One of Van Damme's finest efforts, bested only by Bloodsport and possibly Universal Soldier and Hard Target. The most original plot he's ever been a part of, Van Damme's lack of emotion is fairly well explained. Good effects and nice concept. Does not fall prey to the classic time travel catch-ups. Silver and Sara do decent jobs working off Van Damme and the action is entertaining too. Worth watching, especially for Jean-Claude fans.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Street Fighter
(1994)
Bad idea for a movie. Bad movie. Can't blame Van Damme.
5 July 1999
Yes, everyone knew it would be bad. How can a movie based off a video game promise much? The story stuck to the game too much where it shouldn't have and sidetracked where it should not have strayed. Van Damme is the star and he does not do a good job but the writing, concept and directing didn't help either. Julia's last movie, one of his worst moves. There was not enough commitment on the part of the entire movie to make it bad, yet entertaining. Like so many movies doomed to failure, their only hope was to not take themselves seriously, which they somehow managed to do. Not a movie worth watching, even for the fans of the game or the stars. Mortal Kombat was a better adaptation, and that says a lot.
Hard Target
(1993)
John Woo's American breakthrough which Van Damme doesn't ruin.
5 July 1999
John Woo hit America with this film, though the movie's backers harmed the final project. Woo's boat chase scene from "Face/Off" was slated to be the climax in Hard Target but when the budget was presented the chase was cut out. Van Damme and Woo's senses of action seem to mesh extremely well. Possibly one of Van Damme's three best movies, though Woo has done better with Chow Yun Fat and others. Now, with the American audience almost accustomed to Woo's stylistic directing, this might have done better. Brimley and Henrickson surely did not bring in the crowds though their performances were entertaining. A minor hole here and there in the plot were easily overlooked by the audience looking for a good action movie. Watch for Lance Henrickson's jacket burning, it was an accident but it was kept in the film.
Two Girls and a Guy
(1997)
Overall, a pretty bad movie but an interesting undertaking.
4 July 1999
Although a decent idea in concept, poorly executed. An almost real-time movie, full of long shots, made it critically interesting but the seemingly unrehearsed banter and inexplicable continuation of the plot is unconvincing. Downey Jr. does a fairly good job, when given the chance. Graham is gorgeous, as always, but does not give much to the movie. The NC-17 rating is surprising due to the existence of only one steamy scene with no nudity. As to the genre, comedy it may attempt to be but it is nothing but drama. Laughing at it was near impossible and the ending left me surprised. It ended abruptly and without conclusion. Overall, a pretty bad movie though I am pleased at their attempting to do it.
Double Team
(1997)
One of his worst films. Not even funny to laugh at.
4 July 1999
Even as a huge Van Damme fan, I cannot find it in myself to come close to liking this movie. All Van Damme has going for him is his best movies are entertaining, never well written or acted. Double Team is not even entertaining. It is contrived, full of holes, and mindless. Full of horrible jokes/puns/one liners that are nonsensical and embarrassing, Rodman's addition to the film is laughable, but not even in a good way. Rourke probably didn't think he could've sunk lower before he did this film. He did. Aside from Black Eagle and No Retreat No Surrender (both of which should hardly count), this may be Jean Claude's worst film.
The Quest
(1996)
Do not bother watching this film, go rent Bloodsport instead.
4 July 1999
A contrived, disappointing movie, even for Van Damme. His attempt to direct and star in this film proves a failure. The addition of his law suit over the stealing of the story from Frank Dux (Bloodsport) makes it all the more pathetic. I could have written this story in an afternoon or just renamed his earlier work, Bloodsport, and called it The Quest. This film is a bad version of Van Damme's finest work, Bloodsport (made years earlier). The beginning looks promising but after the "look at how tough and scary Van Damme looks" scene it goes downhill. Roger Moore is a needless character (and might I add, 'actor'). The PG-13 rating does not help, since superb violence is most of what one goes to see in a Van Damme movie. The plot is see-through, even more so than most his films. Do not bother watching this film, go rent Bloodsport instead.
Maximum Risk
(1996)
An okay action movie with a good looking lead couple.
4 July 1999
Though predictable and contrived, not a bad movie. It entertains, which is all Van Damme hopes to do. The omnipresent "twin" device is again used (as in a large number of Van Damme's movies) but it is not bothersome except to long time fans. Natasha is gorgeous and worth watching. Action is decent, nothing spectacular for Van Damme but exciting. I can recommend to Van Damme fans and even to those who aren't but don't mind an action film with a good looking lead couple. The Russian Mob is a nice concept and topical for the day. Clearly, not his best film but by no means his worst.
Sudden Death
(1995)
One of V.D.'s better films. Gets to show a little emotion.
4 July 1999
A clever overall story/location for a story. Action is respectable. The children are annoying and their motivation is unclear. The leading villain was a nice change but could have been better. "I Love You" was more overplayed than "you complete me" but at least Van Damme got a chance to show a little tenderness. One of Van Damme's better movies.
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