I’m back: Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s ‘FUBAR’ in May. Photo: by Axelle Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The action-comedy series FUBAR, from Netflix, is bingeworthy and is a definite watch for Arnie fans.
In a statement released with the launch of his first-ever television series, Arnold Schwarzenegger said: “FUBAR will kick your ass and make you laugh — and not just for two hours. You get a whole season.”
And he was not lying. Even if he was, nobody would tell him that to his face, because the Austrian muscle machine might be 76 years old but he is still larger than life as the lead in a skop, skiet and donner.
In FUBAR, a military acronym for “fucked up beyond all repair”, Schwarzenegger plays Luke Brunner.
On the brink of retirement as a CIA operative, Luke is called back into the field to save a stubborn agent, who just so happens to be his daughter, Emma.
He only learns about her CIA status while on the mission. This creates conflict between them as their secrets are laid bare.
The plot thickens when father and daughter, now enraged with each other, must find a way to work together to take down Boro Polonia, a powerful arms dealer. In the past, Boro was mentored by Luke.
In FUBAR, Schwarzenegger showcases his comedic timing, ability to play into drama and his continuing hunger for action.
The eight-episode show is skilfully produced. To find actors who can play alongside a legend such as Schwarzenegger is no easy task. The cast are all action stars and well-known comedic actors.
Monica Barbaro, who acted in Top Gun: Maverick and Chicago Justice, plays Emma.
Travis van Winkle, who was in Transformers and in 2009’s Friday the 13th, plays Aldon Reece, a linguistics operative.
To bring in the laughter, Fortune Feimster, a well-known stand-up comedian and actor, plays Ruth “Roo” Russell, the wittiest operative.
For even more comic relief, Milan Carter plays Barry Putt, who is the IT operative.
Carter has hosted shows such as TRL and is best known for his leading role in Dolemite is My Name.
The cast members carry themselves and the show effortlessly and each contributes to the action, comedy and suspense.
The SFX are both meticulous and spectacular. From the gunshot wounds to the sounds and scenery, it is clear that minute attention to detail was put into the pre-production. The VFX is also polished and detailed.
It is no easy feat to create spyware screens, explosions and the aerial shots of Boro’s compound. The technical team enhanced this world. Without their great work, the show would not be as good as it is.
At the centre of FUBAR is a story about growth and the pain that comes with it. As children grow older, often it is difficult for parents to change their perspective of them from child to adult.
For children, as they grow up, the perception of their parents being “perfect” changes as they recognise their shortfalls as individuals.
These changes are difficult for both parent and child to deal with and work through.
Through the series we see Luke come to terms with Emma’s adulthood and Emma come to terms with her father’s faults. This aspect of the show draws viewers to connect with the main characters.
FUBAR is for all audiences. For young women, there is the opportunity to see a powerful black woman leading a CIA operation. For old Schwarzenegger fans, seeing Arnie in an action series brings back the excitement of his Terminator days.
If you have a free day and a Netflix subscription, make snacks or order in and watch season one of FUBAR.
And if you enjoyed it, don’t fear that it will be “hasta la vista, baby”. A second season is apparently already in the pipeline.