I Come in Peace

I Come in Peace, also known as Dark Angel, is a 1990 American science fiction action flick featuring the Swedish powerhouse, Dolph Lundgren. Under the direction of Craig R. Baxley and crafted from a script by Jonathan Tydor and David Koepp, this movie boasts an irresistible blend of sci-fi and buddy cop tropes that match perfectly with the leading characters' charisma and commanding on-screen presence.

The film introduces us to Jack Caine (Dolph Lundgren), a take-no-prisoners Houston police detective known for his tough tactics and stern approach to law enforcement. Never one to hesitate on the trigger, Jack Caine's brand of justice is a hardened response to the city's escalating crime rate. Focused, stern, and resolute, Caine is the prototype of 90's action protagonists; a hard-boiled law enforcer with a vengeful purpose. Caine's stubborn integrity is such that he refuses to halt an investigation into local drug trafficking, even after the tragic murder of his partner during an undercover operation.

Caine's world turns flip-side up with the arrival of FBI agent Arwood "Larry" Smith, played by the versatile actor Brian Benben. Smith, on a stark contrast, portrays a smug bureaucrat more comfortable with statistical analyses than a street brawl. Their odd but mandatory partnership provides the central intensity to the story adding a humorous and magnetic dynamic.

As if drugs and murders were not enough to save the town from, these pair of crime-fighters swiftly find themselves dealing with something out of their wildest imaginations—an alien visitor. The alien, who comes with the ominous phrase 'I Come in Peace,' isn't here for peaceful negotiations or scientific enquiry but has a far sinister purpose.

Throughout the film, Caine's cynical and rugged nature inevitably clashes with Smith's by-the-book mentality. This contentious relationship adds an extra element to the narrative, creating a veritable buddy-cop dynamic juxtaposed against the backdrop of impending doom presented by the alien antagonist. The juxtaposition of this human story against the monstrous alien threat makes for an exciting canvas upon which the film paints its narrative.

Betsy Brantley plays the role of Caine's love interest, who is also his colleague in the police department. Her character provides a human connection point for Caine, allowing the audience to see a softer side to his tough demeanor. She brings a necessary emotional depth to Caine’s otherwise hardened persona while adding romantic tensions to the storyline.

The film beautifully harnesses Dolph's physicality and action pedigree while pairing it with Benben's comedic chops, resulting in some fascinatingly tense yet amusing sequences. The surprise blend of intergalactic horror, crime-thriller suspense, and quick-witted humor sustains the audience's interest from start to finish.

The visual effects employed in the movie are worth mentioning for a film from that era. Whether insignificantly cloaked alien invaders, radiant projectile weaponry, or explosive car chases, I Come in Peace manages to match ambition with execution in its craft. Despite its low budget, the film showcases impressive special effects operations and explosive stunts, which are executed with an authenticity that draws viewers in and keeps them engaged.

The movie's backdrop conspires to present a gritty urban landscape, typical of many '80s and '90s action movies—a crime-ridden city under siege, and this time, from other-worldly invaders. Through the lens of cinematographer, Mark Irwin, Houston's cityscape is transformed into a playground for this other-worldly game of cat and mouse, while also serving as a metaphor for a city on the brink.

As a piece of science-fiction, I Come in Peace deftly blends elements of the 'exotic unknown' with a high-octane action-thriller narrative, resulting in a satisfying and impactful rollercoaster ride that continues to thrill audiences, thus becoming a cult sci-fi classic. The pulsating soundtrack of the movie, composed by Jan Hammer, fuels the scenes' power, creating an electrifying atmosphere to this out-of-world encounter.

I Come In Peace exists as a unique cinema artifact at the intersection of action, science fiction, and thriller genres, embodyging the bold aspirations and breakneck energy of early 90's cinema. It is a treat to fans of action films, buddy cop movies, and certainly to lovers of cult science fiction.