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JCVD
I consider myself one of two here at movie forums who adore JCVD films. No matter how trash they might be, I always seem to like them, this is because of Van Damme himself, in all his goofy glory. I liked him as a kid, see my faults now, but still like his films. I can't say too much about his direct to DVD stuff, as I really never bother to go out of my way to rent them, but after viewing his latest, JCVD, my hopes of a return might happen. To what extent, that is to be seen.
In the film JCVD plays himself, with both tax problems and a messy marital fight over custody of his child. Things go from bad to worse when film roles that were his are given to Steven Seagal, because he cut his pony tail. Yet somehow he finds himself in an even worse situation, as a hostage in a robbery. The police outside think he is the one robbing the bank and thus creates the tension in the film. Van Damme, who is known for his splits and kicks, must finally 'act' in a film.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am impressed. The film is told half in English, half Van Damme's native language. This appears to make him more relaxed and he is able to simply fall into the role without worrying about how to pronounce certain words. Everything from him is more fluid and natural. The most moving scene is when he is physically removed from the post office and begins monologuing directly to the audience, asking for forgiveness and giving his views on life. This is a movie scene and Van Damme nails it very well. I didn't expect to see such emotion from him and applaud him for breaking the barrier that we held up against him. The scene plays out of context from the film, it almost seems as if he is asking us to give him a second chance, to comeback.
There is little to no action, so those expecting to see another Bloodsport movie will be disappointed. Instead we are given a heist flick, told from different perspectives and not in chronological order. This is used to pull the viewer in more, letting them know that there is more to this picture than meets the eye. It's been done before, but it's never boring here.
Van Damme does get a chance to show that he still has what it takes. He's able to still kick high and do what needs to be done. The situation doesn't call for this, but since he's playing himself it fits. The film manages to balance both comedy and drama very well. The opening scene is one for laughs, as Van Damme performs a long stunt, all in one take. To counter that, the final scene is almost a tear-jerker, yet the filmmakers find enough restraint to not let it go too far in that direction. A perfect ending for this movie.
I ask Van Damme fans to check this one out, if you haven't already. Even more though, I'm reaching out to those who don't really care for him to see this one too. You might be surprised, this is a really good film.
I consider myself one of two here at movie forums who adore JCVD films. No matter how trash they might be, I always seem to like them, this is because of Van Damme himself, in all his goofy glory. I liked him as a kid, see my faults now, but still like his films. I can't say too much about his direct to DVD stuff, as I really never bother to go out of my way to rent them, but after viewing his latest, JCVD, my hopes of a return might happen. To what extent, that is to be seen.
In the film JCVD plays himself, with both tax problems and a messy marital fight over custody of his child. Things go from bad to worse when film roles that were his are given to Steven Seagal, because he cut his pony tail. Yet somehow he finds himself in an even worse situation, as a hostage in a robbery. The police outside think he is the one robbing the bank and thus creates the tension in the film. Van Damme, who is known for his splits and kicks, must finally 'act' in a film.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am impressed. The film is told half in English, half Van Damme's native language. This appears to make him more relaxed and he is able to simply fall into the role without worrying about how to pronounce certain words. Everything from him is more fluid and natural. The most moving scene is when he is physically removed from the post office and begins monologuing directly to the audience, asking for forgiveness and giving his views on life. This is a movie scene and Van Damme nails it very well. I didn't expect to see such emotion from him and applaud him for breaking the barrier that we held up against him. The scene plays out of context from the film, it almost seems as if he is asking us to give him a second chance, to comeback.
There is little to no action, so those expecting to see another Bloodsport movie will be disappointed. Instead we are given a heist flick, told from different perspectives and not in chronological order. This is used to pull the viewer in more, letting them know that there is more to this picture than meets the eye. It's been done before, but it's never boring here.
Van Damme does get a chance to show that he still has what it takes. He's able to still kick high and do what needs to be done. The situation doesn't call for this, but since he's playing himself it fits. The film manages to balance both comedy and drama very well. The opening scene is one for laughs, as Van Damme performs a long stunt, all in one take. To counter that, the final scene is almost a tear-jerker, yet the filmmakers find enough restraint to not let it go too far in that direction. A perfect ending for this movie.
I ask Van Damme fans to check this one out, if you haven't already. Even more though, I'm reaching out to those who don't really care for him to see this one too. You might be surprised, this is a really good film.