Tank Commandos (1959)

That was an excellent one.

Brilliant and touching

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

---SPOILERS--- I DVR'd this from the AMC channel (never watch anything on it unless it's a last resort with all the commercial breaks, but DVRing allows me to fast forward). The thing with watching anything on AMC is they LOAD it up with commercials, and thats a shame because it was about 15 years ago an awesome channel in direct competition with Turner Classic Movies and commercial free, the times change. AMC put 36 minutes of commercials on to this 79 minute movie, ridiculous. Anyway I was slightly encouraged when I saw it was an American International film (meaning bad movie, good cheesy action), but those hopes were dashed when the opening scene promotes a 12 year old Italian kid as the star. The other stars (for me) are all unrecognizable with the exception of one of the guys who gets killed in the beginning (and he's a grade above extra in a regular production). I was willing to go as high as 5 or 6 stars if the ending was "awesome" but it's also a total let down. I mean if your a war film buff like me you'll try to see it, but there is nothing of interest here otherwise. If your a "so bad it's good" fan, you may like it, they use Pershing(?) post WW2 tanks in the film for BOTH the Germans and Americans, talk about not giving a crap! American International does it again, if it doesn't have Vincent Price in it you should best stay away from an AI release! 2 of 10. Make sure it's recorded so you can fast forward... a lot.

This movie is just another WWII drama, one of the countless that Hollywood shoveled out in the 50's. Nothing particularly remarkable about the characters or plot, it's just the simple story of a demolitions group out to destroy a barely submerged bridge that Nazi tanks are using to cross a river. The characters are not particularly memorable, it just seems to blend in with the zillion other WWII movies made over the years. It's not that it's bad, it's just bland and forgettable. It is very dry and procedural, it has almost a documentary feel to it in places (the heavy use of file footage of tanks and artillery contribute to this). If I can make any compliment about it, it is that documentary feel to it, it doesn't relish the drama, it's about men on a mission and accomplishing that mission.

You'll be hardpressed to stay focussed on this boring programmer. AIP make some decent war movies---Hell Squad, also from 1958 and also starring Wally Campo, is one--but Tank Commandos is simply not very interesting. Some good tank footage and little else.

Forty-five Apple, an Ammo and Demolition unit, is assigned to a Recon mission to determine how the Germans are crossing a deep river to refortify an Italian city with tanks and supplies. These combat-weary 'Demo' experts resent doing recon, taking risks and facing the dangers normally left to "mud sloshers" (Infantry). The film focuses on the experiences and reactions of two men: Pvt. Sonny Lazzotti (the group's interpreter) and Lt. Jim Blaine, their commanding officer. Later, after the secret of the hidden route is revealed, the team goes into action and you get to see demolition techniques and procedures that I believe were never before portrayed in earlier WWII movies.The film makes up for its lack of Star power with exceptionally realistic dialogue, performances, plot, and hard-hitting direction. "Tank Commandos" has a convincing, matter-of-fact feel to it that somehow reminds me of the Korean War movie, "Pork Chop Hill", and the very best of the TV series, Combat!