film has some great one liners and visually well choreographed fight sequences. There is something in this film for everyone, based on a great novel by Stephen King the story is well structured. Arnie is once again at his best in this role and brings his own edge to the part. Another classic 80's action fest.
Best Quote : "Sub zero, now plain zero"!
I believe all of the above have there place on any movie shelf and I personally watch them regularly.
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