Command Performance

Directed and co-written by Dolph Lundgren, the straight-to-DVD "Command Performance" which also starred Lundgren is a basic, run-of-the-mill siege / hostage outing similar in vein to "Die Hard". No surprises and quite clichéd in nearly every development (characters, story and script), but remained dependable when it came to the action stakes and a laconic Lundgren is in good form. During a stadium concert held for the Russian president, a group of mercenaries sneak in and take the president and his daughter's hostage while the army watches on. But they didn't count on a survivor; a drummer / ex-biker with a shady past to spoil their plans. Yep Lundgren plays an aging rock-star who just happened to be smoking some weed in the bathroom when the all excitement was going on. Lundgren goes up against these Russian mercenaries in redemption of sorts, handing out violence with violence but he doesn't use a gun. Well more like he doesn't like to use one due to past events. After a slow get-up, it kicks into gear with some meaty and frenetic action encounters that are shot on video. Melissa Molinaro shows up as a popular US singer and David Legeno is fitting as the ruthless head honcho of the mercenaries. A cheap, but diverting action thriller.

"Don't ever tell me to shut up!"

In a new movie which is written, directed and stars Dolph Lundgren, he plays the part of 'Joe' a very loud rock drummer. The story is that of a modern Russian President and his two daughters visit a rock concert given for charity. Once the concert begins in high volume, a rouge band of revenge seeking militarists, invade the music hall and begin killing everyone and anyone trying to stop them. Taking hostages, they demand a huge ransom or they will begin killing off their prisoners. What the killers did not count on was a novice secret service presidential guard and an ex-biker, and extremely physically gifted street fighter. Together, they take on the militants and hold them till the Red Army can rescue their president. It's somewhat reminiscent of 'Die Hard' Russian style. The movie is filled with lots of dramatic action, good physical exciting scenes and lots of explosive mayhem. For Lundgren, he still packs a wallop and is good throughout the film, although one wonders if the audience can see the great man is showing his age. Still it's a good movie for his fans as they watch the real-life Drummer take on the bad guys. ****

When the Russian Premier is taken hostage at a rock concert in Moscow, it's up to a drummer, an ex-biker, to save him.

This movie has everything a good action movie should have... Minor plot holes, mostly physically plausible action, and some pretty good dialog, including some actually funny stuff.

Dolph is not the greatest actor, but he did a pretty well Job.

The surroundings are tight, claustrophobic, making the action quick, rough, frantic. When Dolph takes someone on in a fight, he goes in fast and hard, using any weapons he can at hands.

Once the action kicks in, the pace of cutting picks up as well. But more-so, the tightly editing helps hide the small budget. The lighting is natural. It enhances the production value of the film. The opening of the film really establishes the style of it brilliantly. It's well shot, and very well edited.

A must see for fans of good action-cinema!

'Command Performance' is not a very demanding movie, although saving the Russian President is a commanding act itself. No one expects some meaningful and profound movie when they sit down to watch a Dolph Lungren action movie. This movie is alright for a low budget straight to DVD action piece to spend an hour and a half with. Dolph is at his best, but the film itself is just not very original. Or anything special either. Only this time the savior of the day is a drummer with the combat skills of special ops soldier. The film is nicely paced and Dolph does a good job as a director. Some of the supporting actors seemed wooden, but that doesn't take away any attention from the main attraction - and that is Dolph Lundgren rocking and loading.

A ludicrous, but passable action flick that is quite enjoyable.

I assume anything dolph does is going to be a cheesy 80's action flick, even though the 80's are history. But then, an 80's classic action style movie exactly what I want when I sit down to watch one of his films. And yes, it is impressive that he still somehow produces the same kind of movies, although now they are filmed in eastern europe not the states.

A movie like this is supposed to have implausible action, plot holes and weak dialogue. The selling point is guns, girls, battles and big explosions.

Amazingly this movie has everything we're looking for, and very little of the things we expect to put up with. Minor plot holes, mostly physically plausible action, and surprisingly some pretty good dialogue, including some actually funny stuff.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and applaud it as Dolph's best work in a long, long time. Let's hope the next one follows suit.

Good job dude!