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Irony: Dolph Lundgren Tries for Command Performance

by Kevin Powers
March 28, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter

Well this is some strange news. Consider these variables: 1) popular '80s badass Dolph Lundgren is starring in and directing a film called Command Performance; 2) the "actor/director" - I use those quotes purposefully - describes the film as "Die Hard at a rock concert"; and 3) he "got the idea from Madonna." What? Are you as perplexed as I am?

The mere fact that Lundgren is making headlines is a big enough of conundrum for me. The last time I saw the 6'4" Swede was back in the '90s with Johnny Mnemonic and Universal Soldier. For the latter, careers for both Lundgren and co-star Jean-Claude Van Damme seemed to dwindle in parallel. I guess audiences at the time were just over the whole martial artist-turned-action hero.

However, Lundgren hasn't retired. Over the last decade he's definitely churned out a plethora of mediocrity. Speaking on his recent work, Lundgren told Hollywood Reporter, "While the quality has been up and down, I think things are going a little better now that I am directing." Has it really? I guess we'll see. He's just wrapped another acting-directing gig for Sony, Missionary Man. The plot is actually a big laugh and something I'd expect to see on TNT - "When Ryder, a mysterious stranger with a score to settle, rolls into a small town unannounced, life forever changes for its citizens caught under the oppressive thumb of a local tyrant. Armed with his Bible, his motorcycle and his thirst for revenge. Ryder faces down the evil dictator in true vigilante style, proving that justice still packs a punch."

Command Performance doesn't sound much better. Lundgren stars "as a drummer for an opening act for a major American rock band that is performing in Moscow for the Russian premier, when baddies break up the gig and the drummer, an ex-Marine, springs into action." Getting the idea from a performance Madonna held for Russian President Validmir Putin, Lundgren also helped write the script.

Does this sound interesting to anyone?

Explore tags: Movie News

Scorpio

A roadie yes, a crew guy..eeh maybe, but the drummer. WTF? He hides a rocket launcher in the base drum, throws his drumsticks with deadly accuracy, chops off heads with the crash cymbal. "WHEN TERRORISTS CRASH THE PARTY, ONE MAN IS GOING TO ROCK THEIR WORLD"
Spider

Let's see what Dolph can deliver for mainstream audiences. Clearly, someone's got faith in him and likes what he's selling. Good to see another seasoned action star getting another shot!! C'mon Jean-Claude Van Damme--you're up next.
John

Um...why are you reporting on Dolph Lundgren movies?
Chuck

He can play the drums really well in reality. Go Dolph!
cornholio_by_the_sea

I imagine that next it will be Chuck Norris as a member of a traveling kazoo band that travels over to Iran to play for the ayatola but the concert will get raided by the Taliban because the female band members arent wearing veils....non stop and action packed for sure...
Spider

....very ecstatic about Dolph Lundgren returning to the big screen! I hope he succeeds and I hope Van Damme, Seagal, and even Chuck Norris return to the big screen also. Although it may seem ridiculous to some, it's always freakin great to see an 80s, 90s, and /or semi forgotten stars making a comeback! In the world of entertainment---everyone's got a right to make a bid for stardom---Everyone! Sly Stallone shut many talkers, haters, detractors and smart-asses up after "Rocky Balboa" and "Rambo" hit at the box office. Not to mention Bruce Willis bringing us John McClane in "Live Free or Die Hard" and Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's only a matter of time for Eddie Murphy to deliver another "Beverly Hills Cop"; and many talks abound for Mel Gibson doing yet another "Lethal Weapon"---even Clint Eastwood possibly starring in another western. No matter what the whiners and trash-talkers say, there will always be an audience for these action stars. So to quote Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry in 1988's "The Dead Pool": "Opinions are like a$$holes-- everybody's got one"! Best wishes Dolph! ****Dolph Lundgren REALLY does play drums.***
Michael

I love Dolph Lundgren and I am looking forward to this film.