Review of JCVD (2008) by Ryan P — 13 Jun 2011

So I watched this movie online through my Netflix Watch Instantly Viewer so the quality was a little strange. And let's not forget that it was dubbed over by English-speaking French Voice actors, instead of Van Damme himself.

Other than that, I loved this movie. Let's just set the record straight now: I've always had a soft spot for Jean-Claude. I hate his movies but I've seen almost all of them over the course of my life (mostly when I was younger and more immature). The nostalgia of watching his movies is too much for me to say no to Bloodsport, Universal Soldier, or even Sudden Death (stupid USA Network). This movie (obviously as you can see by it's Certified Freshness) is totally different.

The movie acts almost as a life story and self-mockery, with a running joke about Steven Seagal winning a role over Van Damme by promising to cut off his ponytail. The director, Mabrouk el Mechri, whom I didn't know much about till now, did a wonderful job, providing some engrossing camera work and an excellent scene of JCVD talking directly to the audience. The entire flow of the movie was superb, keeping each story line going with the same pace throughout. The fictional characters were all very detailed and portrayed their personalities wonderfully, given us insight into their lives in just a few simple lines and actions.

And who could forget the star of the show? Jean-Claude, we are all so proud of you. You have shown that you have the ability to act, though you are only acting like yourself. Van Damme gives one hell of a comeback performance of himself, making us laugh, cry, and feel completely entangled in his life. I almost can't even believe this movie was made. The idea seems almost absurd. But it works! Jean-Claude has made the movie I've always wanted to see him make: an independent Charlie Kaufman/Spike Jonze vehicle for himself.

If you like Jean-Claude Van Damme, and even if you don't, please see this movie. It will be worth the time.