This disappointing Van Damme vehicle plays like one of his late '80s flicks - you know, the martial art tournament and everything - but without the graphic violence. Yes, there's not much of a plot on show here, and it seems to take an inordinate amount of time for the characters to actually reach the mythic tournament, which doesn't happen until the hour mark. Until we're introduced to one silly situation after another and meets lots of pointless characters who don't actually appear to be in the film for any reason whatsoever (take the female reporter, whose role could have been written out with ease).
Van Damme also serves as director on this film, so we get to see just how much he thinks of himself when he indulges in all manner of "helicopter kicks" and other athletic manoeuvres. To be fair, Van Damme isn't particularly bad as a director, but not particularly inspired either - he choreographs the fight scenes well, but doesn't seem to understand how to make the camera warm to the people on screen. He just sits back and watches and doesn't really take part.
Rated as a lenient PG-13 in America, this still managed to get a (cut) 18 certificate here in the UK. It's hard to see why, as the violence isn't much worse than in something like STREET FIGHTER and there are only a couple of nasty bone-snapping moments. The fight scenes are still highly enjoyable and exciting, especially the final battle between Van Damme and the Mongol (incidentally played by his chief opponent in A.W.O.L., this time the actor just looks like he's copying the looks of the bad guy from KICKBOXER). Van Damme looks the part, with his buzz haircut and string bandanna, but his acting is as awful as ever. At least we have the cult appeal of Roger Moore on board, playing a pirate who shamelessly introduces himself as "Dobbs...Lord Dobbs". Moore seemingly hasn't aged in the last twenty years and is fun to watch. There are a lot more entertaining Van Damme flicks out there in the sea though, so give this one a miss unless you catch it on the telly.
Van Damme also serves as director on this film, so we get to see just how much he thinks of himself when he indulges in all manner of "helicopter kicks" and other athletic manoeuvres. To be fair, Van Damme isn't particularly bad as a director, but not particularly inspired either - he choreographs the fight scenes well, but doesn't seem to understand how to make the camera warm to the people on screen. He just sits back and watches and doesn't really take part.
Rated as a lenient PG-13 in America, this still managed to get a (cut) 18 certificate here in the UK. It's hard to see why, as the violence isn't much worse than in something like STREET FIGHTER and there are only a couple of nasty bone-snapping moments. The fight scenes are still highly enjoyable and exciting, especially the final battle between Van Damme and the Mongol (incidentally played by his chief opponent in A.W.O.L., this time the actor just looks like he's copying the looks of the bad guy from KICKBOXER). Van Damme looks the part, with his buzz haircut and string bandanna, but his acting is as awful as ever. At least we have the cult appeal of Roger Moore on board, playing a pirate who shamelessly introduces himself as "Dobbs...Lord Dobbs". Moore seemingly hasn't aged in the last twenty years and is fun to watch. There are a lot more entertaining Van Damme flicks out there in the sea though, so give this one a miss unless you catch it on the telly.