Dark Angel

Trailer—Dark Angel

You can say what you want about Dolph Lundgren - yes, he's made some HORRIBLE movies and at times can make Keanu Reeves look talented - but I Come in Peace is a sizeable cut above the rest of his body of work. The plot is OK, has a few interesting touches but just as many derivative ones, but that's not what makes this film so good. It is the entertaining interaction of Lundgren and Brian Benben - their constantly ripping each other and acting macho, it's hilarious. And the other supporting characters are fun to watch, too, from Matthias Hues as the one note alien heavy, to Jay Bilas as the alien good guy, to the hilarious Mark Lowenthal as Bruce, the paranoid scientist genius. Even Lundgren gets into the act with some awesome one-liners that even Ah-nuld would be proud to have uttered. A 5-star B-movie classic!

The story, while being a little predictable, starts well and is generally solid and well-paced. Special effects are stunning in places and lame in others, but the effect of the action upon the characters makes up for it. An improbable turn as a buddy movie between two guys with nothing in common - finding they have the world in common is always a good story - even if you've heard it before. An Al Leong appearance certifies this as a good B-grade action movie, and Betsy Brantley (who has played opposite arguably the best Sherlock ever, Jeremy Brett) does a workman's job as Dolph Lundgren's love interest. Brian Benben fits nicely into the standard "sidekick - not a sidekick" position common in such films as this one. The supporting cast is apparently enjoying the production and the feel of the film is positive, if not worthy of the Academy. One of the film's messages that I find useful, is to learn to use your ray-gun BEFORE you go into battle!

Hollywood briefly tried to turn Dolph Lundgren into the next Arnold or Sly after his breakout role in 'Rocky IV', but sadly it just never happened and he was soon relegated to straight-to-video land. It's a shame really, because though he lacks Arnold's natural charisma, he's certainly got more range than Steven Segal, a contemporary whose career did take off. 'I come In Peace' (known everywhere outside of North America as 'Dark Angel' for some odd reason) is easily Dolph's best feature film (as the lead). It's a sci-fi buddy cop movie with a premise that falls apart under even the slightest scrutiny, but Lundgren and co-star Brian Benben have good chemistry and the script is occasionally witty. And because it's the 80s (well, 1990), what are the odds that it ends with a joke/freeze frame/feel good rock song? 'bout a %100

It could have been just a drug-related cop thriller where "the bad guy" could have possessed much of the appearance and skills he used as an alien; the sci-fi addition gives some awkward undertone as there were no state-of-the-art technical solutions available in the end of 1980ies. The plot is OK (with several influences from Terminator, though) and the cast beginning with Dolph Lundgren (Houston cop Jack Caine) and Matthias Hues (extra-terrestrial drug dealer Talec) get the most out of it. The ending is a bit trivial and abrupt, but does not spoil the overall picture. If you like movies with Lundgren, you will know what to expect and you will hardly be disappointed, although it is not among the best ones.

I love this movie. Why? The reasons are legion. Its just so refreshing to find a sci-fi flick so utterly lacking in pretension, and so deeply committed to doing just one thing perfectly (being entertaining) that I can't help but love it more than many "classic" movies which deserve much more critical kudos. Dolph Lundgren makes for a very competant hero, and as far as "acting" goes, he does a surprisingly admirable job of making his character far more human and warm than many of his contemporaries could ever manage. Brian Benben is great value as his cocky sidekick, and the supporting cast all pull their weight in a highly inventive and very self aware sci-fi flick which (please!!) will hopefully attain a new life and reputation when it eventually hits DVD.

My video of this film is called "Dark Angel". It's a great Dolph film, I also like 'The Punisher' and 'Big Showdown in Little Tokyo'. Dark Angel is a bit different...I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold between him and his police partner and him and his girlfriend. The scientist character is brilliantly overacted...although I know some computer programmers who are stressed out in the same manner! Some years ago, whilst watching the video at my brother's house in surround sound, my son walked into the room during a bit where a disk is flying around a room striking things...and he actually ducked! It still is the best bit of surround that I ever heard. Caine's final words to the alien are classic!

I was surprised to see such a low rating for this movie. I've probably seen this movie like 10 times. And after my wife found out I'm a Dolph Lundgren fan, I think the first thing she asked me was, "do you own "I Come In Peace"?", because she was already a fan of the movie too. Anyway, if you like sci-fi action movies, check it out.

You've got to like 80's Sci-Fi to really appreciate movies like this. I rank it right up there with Terminator, Hawk The Slayer, The Guyver, Highlander, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for good, hilarious sci-fi fun. No, I don't think the mainstream public would like a movie like this, but if you like B-rated horror movies & sci-fi, then you should find this one to your liking too. Beastmaster, Krull, and many other movies from that era come to mind when I see this one. Wonder if it's available on DVD yet....nope. Darn. Maybe one day. 8 out of 10 stars.