‘I Come in Peace’: The B-Movie Masterpiece You’ve Missed!

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Craig R. Baxley’s “I Come in Peace” offers an exhilarating, extraordinary experience for fans seeking action-packed B-movies with top-tier excitement and enjoyment.

Can it be too ambitious for a low-budget, intentionally cheesy genre film to surpass financial limitations and fully explore the potential of its genre, going above and beyond to keep us entertained? In essence, that’s what James Cameron did with “The Terminator” (1984). It’s not far-fetched to say that this movie could be paired with “I Come in Peace” for a double feature at a drive-in theater.

In the not too distant future, Dolph Lundgren and Brian Benben join forces as an unusual pair of detectives pursuing a ruthless serial killer. This enigmatic psychopath employs a unique form of chaos, launching lethal flying saw blades, stealing brain tissue from his victims, and boasting, “I bring peace.

They behave much like the friendly Martians from the 1996 movie “Mars Attacks!”, who would deceptively exclaim, “Don’t flee, we are your allies!” just before annihilating you.

The phrase ‘I Come in Peace’ is known internationally as ‘Dark Angel,’ a title that seems grander than the playfully absurd movie it represents. This above-average B-movie, a product of the late 1980s, is a mashup of elements from ‘The Terminator,’ ‘The Hidden’ (1987), and numerous buddy cop action films of the era.

Lundgren’s film career, surprisingly humorous and captivating, stands out for me: starting as a Swedish karate champion, chemical engineer with a master’s degree from the University of Sydney, and a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship from MIT, he found himself hired to be Grace Jones’ bodyguard. His charisma and flair make this movie enjoyable despite mediocre acting at best.

Lundgren and Jones started dating. She landed him a subtle yet impactful role in “A View to a Kill” (1985), an unexpected break that eventually earned him the part of Rocky Balboa’s iconic adversary.

Following a standout debut in “Rocky IV” (regardless of personal opinions about the movie, Lundgren shines), Lundgren then appeared as He-Man in “Masters of the Universe: The Motion Picture” (1987). He quickly matched up with the star power of Stallone and Schwarzenegger in “Red Scorpion” (1989) and was also the initial actor to portray Frank Castle in “The Punisher” (1990).

Are you impressed yet?

Although consistently starring in lead roles for movies resembling those of Chuck Norris and Charles Bronson, Lundgren seldom received the recognition he deserved as a unique, dynamic presence in action films. “The Expendables” (2010) marked a significant milestone, yet “I Come in Peace” also stands out among his impressive career achievements.

Benben, who starred as the lead in the vibrant yet unsuccessful film “Radioland Murders” (1994), comes across as a bit too authentic portraying an irritatingly stiff character. A few talented scene-stealers grace the expository scenes and inject life into them, with Sam Anderson and Michael J. Pollard being among them.

As a passionate viewer, I must admit that a few questionable decisions and some harsh moments might deter some viewers. However, for the rest of us, this film is a visual and auditory treat. The legendary Jan Hammer, known for his work on “Miami Vice,” delivers an exceptional score reminiscent of Brad Fiedel’s style. The action sequences, particularly those involving flying discs, are inventively staged, making this thriller truly stand out.

The acrobatic feats are impressive, and so are the massive vehicle collisions and explosion-packed pursuits, which match the scale of what Cameron achieved around this time, although they lack his budget and CGI advancements.

The stunt sequences are awe-inspiring, just like the huge car crashes and high-octane chases filled with explosions, mirroring what Cameron accomplished at that stage (without his financial and CGI innovations).

There’s little doubt that David Koepp was the scriptwriter for this project. It’s so poorly written it would make one blush, but it’s also got a certain flair that sets it apart amidst the sea of subpar films flooding video stores these days.

The film ‘I Come in Peace’ has its ups and downs, with an impressive climax let down by an unnecessary, foolish ending. However, it’s still a great choice for a three-movie event alongside classics like ‘Tango & Cash’ (1989) and ‘Blind Fury’ (1990).”

Or more informally:

“‘I Come in Peace’ has some amazing parts, but the ending is disappointing. Still, it’s a solid pick for watching with ‘Tango & Cash’ (1989) and ‘Blind Fury’ (1990).

If that sounds like a fun night at the movies, then you’re welcome.

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2025-05-17 18:03